The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out major academic reforms for Classes 10 and 12, effective from the 2025–26 academic year. The move introduces compulsory 75% classroom attendance, a two-year continuous study programme, and mandatory internal assessments. The announcement is seen as one of CBSE’s biggest structural changes in recent years, designed to promote regular learning and reduce reliance on last-minute exam preparation.
Key Highlights of CBSE’s 2025 Reforms
- Two-Year Academic Programme: Classes 9–10 and 11–12 will now be treated as continuous academic cycles.
- Attendance Rule: A minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory to qualify for board exams.
- Internal Assessments: Continuous evaluation with 20% weightage in final results.
- External Exams: Will carry 80% weightage.
- Essential Repeat Status: Students failing attendance or assessments will not have results declared.
- Exam Flexibility: Class 10 will have two board exams annually, while Class 12 continues with one.
Examination Structure
Below is a comparison of the revised exam system for Classes 10 and 12:
Focus on Continuous Learning
The reforms are rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises competency-based education over rote memorisation. CBSE aims to:
- Ensure students participate in regular classroom learning.
- Provide flexibility through two exam attempts for Class 10.
- Integrate experiential projects, vocational electives, and digital tools.
- Prepare students for higher education and career skills.
Officials stated that students missing the attendance requirement or skipping assessments would be placed under “Essential Repeat”, thereby ensuring accountability and discouraging dummy school practices.
Teacher and School Responsibility
CBSE has directed schools not to register students for subjects where they lack proper infrastructure or trained faculty. This measure safeguards academic quality and prevents malpractice.
Broader Impact and Alignment with NEP
The reforms are expected to:
- Encourage consistent study habits.
- Reduce exam-related stress with flexible attempts.
- Improve fairness and transparency through a 9-point grading system.
- Equip students with practical and skill-based knowledge.
