CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2025–26: What’s New?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made several important changes to the Class 10 board examination system starting from the 2025–26 academic year. These changes aim to reduce student stress, promote deeper learning, and make the examination process more student-friendly and future-ready. If you’re a student, parent, or teacher, understanding these changes is very important.

In this blog, let’s explore what’s new in the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam in detail.

1. Two Board Exams in a Year (Starting 2026)

One of the biggest changes is that from the academic year 2025–26, CBSE will conduct two board exams every year for Class 10 students.

• The first exam will be held in February, and the second exam in May.
• Students can appear in both exams, and their best score will be considered for the final result.
• If a student is satisfied with their performance in the first exam, they don’t need to appear for the second one.

This change is aimed at reducing exam pressure and giving students a second chance to improve their performance without any penalty.

2. Revised Grading System: 9-Point Scale

CBSE has introduced a new 9-point grading system to make evaluation fairer and more accurate.

• Under this system, students will be graded based on their relative performance.
• Each grade will represent a range of marks and performance of students across the country.
• This method helps in reducing unhealthy competition and avoids marks-based stress.

The grading scale will ensure students are evaluated based on understanding and application, not just rote memorization.

3. More Focus on Competency-Based Questions

To promote real learning and conceptual understanding, CBSE is now focusing more on competency-based education.

• In the new exam pattern, around 50% of the questions will be competency-based.
• These may include case studies, source-based questions, application-based questions, and MCQs.
• The remaining 50% will be short-answer and long-answer questions.

This approach helps students learn how to apply knowledge in real-life situations, rather than just memorize facts.

4. Increased Weightage for Internal Assessments

The internal assessment component in Class 10 has been made more meaningful.

• The internal assessment now carries 30 marks (earlier it was 20 marks).
• This includes projects, practical work, class activities, and periodic tests conducted throughout the year.
• Schools are encouraged to give honest and fair assessments of students’ performance.

This change helps students develop analytical, creative, and presentation skills alongside academic knowledge.

5. Wider Subject Choices and Flexibility

CBSE has expanded the list of skill-based and elective subjects for Class 10 students.

Some new subjects include:

• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Financial Literacy
• Information Technology (IT)
• Data Science
• Home Science
• Mass Media Studies

Students now have the flexibility to choose subjects based on their interests and future goals. It also supports NEP 2020 guidelines that promote holistic and personalized learning.

6. Improved Revaluation and Answer Sheet Review Process

CBSE has revised the process for revaluation of board exam answer sheets to make it more transparent and student-friendly.

• Students who are not satisfied with their marks can now request a photocopy of their evaluated answer sheet.
• They can check for any errors before applying for revaluation.
• This ensures a fair chance to challenge mistakes, if any.

The updated system builds trust and confidence in the board’s evaluation process.

7. Better Opportunities for Improvement Exams

From 2025 onwards, CBSE will allow students to appear for improvement exams in all subjects in July, just a few months after the main board exams.

• Students can improve their scores without waiting for a full year.
• This option helps those who may have faced stress, illness, or other issues during the first exam.

It’s a student-first approach that gives more control to learners over their academic outcomes.

8. More Stream Flexibility in Class 11

Earlier, students who chose Basic Mathematics in Class 10 were not allowed to take Standard Mathematics in Class 11. Now, CBSE has given students the freedom to shift to Standard Maths in Class 11, based on their interest and performance.

This offers more career options, especially in science, commerce, and technical fields.

Summary of Changes

The CBSE Class 10 exam is becoming more flexible, skill-oriented, and student-friendly. These reforms are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which aims to build a stronger, more practical, and inclusive education system in India.

Students are encouraged to focus more on understanding concepts, applying knowledge, and building life skills, instead of just memorizing content. Teachers and schools also play a key role in helping students adapt to this new system.

Stay updated with CBSE’s latest circulars and official notifications to plan your academic journey wisely.