The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified the examination pattern for Class 10 students appearing for their board examinations in 2028. Under the updated scheme, students will have to appear for five compulsory board examination subjects, while an additional skill-based subject will provide an alternative route to help students who struggle with certain core subjects.

The clarification, issued on October 29, 2026, is specifically applicable to students currently studying in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session. These students will move to Class 10 in 2027–28 and appear for their board examinations in 2028. The revised provisions will not affect students who are currently studying in Class 10.

Five Subjects to Be Compulsory for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams

According to the revised examination structure, students appearing for the 2028 Class 10 board examinations will have five mandatory subjects:

Although these five subjects will form the compulsory board examination component, students will continue to study nine compulsory curricular subjects overall.

The remaining subjects will include a third language, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education. These subjects will follow their respective assessment arrangements.

Optional Skill Subject May Provide a Safety Net

One of the important features of the revised scheme is the provision for an additional skill-based subject. This subject may help students who are unable to pass Mathematics, Science or Social Science, offering them another opportunity to meet the Class 10 examination requirements.

Vocational Education will remain a compulsory part of the curriculum for the 2028 batch. To fulfil this requirement, students will be able to choose between two options: Kaushal Vikas or one of the 22 skill subjects notified by CBSE.

The Board has introduced two assessment pathways, giving students the flexibility to select an option based on their academic interests and learning preferences.

Students Can Choose from 22 Skill-Based Subjects

Students who choose one of the 22 skill subjects will have to appear for the respective subject's Class 10 board examination during the 2027–28 academic session.

The available skill-based subjects include:

The marks and grades obtained in the selected skill subject will be included in the CBSE marksheet, following the Board's existing practice.

Students who successfully pass the examination will also receive certification under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), giving them a nationally recognised qualification in their chosen skill area.

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Kaushal Vikas to Follow School-Based Assessment

Students who prefer Kaushal Vikas will follow a different assessment process. Instead of appearing for a separate board examination, they will be evaluated through internal assessments conducted by their respective schools.

Students securing at least 33 per cent marks in the assessment will receive a school-level certificate. Those choosing this option will not have to sit for an additional board examination in the subject.

This arrangement allows students to complete the compulsory vocational education requirement through either school-based evaluation or a formal board examination in a recognised skill subject.

CBSE Excludes Certain Subjects and Modules from the 2028 Curriculum

The Board has also clarified that some newly introduced curricular components will not be included in the Scheme of Studies for the specified batches.

As part of this clarification:

According to Praggya M. Singh, Director (Academics) at CBSE, the decision has been taken to align the introduction of these curricular areas with their planned implementation schedule.

The clarification was communicated to principals of CBSE-affiliated schools to ensure that students and educational institutions understand the applicable academic and examination requirements well in advance.


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Revised Scheme Aims to Reduce Examination Pressure

The updated guidelines are intended to provide greater clarity to students currently studying in Class 9 as they prepare to enter Class 10.

A Board source stated that the priority is to protect students' interests by communicating academic and examination-related provisions early. The emphasis, the source added, is on promoting meaningful learning rather than making students focus exclusively on examinations.

With five compulsory board examination subjects and additional opportunities through vocational education, the CBSE framework aims to give students greater flexibility while encouraging practical skills and career-oriented learning.

For students appearing in the 2028 Class 10 board examinations, understanding these changes early will help them make informed decisions about their subject choices and prepare accordingly.

The revised examination provisions apply only to the 2028 Class 10 batch, comprising students currently in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session. The existing examination structure will continue for the current Class 10 batch.