⚠️ These changes apply from Academic Session 2026-27 (Class 9) and 2027-28 (Class 10 Board). Students currently in Class 10 in 2025-26 are NOT affected.
🚨 Major Change — Next Session 2026-27
CBSE Class 9 & 10 — Big Curriculum Changes From 2026-27
CBSE has released its Secondary School Curriculum 2026-27. Maths Basic is discontinued. Maths Advanced is introduced. CT & AI becomes compulsory. Here is everything teachers, parents and students need to know.
🔴 Maths Basic Discontinued🟢 Maths Advanced Introduced🟢 CT & AI Compulsory📚 New Subjects Added📊 Assessment Overhauled
🔴 Who is affected by these changes?
Students entering Class 9 in Academic Session 2026-27 (i.e., students promoted from Class 8 in 2026). Their Class 10 Board Exam will be in 2027-28. Students currently in Class 10 in 2025-26 appear under the existing scheme only and their Maths Basic option remains valid for Board Exam 2026. These new rules do NOT affect the current batch.
📄 Source: CBSE Secondary School Curriculum Part-I (Classes IX–X) 2026-27, published by CBSE Academic Unit, Integrated Office Complex, Sector 23, Phase-I, Dwarka, New Delhi. All information on this page is derived directly from that official document.
🔑 The 7 Biggest Changes — At a Glance
What every student, parent and teacher needs to know first.
🔴 Discontinued
1. Maths Basic is Discontinued
The existing two-level system of Mathematics Standard (Code 041) and Mathematics Basic (Code 241) is being discontinued from Academic Session 2026-27. All students entering Class 9 in 2026-27 will appear in a single, unified Mathematics paper.
❌ Old System (up to 2025-26)Choose between Maths Standard (harder) or Maths Basic (easier). Maths Basic students cannot take Maths in Class 11.
✅ New System (from 2026-27)One standard Mathematics paper for all students. No choice of difficulty level. All students appear in the same exam.
⚠️ Exception: Students currently in Class 10 in 2025-26 (appearing in Board Exam 2026) can still opt for Maths Basic. This only affects students entering Class 9 from 2026-27 onwards.
Students who want additional challenge can now appear for optional Mathematics Advanced and/or Science Advanced papers. Key details:
Each paper: 25 marks, 1 hour duration (all HOTS questions)
Additional to the compulsory 80-mark standard paper (3 hours)
Students can take: none / Maths Advanced only / Science Advanced only / both
Score 50%+ → "Advanced Level Successfully Cleared" noted on marksheet
Score below 50% → no reference to Advanced paper on marksheet
Marks are NOT added to overall aggregate or percentage
Available from Class 9 (2026-27) and Class 10 Board (2027-28 onwards)
🟣 New Compulsory
3. CT & AI — Computational Thinking & Artificial Intelligence
CBSE is introducing CT & AI as compulsory modules in Classes 9-10 from 2026-27, assessed through school-based assessment. From 2027-28, CT & AI becomes a formal subject with Annual/Board Examination.
Covers: logical reasoning, pattern recognition, data interpretation, algorithmic thinking, creativity, ethical AI use
Low-tech and activity-driven approach — no specific platform or device required
NCERT is developing modules for this subject
Class 9 (2026-27): school-based assessment only
Class 10 (from 2028-29): compulsory Board Examination
🔵 New Subject
4. "Individuals in Society" — New Class 9 Subject
A brand new interdisciplinary subject "Individuals in Society" is introduced in Class 9 from 2026-27. It will be assessed through school-based internal assessment only (no Board Exam for this subject). The subject covers individual rights and responsibilities, constitutional values, social issues, and interdisciplinary understanding.
Similarly, "Environmental Education" will be introduced in Class 10 from 2027-28 (same cohort of students), also assessed school-based.
🟡 Restructured
5. Language Framework — R1, R2, R3
CBSE has formalised a three-language structure under NCFSE 2023: R1 (first language), R2 (different second language), R3 (different third language). Two of the three must be Indian languages.
