7 NOV 2026 · ACADEMICS
New CBSE Scheme for Classes IX–X: What Parents Should Know
CBSE has changed what students study in Classes IX and X. If your child is in Class IX this year (2026–27), the new scheme applies to them, and they will sit their Class X board exams under it in 2027–28. Here is what it means, in plain terms.
Who it applies to
- Applies to: students in Class IX in 2026–27, moving to Class X in 2027–28.
- Does not apply to: students in Class X in 2026–27. They finish under the old scheme.
The nine subjects
Every student now studies nine compulsory subjects:
- Language 1
- Language 2
- Mathematics
- Science
- Social Science
- Language 3
- Art Education
- Physical Education and Well-being
- Vocational (skill) Education
Students may also choose one optional subject.
Vocational education: Kaushal Vikas or a skill subject
Vocational education is now compulsory. Each student picks one of two routes:
| Kaushal Vikas | A CBSE skill subject | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessed by | The school (internal) | CBSE board exam in Class X |
| Certificate | School certificate at 33% or above | Board marksheet |
| Can replace a failed Maths, Science or Social Science? | No | Yes, if passed |
CBSE offers 22 skill subjects, including Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Retail, Agriculture, Health Care, Banking and Insurance, Tourism and Design Thinking. The skill subjects Dunes Academy will offer will be announced to Class IX parents.
Optional subjects
Students may add one optional subject from CBSE’s list, which includes languages, music, Painting, Home Science, NCC, Computer Applications, Elements of Business, Book-keeping and Accountancy, Mathematics Advanced and Science Advanced. An optional language must be different from the three languages already being studied.
What has a board exam in Class X (2027–28)
- The five main subjects: Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics, Science and Social Science.
- The skill subject, if the student chose one instead of Kaushal Vikas.
- The optional subject, if the student chose one, including Mathematics Advanced or Science Advanced.
Language 3, Art Education, and Physical Education and Well-being are assessed by the school. Art and Physical Education are graded rather than marked.
Passing marks
A student needs 33% in each of the five main subjects. Where a subject has internal assessment, the board marks and internal marks are added together. For example, 24 out of 80 in the board exam plus 9 out of 20 internally makes 33 out of 100, which is a pass.
Second chances built in
- A passed skill subject can replace Mathematics, Science or Social Science if the student scores below 33% in one of them. This does not apply to Kaushal Vikas.
- A passed optional language can replace Language 1 or Language 2 in the same way.
Children with special needs
CwSN students study one compulsory language with a board exam and choose their other four board subjects from a wider list CBSE provides, including up to two skill subjects.
How Dunes Academy will help
Our Class IX teachers will explain the choices to every student and family, help each child pick their vocational route and any optional subject, and make sure parents understand the difference between Kaushal Vikas and a board-exam skill subject before choices are final.
If you have questions now, or .
Based on CBSE Circular Acad-70/2026 dated 29 October 2026.
Short section for the Academics page (`/academics/#cbse-scheme`)
New CBSE scheme for Classes IX–X
From the 2026–27 Class IX batch, CBSE students study nine subjects: two board languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Science, plus a third language, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and a compulsory vocational subject. Students choose either Kaushal Vikas (assessed by the school) or one of CBSE’s skill subjects (with a board exam), and may add one optional subject. Our teachers guide every Class IX family through these choices. Read what changes →