After maths, CBSE to offer standard and advanced levels for science, social science in classes 9 and 10

After maths, CBSE to offer standard and advanced levels for science, social science in classes 9 and 10 by 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is reportedly preparing to introduce two levels of Science and Social Science—standard and advanced—for students in Classes 9 and 10, starting with the 2026-27 academic session. This follows the Board’s earlier implementation of dual-level Mathematics for Class 10, launched during the 2019-20 session, according to The Indian Express.

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Curriculum Overhaul Aligned with NEP 2020

The move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates offering subjects at varying levels of difficulty to reduce academic pressure and curb the growing coaching culture. NEP suggests students could choose to study some subjects at a standard level while opting for others at an advanced level, a model already in place for Class 10 Mathematics.

The advanced-level Science and Social Science subjects aim to provide students with an in-depth understanding of these fields, especially for those who wish to specialize in them in Class 11 and beyond.

The CBSE’s curriculum committee has endorsed the proposal, but its governing body must approve the final framework. A key component of this shift will be the updated textbooks developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023.

The NCERT has been gradually releasing new textbooks aligned with the NCFSE. Classes 1, 2, 3, and 6 already have updated books, with textbooks for Classes 4, 5, 7, and 8 expected by 2025. The updated textbooks for Classes 9 and 10, essential for implementing the dual-level system, are anticipated by January 2026, as per Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s recent statement.

The new structure may include additional learning material, advanced exercises, or increased learning hours for the advanced level. Exam patterns could also vary significantly, featuring separate question papers for each level or differentiated sections within a common paper.

Students will be given a specific timeframe to decide whether they wish to pursue the advanced or standard level, with provisions to switch during the stipulated period. The flexibility aims to ensure that students can make informed choices based on their aptitude and interest in these subjects.

CBSE’s dual-level Mathematics model has already gained popularity, with over 15 lakh students opting for the standard level in the 2023-24 Board exams compared to nearly 7 lakh who chose the basic level. This success serves as a foundation for expanding the model to other core subjects.