CBSE to introduce two-tier difficulty levels for Science and Social Science in Classes 9 and 10

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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the Board will introduce two-tier difficulty levels—standard and advanced—for Science and Social Science in classes 9 and 10. This change will take effect from the 2026-27 academic year for Class 9 students and extend to Class 10 in the 2027-28 academic session, impacting students appearing for the 2028 Class 10 board exams.

Under this new structure, students in Class 9 (2026 onward) will study both standard and advanced levels of Science and Social Science. When they transition to Class 10 in 2027, they will continue with these levels in the same subjects before appearing for their board exams in 2028.

The move comes following the approval by CBSE’s governing body of a proposal put forward by its curriculum committee. The two-level format aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which suggests offering subjects and corresponding assessments at different levels to cater to diverse learning needs.

CBSE is currently considering two possible examination formats for the 2028 Class 10 board exams:

• A single question paper with additional, more challenging questions for students opting for the advanced level.
• Separate question papers for the standard and advanced levels, ensuring a clear distinction in difficulty.

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 advocates a competency-based education system, moving away from rote learning toward a conceptual understanding of subjects. It previously recommended offering two difficulty levels across subjects, starting with Mathematics.

CBSE has already implemented this model in Class 10 Mathematics since 2019-20, with students choosing between Standard Mathematics (regular difficulty) and Basic Mathematics (simplified version). While both syllabi remain the same, the complexity of board exam questions differs, making the subject more accessible to students with varying proficiency levels.

With Science and Social Science now following suit, this system is expected to provide students with greater flexibility in learning, allowing them to engage with subjects at a level that suits their aptitude and future aspirations.

To facilitate this transition, CBSE has requested the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to develop new textbooks for Classes 9 and 10 Science and Social Science. These updated books will include an additional section that incorporates material specifically for the advanced level.

NCERT is expected to roll out the revised textbooks for Class 9 students by 2025, giving schools ample time to prepare for the new structure.

Educators and academic experts have welcomed this initiative, emphasizing its potential to reduce academic pressure while maintaining rigorous learning standards.

Dr. Manisha Sharma, Principal of Venkateshwar International School, Dwarka, sees this change as a progressive move, she said, "CBSE’s introduction of two levels for Science and Social Science in Class 9 is a commendable step toward creating a more inclusive and student-centric education system. As a principal, I see this as an opportunity to enhance personalized learning, ensuring that students engage with subjects at a level that matches their aptitude and future aspirations."

She also highlights the importance of structured teacher training, curriculum adjustments, and effective career counseling, ensuring that students make informed academic choices.

Chinar Banga, Head (Senior Years) Shiv Nadar School, Faridabad, also agrees that it will reduce academic pressure on students. She says, "The two-level system for Science and Social Science will offer students flexibility to choose their learning levels as per their learning needs. It will allow scope for mapping one's own journey without comparing it with others, thereby reducing academic pressure. With appropriate orientations and guidance, students will be able to optimise this decision and make informed choices aligned to their future goals."