Classes 9-10: Three languages continue as before (R1, R2, and the third language studied up to Class 8)
R3 becomes compulsory from Class 6 in 2026-27, progressively moving up to Class 10 by 2030-31
Students currently in Class 7 or above must have studied 3 languages up to Class 8
The same language cannot be offered at more than one level (R1/R2/R3)
CwSN (Children with Special Needs) are exempted from the second and third language
🟢 Restructured
6. Art Education, Physical Education & Vocational Education — Core Status
These three areas are now formally recognised as core curricular areas with defined Learning Standards — not just co-curricular activities:
Art Education: School-based internal assessment with portfolios, performance demonstrations, and art journals. No Board Exam.
Physical Education & Well-being: Includes fitness parameters, sports skills, Yoga, health education, and wellness. School-based assessment.
Vocational Education: Class 9 — school-based IA and Annual Exam. Class 10 — school-based IA and compulsory Board Examination. Project-based with community linkages.
🔵 Overhauled
7. Internal Assessment — 4-Component Structure
The Internal Assessment (20 marks for major subjects) is now divided into 4 equal components of 25% each:
Component
Weightage
What It Covers
Periodic Assessment
25%
3 unit tests; best 2 averaged; at least one must be competency-based (case analysis, data interpretation, problem-solving)
Fail-and-replace rule — fail in one compulsory, pass in optional → optional replaces it
CwSN exemptions from second and third language remain in force
📝 Question Paper Pattern & Exam Design
How CBSE question papers will change in structure and focus.
Approximately 50% Competency-Based Questions
Board Examination question papers will have around 50% competency-focused questions including:
Case-based questions (real-life scenarios)
Source-based integrated questions
Data interpretation questions
Situational and application-oriented questions
Problem-solving tasks
The remaining 50% includes MCQs (select-response) and short/long answer (constructed-response) questions. Papers include internal choices for flexibility.
📌 Practical implication for students: Students cannot rely on rote memorisation alone. They need to understand concepts deeply enough to apply them to new situations, interpret data, and reason through case scenarios. SkillYog's MCQ practice and answer key reading directly builds this competency.
🎯 Which stream should you choose after Class 10?
With Maths Basic gone, PCM becomes more demanding. Take the free SkillYog Career Interest Test — 50 questions — and discover if PCM, PCB, Commerce, Arts, IAS or Creative is the right path for you.
CBSE is rolling out changes in phases. Here is what happens when.
2026-27 (NOW)
Class 9 enters new curriculum
New subject structure for Class 9. Maths Basic discontinued. CT & AI modules compulsory. "Individuals in Society" added to Class 9. Class 10 in 2026-27 still follows old scheme (Maths Basic still valid). Max 7 subjects for Board Exam 2027.
2027-28
New Class 9 batch reaches Class 10 Board Exam
First Board Exam without Maths Basic. Maths Advanced & Science Advanced available as optional Board papers (25 marks each). CT & AI becomes formal subject with Annual/Board Exam. "Environmental Education" added to Class 10. Max 8 subjects for Board Exam 2028.
2028-29
CT & AI in Class 10 Board
CT & AI appears in Class 10 Board Exam for the first time. R3 (Third Language) optional for Class 9 till 2028-29. Max 9 subjects for Board Exam 2029.
2029-30
R3 compulsory in Class 9
Third Language (R3) becomes compulsory in Class 9. R3 optional in Class 10 till 2029-30.
2030-31
Full implementation
Three languages compulsory from Class 6 to Class 10 for all students. Complete NCFSE 2023 framework fully operational across all classes.
🎓 What This Means for Students Entering Class 9 in 2026-27
A practical checklist of what changes for the batch joining Class 9 this year.
