Here are the key changes introduced in the CBSE Class 10 syllabus and exam structure for the 2025 board exams (academic session 2024–25), according to official reports and CBSE notices:
- Syllabus Reduction
- The board reduced the syllabus by about 15% to ease student load and improve manageability. However, CBSE later clarified that this was part of a rationalization process, not a permanent trimming.
- Internal Assessment Weightage Increase
- Internal assessments now contribute 40% of the total marks (vs previous 20%), leaving 60% for the board exams. This includes projects, periodic tests, practical work, and assignments.
- Shift to Competency‑Based Question Pattern
- Approximately 50% of exam questions focus on competency-based skills (e.g. MCQs, case-based, real-life application questions) rather than rote recall. Constructed-response questions have been reduced.
- Reports from West Bengal indicate this led to improved outcomes, with 94.9% passing rate thanks to higher-order assessment strategies.
- Digital Assessment & Open‑Book Exams (Pilot)
- CBSE expanded digital evaluation of answer sheets in select subjects for improved transparency and fairness.
- Open-book exam formats were introduced in subjects like English Literature and Social Science, emphasizing analytical thinking over memorization.
- Passing Criteria & Subject Substitution Flexibility
- Minimum passing grade is 33% per subject.
- If a student fails a core subject (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, or language) but passes a skill‑based subject or an optional language, the passing score in the latter can substitute the failed subject in grade calculation.
- Introduction of Skill-Based Subjects
- CBSE now mandates the option to select one skill-based subject, such as:
- Computer Applications (Code 165)
- Information Technology (Code 402)
- Artificial Intelligence (Code 417)
This aligns with NEP 2020’s push for practical, application-oriented education.