CBSE Introduces Major Exam Reforms: APAAR ID Made Mandatory, Class 10 Board Exams to Have Two Levels
The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced two significant reforms aimed at making India’s school education system more structured, digital, and transparent. Starting from the upcoming academic cycle, students will not be allowed to register for board examinations without an APAAR ID, and Class 10 board exams for selected subjects will be conducted at two different difficulty levels. These changes are part of a broader push to modernise academic records and align assessments with students’ learning abilities.
APAAR ID Now Essential for Board Exam Registration
Under the new rules introduced by Central Board of Secondary Education, students from Classes 9 to 12 will be required to provide their APAAR ID while registering for board examinations and submitting candidate details. From the 2026–27 academic session onwards, registrations without this ID will not be accepted.
The APAAR ID, short for Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry, acts as a lifelong digital academic identity for students. It stores complete academic information, including enrolment details, academic progression, and examination records, in a centralised digital system. The objective is to ensure accurate record-keeping, reduce duplication, and improve transparency across schools and education boards.
According to board officials, the move will help streamline examination processes and ensure that student data remains consistent and easily accessible throughout their academic journey.
Current Status of APAAR ID Adoption Across States
Despite its importance, the adoption of APAAR IDs has been uneven across states. Recent internal data reviewed by the board shows that a large number of students are still not registered under the system.
In West Bengal, around 10% of Class 9 students and nearly 18% of Class 11 students do not yet have an APAAR ID. Haryana shows comparatively better progress, with approximately 54% of students in Classes 9 and 11 already registered.
However, states such as Gujarat and Bihar continue to lag behind. In Gujarat, only about 27.59% of Class 9 students and 19.94% of Class 11 students have completed their registration. Bihar’s figures stand at around 23.59% for Class 9 and 26.01% for Class 11. The board has acknowledged these challenges and has instructed affiliated schools to work closely with state authorities to improve registration numbers before the new rules come fully into effect.
Special Support for Schools Facing Challenges
CBSE has clarified that schools in states facing technical or administrative difficulties will receive additional support. The focus is to ensure that students are not disadvantaged due to delays in registration. Schools have been advised to verify student data, correct errors, and complete APAAR ID generation well in advance of board examination deadlines.
Education experts believe that once fully implemented, the APAAR system will significantly reduce paperwork and simplify inter-school and inter-board transfers.
Two-Level Board Exams for Class 10 from 2028
In another major reform, CBSE has announced that from the year 2028, Class 10 board examinations for Mathematics, Science, and Social Science will be conducted at two levels: Standard and Advanced.
To prepare students for this shift, the board will introduce two-level learning for these subjects starting from Class 9 in the 2026–27 academic session. Students will study the same subjects but at different depth levels based on their aptitude and academic goals.
The Standard level will focus on core concepts and practical understanding, while the Advanced level will offer deeper conceptual learning, catering to students who wish to pursue these subjects at a higher level in senior classes.
A Student-Centric Approach to Assessment
CBSE officials say that the two-level exam system is designed to reduce unnecessary academic pressure while allowing students to learn according to their strengths. Instead of a one-size-fits-all examination pattern, the new structure aims to provide flexibility and fairness in assessment.
Teachers and education analysts have welcomed the move, noting that it could help students make better academic choices and reduce stress during board years.
What Students and Parents Should Do Now
With these changes on the horizon, schools, parents, and students are advised to stay informed and proactive. Ensuring timely APAAR ID registration will be crucial to avoid last-minute issues during board exam registration. At the same time, students entering Class 9 from the 2026–27 session should be prepared for the new two-level learning system.
Conclusion
CBSE’s latest reforms mark an important step toward a more digital, transparent, and student-friendly education system. While the transition may pose short-term challenges, especially in states with lower registration rates, the long-term benefits include streamlined records, flexible assessments, and a more personalised learning experience for students across the country.
