CBSE Class 9 Scheme of Studies 2026-27: New Rules for Class 10 Board Exams 2027-28
CBSE Class 9 Scheme of Studies 2026-27: What the New Circular Means for Students and Parents
CBSE Circular Acad-70/2026 explained in simple words: which subjects are in, which are out, and what will count in the Class 10 board exams in 2027-28.
The short version
- Two subjects are dropped for this batch: “Individuals in Society” and the CT & AI modules in Class 9, and “Environmental Education” in Class 10.
- Every student studies 9 subjects, and may add one optional subject on top.
- Vocational Education is compulsory. Choose Kaushal Vikas (school-assessed) or one of 22 skill subjects (board exam).
- Board exams in Class 10 (2027-28) are compulsory for five main subjects only. Everything else depends on your choices.
Who does this circular apply to?
CBSE has told all affiliated schools how subjects will be arranged for one specific batch: students who are in Class 9 in 2026-27 and will move to Class 10 in 2027-28.
Affected
Students now in Class 9 (2026-27), and the same students in Class 10 (2027-28).Not affected
Students now in Class 10 (2026-27). For them, CBSE says the old scheme continues.What has been removed?
CBSE had planned a new “Inter-disciplinary Area”. For this batch, it has decided not to start it yet, so that it matches the implementation schedule. As a result:
- Class 9 (2026-27): “Individuals in Society” and the “Modules of CT & AI” will not be part of the curriculum.
- Class 10 (2027-28): “Environmental Education” will not be part of the curriculum.
In simple terms, there is less to study and fewer subjects to manage.
The 9 compulsory subjects
Every student in this batch must study these nine subjects:
| Subject | What to know |
|---|---|
| Language R1 | First language |
| Language R2 | Second language |
| Mathematics | Standard level (an Advanced version is optional) |
| Science | Standard level (an Advanced version is optional) |
| Social Science | Compulsory |
| Language R3 | Third language |
| Art Education | Compulsory |
| Physical Education & Well-being (PE&WB) | Compulsory |
| Vocational Education (Skill Education) | Compulsory, with a choice of subject (see below) |
Students can also take Mathematics Advanced and Science Advanced as optional extras. In Class 9, assessment is school-based, following the rubrics already given in the syllabus.
The optional subject
On top of the nine, a student may choose one optional subject from a list of 57. It includes:
- Indian languages such as Hindi, Telugu (AP), Telugu (Telangana), Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Bengali, Urdu and Sanskrit
- English and foreign languages such as French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Russian and Arabic
- Music (Carnatic and Hindustani), Painting, Home Science, NCC
- Computer Applications, Elements of Business, and Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy
Vocational Education: Kaushal Vikas or a skill subject
This is the part parents should read carefully. Vocational Education is compulsory, and there are two ways to fulfil it:
| Kaushal Vikas | One of 22 skill subjects | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is assessed | By the school only | Board examination in Class 10 |
| Marksheet | School gives marks and grades and its own certificate (minimum 33% needed) | Marks and grades appear on the CBSE marksheet |
| Certificate | School certificate | NSQF certificate on passing |
| Backup if you fail a main subject | No replacement allowed | Can replace one of Science, Maths or Social Science |
Search the 22 skill subjects
| Code | Skill subject |
|---|
Board exam or school assessment in Class 10?
| Subject | How it is assessed in Class 10 (2027-28) |
|---|---|
| Language R1, Language R2, Mathematics, Science, Social Science | School internal assessment and board exam (always) |
| Mathematics Advanced, Science Advanced | Board exam (only if chosen) |
| Optional subject | Internal assessment and board exam (only if chosen) |
| Any one of the 22 skill subjects | Board exam (if chosen instead of Kaushal Vikas) |
| Language R3, Art Education, PE&WB | School internal assessment only |
| Kaushal Vikas | School internal assessment only |
Art Education and PE&WB get grades only, not marks. Schools issue their own certificates to students who secure grade D or above.
Grades and passing marks
| Marks | 91-100 | 81-90 | 71-80 | 61-70 | 51-60 | 41-50 | 33-40 | Below 33 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grade | A1 | A2 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | D | E |
How do you pass Class 10?
- You need at least 33% in each of the five main subjects: Language R1, Language R2, Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
- In each subject, internal assessment and board exam marks are added together. The total must be 33% or more.
The replacement rule: a safety net
If a student fails one subject but passes a chosen extra subject, the extra can take its place in the result.
- With a skill subject: if you score below 33% in one of Science, Maths or Social Science but pass the skill subject, the skill subject replaces it.
- With an optional language: if you score below 33% in R1 or R2 but pass your optional language, that language replaces it.
- With Kaushal Vikas: no replacement is allowed.
Rules for children with special needs (CwSN)
- One compulsory language, with a board exam.
- Four more board-exam subjects chosen from: Mathematics, Science, Social Science, another language, Music, Painting, Home Science, Elements of Business / Book Keeping / Computer Applications, or up to two skill subjects (not Automotive).
- Information Technology, Computer Applications and Artificial Intelligence cannot be taken together.
Common questions
Does this change affect my child who is in Class 10 now?
No. The circular states that the current Class 10 (2026-27) batch continues under the old scheme.
Is Computer Science or AI gone?
Only the “Modules of CT & AI” are removed from the curriculum for this batch. Artificial Intelligence (code 417), Data Science (419) and Computer Applications remain available as a skill or optional subject.
Which is easier, Kaushal Vikas or a skill subject?
CBSE does not say one is easier. Kaushal Vikas is judged by the school, while a skill subject has a board exam and an NSQF certificate and can act as a safety net. Choose based on your child’s interest and goals.
Can my child take Telugu as the optional subject?
Yes, Telugu (AP) and Telugu (Telangana) are both in the list, provided it is not already one of the languages taken as R1, R2 or R3.
Where can I read the official circular?
On the CBSE Academic website, cbseacademic.nic.in, under Circular No. Acad-70/2026.
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