Delhi: Vocational education and a third language made mandatory for Class 9; option for advanced-level Math and Science to be introduced..

Delhi Class 9 New Rules 2026: The approach to academics for Class 9 students in Delhi schools is set to change slightly. The Directorate of Education has revised the rules regarding Class 9 examinations and promotion. Under the new regulations, vocational education and a third language will become mandatory for students. Additionally, students will have the option to choose an 'Advanced Level' in Mathematics and Science.

**Six Main Subjects Designated for Class 9**
According to the new rules, promotion to Class 10 will be based on performance in six main subjects: two languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Vocational Education. A student's promotion to Class 10 will be determined by their performance in these subjects.

The third language has not been included among the main subjects; instead, it will be assessed internally at the school level. Students must secure at least 33% marks in the third language. Marks for this subject will not appear on the report card; instead, the status will be recorded simply as 'Qualified' or 'Not Qualified'.

**Promotion Possible Even if Failing the Third Language**
A student who fails to secure the required passing marks in the third language in Class 9 can still be promoted to Class 10, provided they meet the promotion criteria for the other six main subjects. However, such students will be required to pass the Class 9 third-language examination while studying in Class 10. Schools must also arrange for extra classes and support for these students if necessary.

Under the new language policy, students are required to study three languages, at least two of which must be Indian languages. These Indian languages ​​encompass the 22 languages ​​listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution as well as other indigenous languages ​​of the country.

**Option for Advanced Level in Mathematics and Science**
The new system offers students with a keen interest in academics the opportunity to opt for an 'Advanced Level' in Mathematics and Science. Students may choose Advanced Mathematics, Advanced Science, or both. All students will take standard examinations in Mathematics and Science, each carrying 80 marks, with a duration of three hours. Students opting for the 'Advanced Level' will also take an additional examination. This exam will carry 25 marks and last for one hour, featuring challenging questions that require critical thinking and conceptual understanding. Marks obtained in the Advanced examination will not be included in promotion decisions or the calculation of the overall percentage.

**Mandatory Vocational Education**
Vocational education—or skill-based education—has been made mandatory for Class 9 students. The objective is to equip students with various skills and employment-related knowledge from an early age. This subject has been integrated into the six main subjects for Class 9.
Additionally, subjects such as Art Education, Physical Education, and 'Individuals in Society' will be taught and assessed at the school level. However, these subjects are not included among the main subjects that determine promotion.

**Emphasis on AI and Computational Thinking**
Under the new system, modules related to Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence (AI) will be introduced to familiarize students with technology. These will be rolled out at the school level in the 2026-27 academic session and will become mandatory starting from 2027-28.
To qualify for promotion from Class 9, students must secure a minimum of 33 percent marks separately in both the internal assessment (or practicals) and the external examination across the six main subjects. Furthermore, obtaining at least 25 percent marks in the annual examination is also mandatory.

**When will the new rules come into effect?**
According to the Directorate of Education, this revised system will be implemented from the 2026-27 academic session. It has been formulated in alignment with the new curriculum framework for Class 9 under the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023. The aim is to connect students with language, skills, technology, and practical education, rather than limiting them solely to textbook-based learning.

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