CBSE 2026 Changes — What Changed and What Continues in 2027

2026 brought two real changes to CBSE board exams: Class 10 got two board exams in a year, and every Class 12 answer book was marked on screen for the first time. Around them came a new NCF-based syllabus for Class 9 with optional Advanced Maths and Science, a phased three-language policy, and a Computational Thinking and AI curriculum for Classes 3 to 8. Some things students often hear about did not change: the grading method, the 50% competency-based question design and the 75% attendance rule. This guide covers each one and what it means for the 2027 exams.

1. Two Board Exams for Class 10

Since 2026, Class 10 students have two board exams in a year. The February–March main exam is compulsory for everyone. The May exam is optional and lets you improve up to three of Science, Maths, Social Science and Languages. The better of the two performances counts.

In 2026 the main exam ran from 17 February to 11 March and the second exam from 15 to 21 May. Of the 5,13,955 students who took the second exam to improve, 3,08,095 (59.95%) raised their marks, and the overall pass percentage after both exams was 96.78%. The second exam also doubles as the Class 10 compartment exam. Students who miss three or more subjects in the main exam cannot take the May exam.

For 2027, CBSE's LOC circular (17 September 2026) keeps the same system: the main exam in February–March 2027 is compulsory. Read the full breakdown: CBSE two-exam system — how it works.

2. On-Screen Marking for Class 12

In 2026 CBSE marked every Class 12 answer book on screen for the first time — 98,66,622 answer books by about 70,000 evaluators. Answer books were scanned at CBSE regional offices, and teachers marked the scanned copies question by question on a computer, with the system adding up the marks. Results came out on 13 May 2026 with a pass rate of 85.20% (88.39% in 2025).

It was not smooth for everyone: some students reported blurred or missing pages and mismatched answer books. CBSE cut the fee for scanned copies to ₹100 and added a 'verification of issues observed' step before re-evaluation. Class 10 answer books were still marked on paper.

Practical tips for writing on a scanned page (our advice, not CBSE rules):

• Write clearly with a dark blue or black pen.
• Don't overwrite or scribble. Cross out mistakes with a single line.
• Number every answer and sub-part, because marks are entered question by question.
• Draw diagrams with firm lines and label them in pen.

More details: CBSE on-screen marking — how it works.

3. Competency-Based Questions: The Same 50/20/30 Design

Every theory paper in Classes 9–12 follows the same design: 50% competency-focused questions (case-based, source-based, data and application questions), 20% MCQs and 30% short and long answers. This has been in place since 2024-25 and is unchanged for 2026-27, and it is the same for every subject.

Instead of "Define photosynthesis," you may get a passage about a farmer's crop yield and be asked which factors are at play. If you understand your NCERT well, these questions give you context to work with. For a detailed look: CBSE competency-based questions — what to expect.

4. Grading: Unchanged

CBSE board grades are positional. In each subject, students who passed are ranked and split into eight equal groups: A1 (top 1/8th), A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, D1 and D2. Students who do not pass get E (Essential Repeat). There are no grade points and no CGPA on current marksheets, and CBSE does not declare an aggregate percentage. The "91–100 = A1" table is the school-level scale for Class 9 and Class 11.

Full details: CBSE grading system — grades, CGPA and percentage.

5. New Class 9 Syllabus, Advanced Papers and Three Languages

Class 9 moved to a new syllabus in 2026-27, aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF-SE 2023) and the new NCERT textbooks. The CBSE curriculum for 2026-27 also lists Mathematics Advanced and Science Advanced as options from Class 9. These are optional add-ons whose first Class 10 board exam will be in 2028; Class 10 students in 2026-27 keep Maths Standard and Basic.

Three languages, phased in. CBSE's guidelines of 29 June 2026 require three languages, at least two of them Indian (Bhartiya Bhashas), but phase them in:

• Class 10 in 2026-27: no change — two languages, no third language.
• Class 9 in 2026-27: studies three languages; the third is assessed by the school only, with no board exam in it in Class 10.
• Classes 7 and 8 in 2026-27: also no board exam in the third language when they reach Class 10.
• Class 6 in 2026-27 and later batches: will take a board exam in the third language in Class 10.

Read more: CBSE new curriculum — NCF-2023 changes explained.

