CBSE Introduces Mandatory Vocational Education for Classes 9 and 10; Announces New Passing Criteria ( Circular Copy Attached )
Students and parents are advised to read the complete circular issued by CBSE and consult their schools before finalising subject choices
Babushahi Network
New Delhi, October 29, 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued new guidelines for the Scheme of Studies for Class 9 for the academic session 2026–27. The guidelines clarify the compulsory and elective subjects, board examinations, internal assessments and passing criteria.
The changes will apply to students studying in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session, who will appear for their Class 10 board examinations in 2027–28.
Under the revised guidelines, vocational education has been made compulsory. The scheme also provides for the removal of Environmental Education from the Class 10 curriculum for this batch. Students will have the option to choose advanced-level Mathematics and Science. To pass, they will need to secure at least 33 per cent marks in each of the five core subjects.
No Impact on Current Class 10 Students
CBSE has clarified that the new rules will not apply to students studying in Class 10 during the 2026–27 academic session. They will continue to follow the existing system. The revised scheme is intended for students enrolled in or studying in Class 9 in 2026–27, who will take their Class 10 board examinations in the following academic session.
Class 9 Students to Study Nine Subjects
Under the new scheme, students will study nine subjects: three languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education.
The three languages will be designated as R1, R2 and R3. Students will also have the option of choosing one additional elective subject from a list of 57 subjects prescribed by CBSE. These include languages, Computer Applications, Home Science, Painting, Music and commerce-related subjects. If a student opts for another language as an elective, it must be different from the three languages already selected.
Click to read the Circular Issued by CBSE on Oct 29, 2026
Students will also have the option to choose Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Science or one of 22 designated skill subjects. The examination and assessment procedures will vary according to the subject selected.
Environmental Education will not be part of the Class 10 curriculum for this batch. Similarly, the modules Individuals in Society and Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence, listed under the interdisciplinary area, will not form part of the curriculum for these students.
Vocational Education Made Compulsory; Multiple Options Available
Vocational education has been given special importance under the new CBSE scheme. Students will be required to opt for either Kaushal Bodh or one of the 22 designated skill subjects.
These subjects cover areas such as Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, Retail, Healthcare, Banking and Insurance, Tourism, Agriculture, Design Thinking and Innovation, and Automotive studies.
The objective is to complement conventional academic learning with practical skills that can help students prepare for employment and future careers.
However, the assessment method in Class 10 will depend on the vocational subject chosen.
Students opting for Kaushal Bodh will be assessed internally at the school level. There will be no Class 10 board examination for this subject. Students securing at least 33 per cent marks will receive a certificate from their school.
Those choosing any of the 22 designated skill subjects, on the other hand, will have to appear for the relevant Class 10 board examination. Their marks and grades will be reflected in the CBSE marksheet. Successful students will also receive a certificate under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF).
Board Examinations in Five Core Subjects
Under the revised scheme, Class 10 students will appear for board examinations in five compulsory subjects: the first language (R1), second language (R2), Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
Some additional subjects chosen by students may also involve board examinations, depending on the nature of the subject and CBSE rules.
The third language (R3), Art Education, and Physical Education and Well-being will be assessed internally at the school level. For Art Education and Physical Education and Well-being, schools will award grades instead of marks. Students securing Grade D or above in these subjects will be issued certificates.
Minimum 33 Per Cent Marks Required in Each of the Five Core Subjects
According to the new guidelines, students must secure at least 33 per cent marks in each of the five compulsory board-examination subjects. The final result will be calculated by combining marks obtained in the board examination and internal assessment.
For example, a student scoring 24 out of 80 in the board examination and 9 out of 20 in internal assessment would obtain a total of 33 out of 100. This would meet the minimum passing requirement for that subject.
The rule makes performance in school-based internal assessments as important as performance in the board examinations.
Skill Subject May Offer Relief in Case of Failure in One Subject
The revised scheme provides for certain subject-substitution options. If a student fails in Mathematics, Science or Social Science but passes the selected skill subject, the skill subject may be considered in place of the failed subject, subject to CBSE's prescribed conditions.
However, this provision will not apply to students who opt for Kaushal Bodh.
Similarly, if a student fails in either the first or second language but passes an optional language, the optional language may be considered in place of the failed language, subject to the conditions prescribed by CBSE.
Special Provisions for Children with Special Needs
CBSE has also laid down special provisions for Children with Special Needs (CwSN).
These students will be required to study and appear for the board examination in one compulsory language. They may choose the remaining four board-examination subjects from a prescribed list.
The list includes Mathematics, Science, Social Science, other languages, certain specified Music subjects, Painting, Home Science, commerce-related subjects and up to two skill subjects.
Automotive studies will not be available as a skill-subject option under this provision. In addition, students will not be permitted to select Information Technology, Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence all together.
Students and Parents Advised to Check the Rules Before Selecting Subjects
The revised CBSE Scheme of Studies introduces important changes for Class 9 students in subject selection, vocational education and preparation for the Class 10 board examinations.
Students and parents are advised to read the complete circular issued by CBSE and consult their schools before finalising subject choices. Particular attention should be paid to elective subjects, compulsory board examinations, subject-substitution provisions and assessment procedures to avoid confusion later.