CBSE Board Exam 2025: Syllabus for class 10, 12 reduced by 15%, open book exam for select subjects and other important changes announced

CBSE Board Syllabus change 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a reduction of up to 15% in the syllabus for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2025 board exams, suggest media reports.

The announcement made by the Board's regional officer, Vikas Kumar Agrawal, at a school principal's summit 'Bridging the Gap' in Indore, is aimed at prioritising in-depth learning and reduce rote memorisation. However, there is no official notification from the CBSE on the same.

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Making the announcement, CBSE officer Agrawal, emphasised that the syllabus cut-back aligns with the board’s evolving educational framework, providing students with the space to explore topics more comprehensively without an excessive load of content.

CBSE Board Syllabus change 2025: Introduction of 40% internal assessment weightage

Another major adjustment involves the increased weightage for internal assessments, which will now account for 40% of the final grade, while the remaining 60% will be based on the final board exams. The internal assessment component includes projects, assignments, and periodic tests, promoting a more balanced and continuous evaluation system. Agrawal remarked that this change would result in steady learning and allow students to better showcase their understanding.

CBSE Board Syllabus change 2025: New focus on practical knowledge and skill-based questions

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE is revising its examination pattern to prioritise practical knowledge and skill-based education. For the 2025 board exams, nearly half of the question paper will test students' understanding of real-life applications rather than theoretical knowledge alone. By shifting 50% of the question paper focus toward practical and applied scenarios, the CBSE aims to encourage critical thinking and real-world problem-solving skills, moving away from traditional rote learning methods.

CBSE Board Syllabus change 2025: Digital assessment and open-book exam format

To enhance transparency and evaluation accuracy, CBSE will continue implementing digital assessment for answer sheets in selected subjects, a system introduced in recent years. Digital assessment has streamlined grading by reducing the risk of errors and ensuring a more efficient and transparent evaluation process. Additionally, CBSE plans to introduce an open-book examination format for certain subjects, such as English Literature and Social Science.

This innovative approach will allow students to consult their textbooks during exams, placing emphasis on analytical skills and understanding of concepts rather than memorisation. The goal is to foster students’ ability to apply knowledge in practical contexts.

CBSE Board Syllabus change 2025: Transitioning to a Two-Term Exam Structure by 2026

For the 2025 academic session, CBSE will retain the current single-term exam format for Classes 10 and 12. However, the board has confirmed plans to transition back to a two-term structure beginning in the 2025-2026 session.

Agrawal noted that this change has been finalised, and logistical preparations are underway. The two-term exam model aims to provide students with more frequent assessment opportunities, thus offering a clearer picture of their academic progress throughout the year. The board believes that this system will help students manage their studies more effectively and avoid the stress of a single, high-stakes exam.

Major changes for the CBSE Board Exam 2025

• Syllabus Reduction: Syllabus for Classes 10 and 12 reduced by up to 15% to ease academic pressure.

• Increased Internal Assessment Weightage: Internal assessments will now constitute 40% of the final grade, with 60% based on final board exams.

• Skill-Based and Practical Knowledge Questions: Approximately 50% of questions will focus on practical knowledge and real-world applications, in line with NEP 2020.

• Digital Assessment for Select Subjects: Digital evaluation for answer sheets will continue in select subjects to ensure transparency and efficient grading.

• Introduction of Open-Book Exams Open-book exams will be introduced for select

CBSE Board Syllabus change 2025: How does it benefit students?

The CBSE board examination changes are intended to match with worldwide educational trends and better prepare students for further education by promoting a more holistic educational setting. Students will see a shift away from memorisation-driven examinations and towards understanding and skill-based assessments, with the shift to internal assessments, practical knowledge, and application-based evaluation. (Times of India)