CBSE makes vocational education compulsory for Class 9 students, revises Class 10 board exam rules for 2027-28

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued fresh guidelines for the Class 9 Scheme of Studies for the academic session 2026-27, detailing the subjects students must study, assessment methods, and examination requirements for their Class 10 board examinations in 2027-28.The circular, issued on October 29, applies to students currently enrolled in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session.

The revised framework introduces compulsory vocational education, specifies the five subjects that will have Class 10 board examinations, and sets a minimum passing requirement of 33% in each of these subjects.The revised scheme also removes Environmental Education from the Class 10 curriculum for this batch and provides students with additional subject choices, including Advanced Mathematics, advanced science, and vocational skill subjects.CBSE has clarified that these changes will not apply to students appearing for their Class 10 board examinations in 2026-27.

The existing scheme will continue for the current Class 10 batch.CBSE Class 9 Scheme of Studies 2026-27: Which subjects will students have to study? Under the revised framework, students will study nine subjects across different academic and skill-based areas.

These include three languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education. The three language subjects will be categorised as R1, R2 and R3. In addition to these compulsory subjects, students can select one optional subject from CBSE's prescribed list of 57 subjects.The optional subject list includes languages and subjects such as Computer Applications, Home Science, Painting, Music and business-related disciplines.

Students choosing an optional language must ensure that it is different from the three languages they have already selected.Students will also have the option of taking Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Science, or one of the 22 vocational skill subjects, depending on their academic interests and the applicable assessment provisions.The revised framework does not include Environmental Education in the Class 10 curriculum for this batch.

The interdisciplinary area, which includes Individuals in Society and the Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence modules, will also not form part of the curriculum for these students.Vocational education made compulsory: What are the available options?

One of the major changes in the revised CBSE Class 9 scheme is the introduction of compulsory vocational education. Students will have to choose either Kaushal Vikas or one subject from the board's list of 22 vocational skill subjects.The available skill subjects cover different sectors, including Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Retail, Healthcare, Banking and Insurance, Tourism, Agriculture, Design Thinking and Innovation, and Automotive.However, students and parents must carefully consider their choice, as the assessment method and certification arrangements will differ.Kaushal Vikas: Students opting for Kaushal Vikas will be assessed internally by their schools.

They will not have to appear for a separate Class 10 board examination in this area. Students securing at least 33% will receive a certificate issued by the school. Vocational skill subjects: Students choosing any of the 22 prescribed skill subjects will have to appear for the respective Class 10 board examination.

Their marks and grades will be reflected in the board marksheet. Students who successfully complete the subject will also receive an NSQF certificate. CBSE Class 10 board examinations 2027-28: Which subjects will have board exams?

The revised scheme identifies five compulsory subjects for the Class 10 board examinations. These are:R1R2MathematicsScienceSocial Science Students opting for an additional subject may also have to appear for its board examination, depending on the subject selected and the applicable assessment provisions.Meanwhile, R3, Art Education, and Physical Education and Well-being will be assessed internally by schools.For Art Education and Physical Education and Well-being, schools will award grades instead of numerical marks.

Students securing grade D or above will receive certificates in these subjects.The revised assessment structure therefore separates the five compulsory board-examination subjects from areas that will be evaluated through school-based internal assessment.CBSE Class 10 passing criteria 2027-28: Students must secure 33% in five subjects