Two-Year Curriculum
CBSE has implemented a pivotal shift, mandating that both Class 10 and Class 12 exams are structured as two-year programs. This signifies that the courses
for Class 9 and 10 constitute the comprehensive preparation for the Class 10 exam, while the curricula for Class 11 and 12 serve as the basis for the Class 12 examination. Consequently, students will no longer have the option to bypass these foundational stages or enroll late, as all subjects included in the board exams must be studied consecutively for two years. This comprehensive structure aims to ensure that students gain a thorough understanding of the material over an extended period, fostering deeper learning and mastery of the subjects.
Additional Subjects Rules
The guidelines also outline specific regulations concerning additional subjects. Students in Class 10 are permitted to choose up to two additional subjects beyond the standard five, while those in Class 12 can select only one extra subject. These additional subjects must also be studied across a two-year period. Furthermore, CBSE has cautioned schools against offering subjects without prior approval. Schools are required to have qualified educators, well-equipped laboratories, and must obtain formal permission from CBSE. Without these provisions, students will not be eligible to register for such subjects, ensuring academic standards are upheld across all educational institutions.
Private Candidate Rules
CBSE has clarified the protocols for students reappearing for exams, particularly for those appearing as private candidates or repeaters. Individuals who previously opted for additional subjects and were placed in the Compartment or Essential Repeat categories are eligible to reappear as private candidates. However, those who have not adhered to the mandatory two-year study duration and attendance requirements will not be permitted to offer additional subjects as private candidates. This regulation ensures that private candidates also meet the necessary foundational requirements, maintaining a standard level of preparedness for the examinations and creating a fair environment for all participants.
Registration Through Portal
CBSE has mandated that all affiliated schools register students in Classes 9 and 11 for the 2025-26 academic session through the Pariksha Sangam portal. This registration process is of utmost importance, as it determines the eligibility of students to sit for their Class 10 and 12 exams. Parents are advised to carefully review the registration details and promptly make any required corrections. Schools are instructed to ensure that only bona fide students are registered, with accurate information regarding their names, dates of birth, and chosen subjects. This streamlined process will allow the board to effectively manage student data and maintain accurate records for the exams.
Assessments are Essential
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, internal assessment has become an indispensable element of the evaluation process. This will be conducted continuously over the two-year period, encompassing regular tests, project work, and classroom participation. Students who do not attend school regularly will automatically miss these assessments. CBSE will not declare the results of students who do not have appropriate records. Such students will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category, regardless of their performance in the theory papers. This emphasizes the importance of consistent engagement and active participation in all facets of the learning experience, ensuring a holistic approach to academic evaluation.
Attendance Is Important
A minimum attendance of 75% is essential for students to be eligible to appear for the board exams. Schools will maintain meticulous daily attendance records to monitor student presence. A relaxation of up to 25% may be granted only in exceptional circumstances, such as medical emergencies, bereavement, or participation in national-level sports and cultural events, but only with proper documentation. Students with poor attendance and lacking valid justifications will be prohibited from taking the exams, regardless of their enrollment status as regular candidates. This rule underscores the need for consistent attendance to ensure that students are well-prepared and engaged with the curriculum throughout their course of study.
