CBSE: 5 subjects to be mandatory for the 2028 CBSE Class 10 board exams; skill-based papers to help improve results..

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced new guidelines for the Class 10 board examinations to be held in 2028. Under these rules, students will be required to study five compulsory subjects. Additionally, they will have the option to choose an extra 'skill subject.' Marks obtained in this subject can help improve a student's overall result in the event that they fail in Mathematics, Science, or Social Science. Furthermore, the Board has mandated the study of three languages ​​for Classes 9 and 10. This new system will come into effect for students entering Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year.

Five Compulsory Subjects for Class 10 Board Exams
The CBSE has clarified the subject framework for the 2028 Class 10 board examinations. Students must study five compulsory subjects and may also select an additional skill subject. The purpose of this subject is to provide students with the opportunity to acquire practical skills alongside their theoretical studies. Marks from this skill subject can assist students if they fail in Mathematics, Science, or Social Science; however, this benefit will be subject to the specific rules established by the Board.

Mandatory Vocational Education
According to Pragya M. Singh, Director (Academics) at the CBSE, vocational education will be compulsory for students appearing for the Class 10 board examinations in 2028. To fulfill this requirement, students may choose a subject related to skill development or select one from the 22 skill subjects offered by the Board.

Two Options for Assessment
Students will have two options for assessment: they may either undergo internal assessment at their school or appear for a board examination to obtain a nationally recognized skill certificate.

Requirement to Study Three Languages
The CBSE has decided to implement a 'three-language policy' for Classes 9 and 10. Under this policy, students will be required to study three languages, at least two of which must be Indian languages. This change will affect approximately 5 million (50 lakh) students across both grades. However, students currently in Class 10 will not be required to take an examination for a third language this year.

Which students will these new rules apply to?
These changes by the CBSE will apply to students who will be in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session—students who are set to appear for their Class 10 board examinations in 2028. Students currently enrolled in Class 10 will not be affected by these new rules. The Board has also clarified that modules on interdisciplinary areas, computational thinking (CT), and artificial intelligence (AI) will not be part of this study scheme. The objective of these new rules is to provide students with opportunities for skill-based education alongside their academic subjects.

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