The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes to the school education system. From the 2026-27 session, the curricula for classes 9 and 10 will be completely revamped in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
To reduce mental stress, CBSE will introduce two levels in Science, similar to the existing system in Mathematics. This will benefit students who must study Science as a compulsory subject but do not intend to pursue a career in this field. In other words, students who do not plan to take up medical or engineering courses will be allowed to choose the easier level of Science.
Under the new curriculum framework, students may be required to study
10 subjects to pass, including 7 core subjects and 3 languages. Earlier, this number was lower. However, CBSE asserts that the syllabus has been designed to avoid overburdening students and to promote experiential learning. The new syllabus will extend beyond textbook-based learning.
A credit system based on academic hours may also be introduced, under which all study and activities throughout the year will be reflected in a student’s credit score. This system is being developed in line with international standards for higher education. CBSE has clarified that these changes will take effect from the 2026-27 session. Consequently, students currently in class 8 will follow this new pattern when they move to class 9.
From the 2026-27 academic session, class 9 students will be able to study Mathematics and Science at two levels. Along with a common syllabus for all, an advanced level with additional content will be offered. Students who opt for the advanced level will have to appear for an extra 25-mark, one-hour exam in addition to the common final examination.
According to CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh, offering subjects at two levels will help students recognise their strengths and interests. They can choose the advanced level in one subject, in both, or in neither, depending on their aptitude and comfort.
Students who clear the advanced level will have a separate section on their marksheet describing the instructions for the advanced course. For those who do not clear it, there will be no mention of the advanced level attempt on the marksheet. Singh also stated that by the 2028 board exams, these subjects will be available at the advanced level as well.
In addition, under the new CBSE rules, students in classes 9 and 10 will now have to study three languages. At present, students study only two languages (such as Hindi and English). From the new academic session, at least two of these three languages must be Indian languages. This move aims to connect students with their cultural roots and the country’s linguistic diversity.