For the 2026-27 Class 9 batch — key things to know
✅ You will appear in one standard Mathematics paper — there is no easier "Basic" option
✅ You can optionally take Maths Advanced (25 marks) for a challenge — it won't hurt your aggregate
✅ CT & AI modules are now part of your curriculum — school-assessed, not Board-examined yet
✅ "Individuals in Society" is a new subject in Class 9 — school-assessed
✅ Your Internal Assessment now includes a Portfolio component — start building it from day one
✅ Approximately 50% of exam questions will require application and reasoning, not just recall
✅ Your Class 10 Board Exam will be in 2027-28 under the new system
✅ Art Education, PE, and Vocational Education now have structured formal assessments
20 questions that teachers, parents and students are asking. Answers based directly on the official CBSE curriculum document.
Yes, officially confirmed. CBSE has discontinued the Maths Basic and Maths Standard two-level scheme from session 2026-27 onwards. All students in Class 9 (from 2026-27) will appear in a single standard Mathematics paper. However, students currently in Class 10 in 2025-26 (Board Exam 2026) can still opt for Maths Basic under the existing scheme for that year only.
Maths Advanced is an optional additional paper of 25 marks (1 hour), on top of the compulsory standard Maths exam of 80 marks (3 hours). It covers additional topics beyond the standard syllabus and consists entirely of HOTS questions. A student scoring 50%+ gets "Advanced Level Successfully Cleared" noted on their marksheet — but these marks are not added to the overall percentage. It is purely for academic recognition, not for improving aggregate.
CT & AI is compulsory from 2026-27, but in the form of modules integrated into the curriculum — not a standalone subject with a separate examination yet. In 2026-27 it is assessed through school-based assessment. It becomes a formal subject with Annual/Board Examination from 2027-28. NCERT is developing the textbooks and modules, which will be provided when available.
No — for students entering Class 9 in 2026-27 or later. Maths Basic as an option has been removed. All students will study and be examined in the same standard Mathematics curriculum. If you are concerned about Mathematics, the focus should be on building strong conceptual foundations. SkillYog offers free Maths Standard MCQ practice to help build this.
Internal Assessment (20 marks) is now equally divided into four components: (1) Periodic Assessment — 3 unit tests, best 2 averaged; (2) Multiple Assessment — oral, practical, group tasks, quizzes; (3) Portfolio — curated student work collection; (4) Subject Enrichment Activities — inquiry-based discipline-specific tasks. Each component carries 25% of the IA marks (i.e., 5 marks each out of 20).
"Individuals in Society" is a new compulsory interdisciplinary subject introduced in Class 9 from 2026-27. It is assessed through school-based internal assessment only — no Board Examination. The subject is designed to develop understanding of social structures, constitutional values, individual roles and responsibilities, and critical reasoning about real-world issues. NCERT textbooks will be made available as they are developed.
In Board Exam 2027 (for students who were in Class 9 in 2026-27), the maximum number of Board Exam subjects is 7 — comprising 5 compulsory subjects and 2 optional subjects. Note that CT & AI and Individuals in Society are school-based in this cycle, not Board-examined yet. From Board Exam 2028 onwards, the maximum increases to 8 subjects as CT & AI enters the Board examination fold.
No. This is clearly specified in the official curriculum document. The marks obtained in the optional Mathematics Advanced or Science Advanced examination (25 marks each) are not added to the overall aggregate or total score. They only earn a recognition note on the marksheet if the student scores 50%+ — 'Advanced Level Successfully Cleared'. Below 50%, no reference appears.
Students currently in Class 10 in 2026-27 (Board Exam 2026) follow the old existing scheme — Maths Basic/Standard two-level option continues for them. The new changes only apply to students who enter Class 9 in session 2026-27 (their Class 10 Board Exam will be in 2027-28). So if you are already in Class 10, your exam pattern is unchanged.
In the old pattern, about 70-80% of questions tested factual recall. In the new competency-based pattern, approximately 50% of questions are application-oriented — case studies, data interpretation, real-life situations, problem-solving — that require understanding and reasoning, not just memorisation. The remaining 50% still includes MCQs and conventional questions. Students need to understand "why" and "how", not just "what".
No — Art Education and Physical Education & Well-being are assessed through school-based internal assessment only. They are not part of the Board Examination. However, they are now recognised as core curricular areas (not just co-curricular activities) with defined Learning Standards, structured assessment rubrics, and specific pedagogical approaches. Schools must treat them with the same seriousness as academic subjects.
