CBSE Updates Class 9 and 10 Curriculum for 2026-27: Environmental Education Removed, Vocational Studies Made Mandatory

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes to the scheme of studies for classes 9 and 10, effective from the 2026-27 academic session. According to the reported guidelines, the board has removed environmental education from the class 10 main curriculum and made vocational education mandatory for students.

Reports indicate that these updates have been communicated to affiliated schools. Verification of the official circulars and subject lists can be done directly through the official CBSE website.

Key Curriculum Changes

• Environmental Education: Removed from the class 10 curriculum. For the 2027-28 academic year, this subject will not apply to students reaching class 10.
• Class 9 Updates: Subjects such as 'Individuals in Society' and 'CTM I' modules will reportedly no longer be part of the curriculum for class 9 students under the revised guidelines.
• Vocational Education: Now made mandatory for students. Learners can choose either a skill development subject or one of the 22 skill subjects notified by the board.

Assessment and Exam Structure

• Skill Development Subjects: Students opting for skill development subjects will undergo internal school-level assessments.
• Notified Skill Subjects: Those choosing one of the 22 board-notified skill subjects will appear for an external board examination in that subject during their class 10 board exams in the 2027-28 session.
• Core Subjects: For the 2027-28 class 10 board examinations, five subjects remain mandatory: Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science, with the option to choose an additional elective.

Impact on Current Students

• Current Class 10 Students (2026-27): Reports clarify that students currently studying in class 10 during the 2026-27 session will not be affected by these changes and will continue under the previous examination system.
• Current Class 9 Students (2026-27): The changes primarily apply to current class 9 students who will appear for their class 10 board exams in the 2027-28 session. Schools are expected to guide these students regarding subject choices and exam requirements.