6. Computational Thinking and AI from Class 3

CBSE has introduced a curriculum on Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence for Classes 3 to 8 from the 2026-27 session, and made it the teacher-training theme for the year. The aim is logical thinking, systematic problem-solving, spotting patterns and understanding the ethical use of AI, integrated with subjects such as Maths and Science.

From Class 9, Artificial Intelligence is available as a skill subject (code 417 in Classes 9–10), and CBSE's 2026-27 scheme of studies for Class 9 lists CT and AI modules.

Detailed guide: CBSE AI curriculum — what students will learn.

7. The 75% Attendance Rule

This rule isn't new. You need 75% attendance, counted up to 1 January of your board exam year, to be eligible for the exams.

CBSE can relax the requirement by up to 25%, but only for medical emergencies, participation in national or international sports events, or other serious reasons, and only when your school forwards the case with the mandatory documents (for illness, certificates from a Government doctor). Casual absences are not condoned, and there is no separate 60% band. CBSE can also make surprise inspections: students absent without written leave records may be treated as non-attending candidates and not allowed to sit the Board exam.

For the 2027 Board exams, attendance is counted up to 1 January 2027. Schools must send shortage cases so they reach the CBSE Regional Office by 7 January 2027; cases without mandatory documents are rejected, and CBSE gives approvals by 7 February 2027. Complete breakdown: CBSE 75% attendance rule.

8. Elective and Skill Subjects

No new board electives were introduced for 2026 itself, but several options that many students don't know about are worth a look:

• Artificial Intelligence — a skill subject from Class 9 (code 417 in Classes 9–10)
• Design Thinking & Innovation — a skill subject for Class 11–12 (subject code 848)
• Applied Mathematics (241) — an alternative to Mathematics (041) in Classes 11–12
• Other skill subjects — such as Information Technology, Web Application and Mass Media Studies, depending on what your school offers

In Class 10, a skill subject taken as the 6th subject can replace a failed Science, Maths or Social Science. Full list and recommendations: CBSE electives and skill subjects.

9. What Schools Need to Do

• Competency-based assessment: teachers need practice in setting and marking case-based and source-based questions, not just a webinar link.
• Internal assessment: with 20 marks per subject in Class 10 across four components, schools need consistent rubrics across sections.
• Three-language planning: Class 9 now studies three languages, with the third assessed in school.
• CT and AI for Classes 3–8: teachers need training and basic resources to integrate it across subjects.
• Attendance records: written leave records and documented cases matter for shortage cases and inspections.
• Answer presentation: help Class 12 students practise writing for a scanned answer book.

Detailed action plan: CBSE changes for schools — what principals and teachers must prepare.

10. How Students Should Prepare for 2027

Master NCERT First

NCERT textbooks remain the most important resource for CBSE exams. Read every chapter thoroughly. Understand the examples. Do the in-text and back-exercise questions.

Practise Competency-Based Questions Weekly

CBSE released the 2026-27 sample question papers with marking schemes on 21 September 2026. Solve them regularly, not just in January. The CBSE Class 10 exam pattern and Class 12 exam pattern guides have subject-wise breakdowns.

Take Internal Assessment Seriously

20 out of 100 marks in each Class 10 subject come from internal assessment, and Class 12 has practical or project marks. Submit projects on time, prepare for periodic tests and keep your portfolio complete.

Use the Two-Exam System Wisely

If you're in Class 10, aim to do your best in the February–March exam. Treat May as insurance for up to three subjects, not your main plan.

Write for Digital Evaluation

If you're in Class 12, practise answer-writing with a scanned copy in mind: dark ink, clear numbering, firm diagrams.

Stay Updated

CBSE often releases clarifications mid-session. Check cbse.gov.in, cbseacademic.nic.in and your school notice board regularly.

Quick Summary

The underlying message for 2027 is the same: understand your subjects deeply, stay consistent through the year, and don't rely on last-minute cramming.

Based on CBSE press releases (25 June 2025, 13 May 2026, 29 June 2026, 18 July 2026), the CBSE Curriculum 2026-27, the CT and AI notification of 9 April 2026, the attendance circular of 4 August 2025 and the LOC circular of 17 September 2026. Always verify details on cbse.gov.in or with your school. Super Tutor is not affiliated with CBSE.