The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a new circular outlining changes to the Class 9 and Class 10 curriculum for students moving from 2026-27 to 2027-28. A key update states that the subject ‘Environmental Education’ will no longer be taught in Class 10. These changes aim to redefine the scheme of studies and assessment methods for these classes.
Key Changes in Curriculum and Assessment
According to the new circular, from the academic year 2026-27 onwards, the syllabus will exclude ‘Environmental Education’ in Class 10. Additionally, the Class 9 curriculum will no longer include ‘Individuals in Society’ along with modules on Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). These modules will be removed for the batches progressing to Class 10 in 2027-28.
The circular emphasizes that vocational education will continue to be compulsory for Class 9 students. They must choose either a ‘Skill Development’ course or one of 22 skill subjects approved by CBSE. Students opting for ‘Skill Development’ will be assessed at the school level, while those selecting any of the 22 skill subjects must appear for board exams in Class 10 in that subject.
Courses and Continuity of Optional Subjects
The 22 skill subjects available include diverse fields such as Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Retail, Healthcare, Banking and Insurance, Tourism, Agriculture, Design Thinking and Innovation, and Automotive. This variety is designed to provide students with practical skills alongside academic knowledge.
The circular also clarifies that optional subjects available in the 2025-26 scheme of studies will remain available in Class 9 (2026-27) and Class 10 (2027-28). However, these adjustments will not impact the batches currently in Class 10 for 2026-27, meaning the new structure applies to future batches only.
Schools have been instructed to communicate these changes to students and all stakeholders promptly to ensure smooth implementation. This is critical for helping students and parents adjust their preparation plans for the coming academic years.
Subjects Students Will Study
Under the revised scheme, students must study a total of nine subjects. These include three languages (denoted as R1, R2, and R3), Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education. For Art Education and Physical Education, schools will issue grades instead of marks, awarding certificates to students who achieve grade D or higher.
These curriculum modifications reflect CBSE’s attempt to modernize and streamline syllabus content while emphasizing vocational and skill development to better prepare students for future career and academic opportunities.
