The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced several important changes for students in Classes 10 and 12 for the 2025-26 academic year.
These modifications are intend to improve learning experiences, encourage skill development, and offer greater flexibility in exams for Class 10.
Below are the key updates and announcements for students getting ready for the 2025-26 board examinations:
Changes in Examination Schedules and Formats
The CBSE has disclosed provisional dates for the 2026 board examinations. As per the latest updates:
Class 10 Exams will consist of two sessions. The first session is tentatively set to commence around February 17, 2026, while the second session will take place later in the academic year.
Class 12 Exams are tentatively expect to start around February 15, 2026.
This new dual examination structure for Class 10 provides flexibility, thereby reducing the stress associated with a single exam period.
Implementation of a Dual Examination System (for Class 10)
Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, the CBSE is launching a dual examination system specifically for Class 10 students.
This system permits Class 10 students to take their board exams twice a year.
This added flexibility offers students a safety net, allowing them a chance to improve their performance or retake exams if their initial attempt falls short.
The change aims to alleviate the significant pressure of a single exam on Class 10 students, providing them with an opportunity to retake exams and enhance their outcomes.
The examination format for Class 12 will remain as a single board examination.
Revised Syllabus and Focus on Skill-Based Education
The CBSE has made substantial revisions to the syllabus for both Class 10 and Class 12. These updates concentrate on:
Skill-Based Learning:
The updated syllabus incorporates more skill-oriented subjects to furnish students with practical knowledge and boost their employability.
Competency-Based Assessment:
Commencing with the 2025-26 academic session, 50% of the questions in Class 10 exams and 50% in Class 12 exams will be competency-based, emphasizing application and critical thinking over rote memorization.
This transition is aim at equipping students to handle real-world challenges by fostering analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Strengthened Focus on Competency-Based Textbooks
To improve learning results, the CBSE is anticipate to provide competency-focus textbooks and learning resources for various subjects in Classes 10 and 12.
These materials are tailor to assist students in honing critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, in accordance with the competency-based examination approach.
Psycho-Social Counseling Program for Students
Recognizing the mental health issues students encounter, the CBSE maintains its Annual Psycho-Social Counseling program.
This initiative delivers psychological support and counseling services for students
Especially during exams, to help them cope with academic pressure and personal issues, ensuring their comprehensive well-being.
Updated Examination Formats
There have been significant revisions to the examination formats:
Class 10: The board has raised the percentage of competency-based questions to 50%, which includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs), case studies, and source-based integrated questions.
Class 12: Comparable modifications have been made, with 50% of the questions being competency.
This change is intend to assess students’ capability to apply their knowledge instead of merely recalling information.
This transition to competency-based evaluations will guarantee that students are assessed on their comprehension and practical abilities.
Encouragement of Skill-Based Education
The CBSE is actively promoting skill-based education in schools by incorporating new subjects that concentrate on vocational training and hands-on skills.
These subjects aim to equip students with essential skills for the workforce, making them industry-ready.
Schools are encourage to offer courses that focus on skill development.
Also check: Time management for students
Clarifications Regarding Attendance and Exam Eligibility
The CBSE emphasizes the necessity of consistent attendance at school in order to qualify for the board exams, adhering to the stipulated attendance requirements.
For the exams in the 2025-26 session, the syllabus will consist of the entire prescribe curriculum, and open-book examinations will not be implement.
Official Announcements and Resources
The CBSE will continuously issue official announcements and updates through its website (cbse.gov.in).
Students are encourage to regularly check these updates for the most current information.
Which will include syllabus details, sample papers, and marking schemes for all subjects in Classes 10 and 12, provided to aid their preparation.
Conclusion
The CBSE’s announcements for the 2025-26 academic year represent a crucial move toward a more adaptable and skills-oriented educational system.
Especially with the introduction of a dual examination format for Class 10.
The heightened focus on competency-based learning and skill-oriented subjects in both classes aims to enrich the student experience and equip them to face future challenges successfully.
By staying updated through official CBSE channels and adjusting to these modifications.
Students will effectively prepare for the upcoming board examinations and able to excel in the changing educational environment.
Do check out: Central Board of Secondary Education
