New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a new curriculum framework for Classes 9 and 10. This new framework will be introduced in the 2026-27 academic session. This change is an important step in applying the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the secondary level. The announcement occurred during a webinar where CBSE Chairperson Rahul Singh called the rollout a “seminal moment.” He pointed out that the new study plan represents years of work following the NEP and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF).
“This document represents our collective commitment to a future-ready India,” Singh said, adding that while policy direction was laid out earlier, the focus now shifts to execution in classrooms and board examinations.
One of the key changes is the mandatory implementation of the three-language formula till Class 10. The structure will follow R1, R2, and R3 levels. A phased rollout of textbooks is already underway. Board examinations will start assessing languages under this framework from 2028.
Secondary Curriculum: Part - 1 (Class IX)
Secondary Curriculum: Part - 1 (Class X)
Secondary Curriculum: Part - 2 (XI-XII)
The Board has introduced two levels of learning in Mathematics and Science for Class 9. This allows students to take advanced assessments that identify aptitude. These assessments will be optional and will not affect marksheets if not passed.
Another significant change is the introduction of computational thinking and artificial intelligence (AI). These subjects will be taught from early years and made mandatory in Class 9 starting in 2027. The first board examinations for this subject are expected in 2029.
Singh mentioned that the curriculum has been designed with practical challenges in mind. It considers differences in school infrastructure and teacher training across regions. The structure will follow R1, R2, and R3 levels. A phased rollout of textbooks is already underway. Board examinations will start assessing languages under this framework from 2028.
The Board has introduced two levels of learning in Mathematics and Science for Class 9. This allows students to take advanced assessments that identify aptitude. These assessments will be optional and will not affect marksheets if not passed. Another significant change is the introduction of computational thinking and artificial intelligence (AI). These subjects will be taught from early years and made mandatory in Class 9 starting in 2027. The first board examinations for this subject are expected in 2029.
Singh mentioned that the curriculum has been designed with practical challenges in mind. It considers differences in school infrastructure and teacher training across regions. “Our scheme of studies has to be uniform and consistent across all jurisdictions, but we are mindful of ground realities,” he said.
The new framework also makes vocational education, art education, and physical education compulsory, signalling a shift away from purely academic learning. Some existing optional subjects may be phased out to reduce academic load and overlap.
In a step to promote language inclusion, four new languages—Maithili, Santhali, Dogri, and Konkani—will be added at the secondary level. This will complete the list of constitutional languages available.
Regarding assessments, CBSE has suggested a dual evaluation model. Core academic subjects will still have external board exams, while skill-based and interdisciplinary subjects will be evaluated internally.
NCERT Director Prof. Dinesh Saklani, who also addressed the webinar, emphasised that the reform goes beyond textbooks. He highlighted the shift towards experiential learning, urging schools to move away from rote methods. “Do not cover the syllabus unfold it,” he said, stressing that understanding should take precedence over memorisation.
Saklani also pointed out that streaming of subjects at the secondary level will be removed, with all students studying a common set of subjects, including skills and arts, to ensure a more holistic education.
CBSE officials said that new Class 9 textbooks are in the final stages and expected shortly, allowing schools to begin classroom implementation. The Board has advised schools to start planning timetables, teacher training, and pedagogy changes in advance.
The transition will be gradual, with major changes beginning in 2027–28 and full implementation expected by 2031.
Framing the reforms within a larger vision, Singh said the initiative aligns with the goal of building a developed India by 2047. “Teachers play a central role they must feel empowered, not burdened,” he said, urging schools to approach the shift with preparedness rather than pressure.
