New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a crucial circular detailing significant changes to the Scheme of Studies for secondary classes. According to the latest official notification, the subject ‘Environmental Education’ will no longer be taught to Class 10 students, starting with the batch entering Class 10 in the 2027-28 academic session.
The circular clarifies the subjects and assessment protocols for students transitioning from Class 9 in the 2026-27 session to Class 10 in 2027-28. Alongside the removal of Environmental Education in Class 10, the modules for ‘Individuals in Society’ and ‘CT and AI’ have also been formally excluded from the Class 9 curriculum for these upcoming batches.
In a major push towards practical, skill-based learning, the CBSE has made vocational education mandatory for Class 9 students. Under this new framework, students must choose either a general ‘Skill Development’ course or opt for one of the 22 specific skill subjects notified by the board. These specialised subjects include modern, industry-relevant fields such as Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Retail, Healthcare, Banking and Insurance, Tourism, Agriculture, Design Thinking and Innovation, and Automotive.
The assessment pattern for these vocational subjects has been clearly defined. Students opting for the general ‘Skill Development’ module will be evaluated internally at the school level. However, those choosing from the 22 specific skill subjects will have to appear for a formal board examination in that respective subject during their Class 10 board exams in 2027-28.
Overall, students will now be required to study a total of nine subjects. This comprehensive list includes three languages (R1, R2, and R3), Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and the newly mandated Vocational Education.
For subjects like Art Education and Physical Education, the board has shifted from a traditional marks-based system to a grading system. Schools will award grades internally, and students securing a ‘D’ grade or above will be issued a certificate.
The CBSE has clarified that other optional subjects available in the 2025-26 scheme will continue to be offered without disruption. Most importantly, the board explicitly stated that these curriculum modifications will not apply to the current Class 10 batch of the 2026-27 academic year. School administrators across the country have been directed to ensure this new circular is effectively communicated to all students, parents, and relevant stakeholders.