The Portfolio is a curated collection of a student's best work over the year, showing growth in competencies. It can include written assignments, project reports, reflections, art-integrated tasks, lab records, and presentations. Students are assessed on organisation, quality of growth evidence, completeness, and relevance. The key principle is quality over quantity — a small number of thoughtfully selected, well-reflected artefacts is more valuable than a bulky folder.
Yes, with conditions. If a student fails in any one of the three compulsory subjects (Science, Mathematics, or Social Science) but passes in an optional subject they offered as an 11th subject, that optional subject replaces the failed subject in the result computation — provided the student has cleared all three language requirements. This rule continues under the new scheme.
Vocational Education is now a formal part of the curriculum with examinations. Class 9 has school-based IA and Annual Examination. Class 10 has school-based IA and a compulsory Board Examination. The curriculum uses project-based, community-linked learning across three Work domains: Work with Life Forms, Work with Machines and Materials, and Work in Human Services. Assessment focuses on practical competency over theoretical recall.
No — NCFSE 2023 is being implemented in phases. The 2026-27 curriculum represents the first major phase of implementation for Classes 9-10. Some elements like CT & AI as a formal Board subject, Environmental Education in Class 10, and the full three-language framework will be implemented in subsequent years (2027-28, 2028-29, 2029-30, 2030-31). The process is designed to be gradual to allow schools, teachers, and students to adapt smoothly.
Languages are now formally structured as R1 (first language) and R2 (second language, must be different). Both must include Indian languages — at least two of the three languages across R1/R2/R3 must be Indian. The same language cannot be offered at more than one level. Language assessment emphasises listening, speaking, reading, and writing competencies over rote memorisation. Students in Classes 9-10 continue with the three-language requirement established up to Class 8.
Teachers must: (1) Design lesson plans aligned with competency outcomes (not just content coverage); (2) Prepare case-based, application-oriented questions for assessments; (3) Implement all four Internal Assessment components with proper rubrics shared in advance; (4) Guide students in building meaningful portfolios; (5) Integrate CT thinking and Art across subjects; (6) Complete minimum 50 hours of annual capacity-building training; (7) Contribute to the Holistic Progress Card (HPC) framework.
The grading is relative based on the rank of passed students: A1 = Top 1/8th of passed candidates (Outstanding); A2 = Next 1/8th (Excellent); B1 = Next 1/8th (Very Good); B2 = Next 1/8th (Good); C1 = Next 1/8th (Satisfactory); C2 = Next 1/8th (Average); D1 = Next 1/8th; D2 = Next 1/8th; E = Essential Repeat (Fail). This system is unchanged from the previous scheme.
Students aiming for PCM in Class 11 should not be worried — they were always expected to take Maths Standard anyway, as Maths Basic students were not eligible for Maths in Class 11 under the old scheme. The change primarily affects students who previously chose Maths Basic as the easier option. PCM aspirants should use Class 9 to build strong foundations in algebra, geometry, and trigonometry — the core of what Maths Advanced will test. SkillYog's free career test can help you confirm if PCM is the right stream.
The official document is titled "CBSE Secondary School Curriculum Part-I (Classes IX–X) 2026-27" and is published by the CBSE Academic Unit, Integrated Office Complex, Sector 23, Phase-I, Dwarka, New Delhi. It is available on the official CBSE Academic website at cbseacademic.nic.in and the main CBSE website at cbse.gov.in. All information on this SkillYog page is derived directly from that official document.
📊 Also useful for Class 10 students giving Board Exam 2026
If you are currently in Class 10 (2025-26) and preparing for Board Exam 2026, your pattern is unchanged. Use SkillYog's free MCQ practice and answer keys.
Disclaimer: This article is based on the official CBSE Secondary School Curriculum 2026-27 document. While every effort has been made for accuracy, always verify critical decisions with the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) or your school. CBSE may issue clarificatory circulars or updates after this publication. Last updated: April 2026.