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Students who fail in Mathematics, Science or Social Science may be able to use their skill-subject result to meet the passing requirement, subject to CBSE rules.
The changes will apply to students entering Class 9 in the 2026–27 session and moving to Class 10 in 2027–28. (File/Representative)
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced changes to the subject structure for the Class 10 board examinations in 2028, giving students the option to take an additional skill subject alongside five compulsory board-exam subjects. Under the subject-replacement provision, students who fail in Mathematics, Science or Social Science may be able to use their skill-subject result to meet the passing requirement, subject to CBSE rules.
The changes will apply to students studying in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session, who will appear for their Class 10 board examinations in 2028. Students currently in Class 10 will not be affected by the revised scheme.
The board has also clarified the curriculum, vocational education requirements and assessment pattern for the upcoming batches. The changes are part of the broader shift towards skill-based and practical learning under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028: Five Compulsory Subjects
Under the revised structure, students will appear for board examinations in five compulsory subjects:
– Two languages
– Mathematics
– Science
– Social Science
However, students will study nine compulsory curricular subjects in total. These will include a third language, art education, physical education and well-being, and vocational education, in addition to the five main subjects.
CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2028: Subjects Removed
CBSE has clarified that certain subjects and modules will not be part of the curriculum for the specified batches. The subject ‘Individuals in Society’ and the modules on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will not be included in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session. Similarly, Environmental Education will not be part of the Class 10 curriculum for the 2027-28 session.
The board said the changes were being made to align the introduction of the new curricular areas with the implementation schedule.
Vocational Education Mandatory: 22 Skill Subjects Available
Vocational education will remain compulsory for students appearing for the Class 10 board examinations in 2028. Students will have two options to fulfil this requirement: ‘Kaushal Vikas’ or one of the 22 skill subjects notified by CBSE.
The skill-subject options include Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Financial Markets, Healthcare and Design Thinking.
Students choosing any of the 22 notified skill subjects will have to appear for a separate Class 10 board examination in that subject. Their marks and grades will be included in the CBSE marksheet. Those who pass will also receive certification under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
Students opting for ‘Kaushal Vikas’, on the other hand, will undergo school-based internal assessment. Those securing at least 33 per cent marks will receive a school certificate and will not have to appear for a separate board examination in the subject.
How the Skill Subject Can Help Students Pass
The subject-replacement provision is an important feature of the revised examination structure. Under the applicable CBSE rules, a student who does not meet the passing requirement in Mathematics, Science or Social Science may be able to use the result in a skill subject to fulfil the requirement for one of these subjects.
However, this provision is linked to students taking one of the 22 notified skill subjects and appearing for its board examination. It does not apply to students who choose the school-assessed ‘Kaushal Vikas’ option.
Students and parents should check the detailed CBSE exam and pass criteria to understand the conditions under which subject replacement will be permitted.
The revised scheme also includes art education and physical education and well-being as compulsory curricular areas. These subjects will be assessed through the prescribed school-level evaluation process rather than being treated as regular board-examination papers.
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Ask News18Starting with the 2028 board examinations, students will appear for five compulsory subjects including two languages, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, while studying a total of nine compulsory curricular areas under the National Education Policy 2020.
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November 03, 2026, 09:28 IST
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