CBSE Board Exams 2025 Changes: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced several updates to the board examination system, impacting students in Classes 10 and 12. Among the key changes, the syllabus will be reduced, internal assessments will hold a greater weightage, and a two-term exam system will be implemented from the 2025-26 academic session.
Syllabus Reduction and Increased Internal Assessment for 2025 Board Exams
For the 2025 CBSE board exams, the syllabus across all subjects will be reduced by 10-15%, aiming to alleviate academic pressure on students. Vikas Kumar Agrawal, CBSE Bhopal Regional Officer, announced these updates at the ‘Bridging the Gap’ principals’ summit at the Brilliant Convention Centre in Indore. This reduction is part of CBSE’s ongoing efforts to encourage meaningful learning and minimize rote memorization.
Additionally, internal assessments for both Class 10 and Class 12 will now account for 40% of a student’s final grade, up from previous years, with the remaining 60% determined by the final board exams. This change aims to promote consistent learning and give students opportunities to demonstrate their academic progress throughout the year.
Digital Assessment and Open-Book Exams for Select Subjects
CBSE will continue its digital assessment system, which has been gradually introduced in recent years. The digital assessment will streamline the evaluation of answer sheets and enhance accuracy. Furthermore, the board plans to experiment with an open-book format for select subjects like English Literature and Social Science. This new approach encourages critical thinking and the practical application of knowledge, marking a shift towards modern educational practices.
Transition to a Two-Term Exam Structure from 2026
While the 2025 board exams will follow the traditional one-term format, CBSE has confirmed that starting in the 2025-26 academic session, exams will be held in two terms. This adjustment is designed to distribute students’ exam preparation workload more evenly and may lead to more comprehensive assessments.
CBSE’s Focus on Student-Centered Assessment
These updates reflect CBSE’s commitment to evolving with educational trends and promoting student-centered learning. By reducing the syllabus, increasing the role of internal assessments, and introducing innovative testing formats, CBSE aims to provide a balanced approach that supports students’ academic growth and prepares them for future educational challenges.