CBSE Class 9 New Guidelines 2026-27 Out: Check Class 10 Board Exam Rules

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new guidelines for the Class 9 Scheme of Studies for the 2026–27 academic session, outlining compulsory subjects, vocational education requirements and the examination structure for students entering Class 10 in 2027–28. The guidelines were issued through Circular No. Acad-70/2026 dated October 29, 2026.

Under the revised scheme, Class 9 students must study nine compulsory curricular areas. When they progress to Class 10, they will appear for board examinations in five compulsory subjects: two languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. CBSE has also specified a minimum passing requirement of 33% in each of these five subjects.

Which Subjects Are Compulsory Under the CBSE Class 9 Scheme of Studies 2026-27?

According to the revised framework, students must study nine compulsory curricular areas during Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic session. These cover languages, core academic subjects, physical education, arts and vocational learning.

Students may also choose one optional subject from CBSE's prescribed list of 57 subjects, subject to the board's conditions. Options include subjects such as Computer Applications, Home Science, Painting, Music, Elements of Business and additional languages.

Students choosing an additional language must ensure that it is different from the three languages selected as R1, R2 and R3.

For the complete subject list and applicable conditions, students should refer to the official CBSE Academic circulars page and open Circular No. Acad-70/2026.

CBSE Makes Vocational Education Compulsory for Class 9 Students

Vocational education is now a compulsory curricular area under the revised Class 9 scheme. Students can choose Kaushal Vikas or one of the 22 prescribed skill subjects, according to the options available through their schools.

The assessment and certification process depends on the option selected.

• Kaushal Vikas: Assessment will be conducted internally by the school. Students who secure at least 33% marks will receive a school-issued certificate.
• Prescribed skill subjects: Students opting for one of the 22 skill subjects will have to appear for a separate Class 10 board examination in that subject. Students who pass will also receive an NSQF certificate.

Students should consult their schools to confirm which vocational options are available and how the assessment will be conducted.

Which Five Subjects Will Have CBSE Class 10 Board Exams in 2028?

CBSE has identified five compulsory subjects for the CBSE Class 10 board examinations of students currently studying in Class 9 during 2026–27. These students are scheduled to enter Class 10 in the 2027–28 academic session.

The five subjects are:

1. Language 1 (R1)
2. Language 2 (R2)
3. Mathematics
4. Science
5. Social Science

Students will need to meet the minimum passing requirement in each of these five subjects. The revised scheme specifies at least 33% marks in each subject, calculated using board examination and internal assessment marks as applicable.

The board examination structure is separate from the wider set of compulsory curricular areas students must study during Class 9.

What Other Changes Has CBSE Made to the Class 9 and Class 10 Curriculum?

The revised scheme also clarifies subject choices and curriculum components for the affected batch.

• Advanced Mathematics and Advanced Science: Additional subject choices are included in the revised framework.
• Environmental Education: It will not form part of the Class 10 curriculum for this batch in 2027–28.
• Individuals in Society and CT & AI modules: These components will not be included in the curriculum for the affected Class 9 batch, according to the reported clarification.
• Optional subjects: Students may select one optional subject from CBSE's prescribed list, subject to the applicable conditions.

Schools and students should refer to the complete circular rather than relying only on a summary of the changes, particularly when finalising subject combinations.

CBSE Class 9 New Guidelines 2026-27 FAQs