CBSE announces major reform, maths and science rules changed for class 10 students

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a significant reform aimed at strengthening analytical learning. The board has rolled out a new two-level structure for Mathematics and Science, which will be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.

Under the revised system, along with the regular mandatory exam, students will now have the option to take advanced and higher-level assessments. This change is part of the newly released curriculum for Classes 9 to 12 and is expected to impact millions of students across the country.

New advanced paper system and exam pattern

According to the updated framework, all students will study standard Mathematics and Science under a common syllabus. The main theory exam for both subjects will carry 80 marks and will be conducted for a duration of 3 hours.

In addition, students can choose to appear for an advanced-level paper in Mathematics and Science. This optional exam will be of 25 marks and will have a duration of 1 hour. The advanced paper is designed for students who wish to gain deeper subject understanding and may benefit from it in higher studies.

Impact on marksheet and internal assessment

CBSE has clarified that students scoring 50% or more in the advanced exam will have a special mention on their marksheet, indicating successful completion of the advanced level.

However, these marks will not be included in the overall aggregate percentage. If a student does not meet the qualifying criteria, there will be no mention of the advanced level on the marksheet, ensuring no negative impact.

The board also confirmed that this new two-tier system applies only to theory exams. There will be no changes in the 20-mark internal assessment for Class 10.

Old system to be discontinued, relief for failed students

With this reform, CBSE will discontinue the existing Mathematics Basic and Standard system from the 2026–27 session. However, students in the current academic session will continue under the existing structure.

To reduce academic pressure, the board has also introduced a relief measure: if a student fails in one of the core subjects—Mathematics, Science, or Social Science—but passes in an optional subject, the optional subject can replace the failed one. This provision will help students save their academic year and improve results.