CBSE Plans to Introduce Standard and Advanced levels in class 9 &10

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) plans to roll out two levels of courses in Science and Social Science for Classes 9 and 10, similar to the current structure in Mathematics. As per the reports from top media houses, these modifications, which will include both standard and advanced levels in Science and social sciences, are likely to take effect beginning with the 2026-27 academic session. The recommendation was considered in a recent CBSE curriculum committee meeting and is awaiting final clearance from the Board’s governing body, the ultimate decision-making authority.

CBSE introduces Standard and Advanced levels in Class 9 &10 Science & Social Science

Following the introduction of two levels for Class 10 Mathematics—Standard and Basic—CBSE plans to offer Science and Social Science at two levels (Standard and Advanced) beginning with the 2026-27 academic year. These new modifications intend to allow students to choose a level that is tailored to their ability and learning needs.

The decision is consistent with the National Education Policy, 2020, which specifies that “all subjects and corresponding assessments, beginning with Mathematics, could be offered at two levels, with students doing some of their subjects at the standard level and some at a higher level”. This recommendation is part of the policy’s attempt to “reduce pressure and the coaching culture”.

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When will these changes introduce?

The decision to offer these subjects at two levels was made at a recent meeting of the CBSE curriculum committee. The Board’s governing body, which serves as its highest decision-making authority, must provide ultimate approval. The board has yet to settle on a date for offering this two level curriculum because NCERT textbooks based on the New Curriculum Framework (NCF) are not yet ready. However, it is expected to be implemented from the academic year 2026-27.

It is yet unclear how this change will be implemented, including if students who choose the higher level would use different study materials or just take a new test. The CBSE is reportedly waiting on the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to publish new textbooks that are in line with the most recent version of the National Curriculum Framework.

What is objective behind two-level structure for science and social science in Classes 9, 10

According to the NEP, all topics and evaluations, beginning with mathematics, might be provided at two levels, with some pupils taking subjects at the standard level and others at the advanced level. This effort demonstrates CBSE’s commitment to aligning with the NEP 2020 vision of flexible, student-centered education, opening the path for a more adaptive and diverse learning environment.

The Board now provides only one course at two levels in Class 10, was launched for the 2019-20 academic year.. In this programmes, students who choose Mathematics (Standard) and Mathematics (Basic) follow the identical syllabus, but the question papers and difficulty level of the questions in the Board examination differ. In the 2023–24 Examination, more students registered for the standard level of mathematics (15,88,041) than the basic level (6,79,560), according to CBSE data.

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