CBSE Board Exam 2025: Internal Assessment Weightage Increased to 40%, Written Exams at 60%

In an update for the upcoming CBSE board exams in 2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a change in assessment structure for students of Classes 10 and 12. According to CBSE’s Bhopal regional officer Vikas Kumar Agrawal, internal assessments will now make up 40% of the final grade, with the remaining 60% determined by the final written examinations. This adjustment, alongside a reduction of 10-15% in the syllabus, was discussed at a principals’ summit, “Bridging the Gap.”

Agrawal outlined the key changes, stating that the internal assessment increase and syllabus reduction aim to streamline the evaluation process while aligning with contemporary educational practices. “These updates aim to align assessments with evolving educational trends, ensuring students’ academic growth and preparation for higher education,” Agrawal said. For the 2024-2025 academic session, there will be one term, with the plan to introduce two terms in the 2025-2026 session.

As part of ongoing efforts to lessen academic strain, the CBSE has announced a 10-15% reduction in syllabus across subjects for the 2025 exams. Agrawal mentioned that this reduction is consistent with previous changes that emphasise focused learning and minimise rote memorisation.

One of the major shifts in assessment involves a higher emphasis on internal assessments. Agrawal said that internal assessments, including projects, assignments, and periodic tests, will now account for 40% of a student’s final grade. “This change promotes continuous learning and gives students more opportunities to showcase their progress throughout the year,” he said. With this approach, the board aims for a more comprehensive evaluation that reflects students’ performance beyond the final written exam.

CBSE will continue its digital assessment system for answer sheets in select subjects, a practice introduced in recent years to increase transparency and efficiency in the evaluation process. Additionally, the board plans to implement open-book exams for subjects like English Literature and Social Science. Under this format, students will be allowed to refer to their books, testing their analytical skills and application of knowledge rather than memorisation.

For the 2025 board exams, the current structure of one term will remain. However, from 2026, the board intends to revert to a two-term format. Agrawal said that the decision to introduce two exams has been finalised, with arrangements expected to be organised in the upcoming months.