The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially made public the 2025-26 academic session curriculum, making major changes in the exam pattern, syllabus, assessment framework, and skill-based learning for Classes 9 to 12 students. The changes are aimed at improving competency-based learning, digital assessment, and board exam flexibility, enabling students to better prepare for future academic and professional prospects.
CBSE Board Exam 2025-26: Two Exams for Class 10 Students
One of the most significant changes in the CBSE board exam pattern 2025-26 is that CBSE Class 10 students will get two board exams – February and April. This gives them a second opportunity to enhance their marks, decreasing academic pressure.
Competency-Based Learning to Replace Rote Memorization
CBSE has changed its focus to competency-based learning (CBE) that focuses on conceptual understanding, critical thinking, and application to real-world situations instead of rote memorization.
CBSE Digital Evaluation 2025: AI-Powered On-Screen Marking
To enhance the accuracy in examination evaluation, CBSE will introduce On-Screen Marking (OSM). The AI-powered digital assessment system will make answer sheet evaluation smooth, eliminate errors, and facilitate quicker result processing.
CBSE Exam Pattern Class 10 2025-26: Distribution of Marks & Evaluation
CBSE will retain a 9-point marking system for Class 10, where board exams will be worth 80 marks and internal evaluations will account for 20 marks in core subjects.
| Subject | Theory Marks | Internal Marks | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics (Standard/Basic) | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Science | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 | 100 |
| Computer Applications | 50 | 50 (Practical) | 100 |
| Home Science | 70 | 30 (Project) | 100 |
CBSE Class 12 New Subjects & Exam Pattern 2025-26
The CBSE Class 12 board exams 2026 will be held from February 17, 2026, with new skill subjects added to the curriculum.
New Skill Subjects Introduced for Class 12:
- Land Transportation Associate
- Electronics and Hardware
- Physical Activity Trainer
- Design Thinking and Innovation
CBSE Class 12 Subject Combination 2025-26:
| Category | Subjects |
| Compulsory | Hindi (Elective/Core), English (Elective/Core) |
| Electives | Any 3 subjects from Group A or Group S |
| Optional | One additional elective/language from any group |
| Internal Assessment | Health & Physical Education, Work Experience, General Studies |
CBSE Revaluation System Overhauled for 2025-26
CBSE has launched a new, transparent system of revaluation for board exams, and it will be simpler for students to ask for re-evaluation of their answer sheets.
CBSE 2025-26 School Guidelines
Technologically oriented teaching practices, flexible models of assessment, and interdisciplinary approaches need to be implemented in schools affiliated with CBSE in order to improve learning outcomes.
CBSE Guidelines for Schools in 2025-26:
- Apply project-based and inquiry-based learning
- Emphasize skill-based and competency-based learning
- Foster AI-facilitated digital tools for learning and assessment
- Ensure effective lesson planning and personalized teaching approaches
