CBSE Board Exam 2025: Syllabus reduced, new assessment system, and exam format. Check latest updates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced significant changes for the 2025 Class 10 and 12 board exams, aiming to reduce syllabus load, increase emphasis on skill-based assessments, and revise the examination format. These measures, announced during a principal's summit in Indore, are designed to support deeper understanding and ease the burden of rote learning for students.

CBSE Board Exam Class 10th 12th Date Sheet 2025
The CBSE is likely to announce the datesheet for the 2025 Class 10 and Class 12 board exams soon. Scheduled to begin on February 15, 2025, the official datesheet will be accessible on CBSE’s website, cbse.gov.in. However, CBSE has not yet confirmed an exact release date.

CBSE Board Exam Changes: Reduced Syllabus to Encourage In-depth Learning

As per at TOI repost, CBSE's Bhopal regional officer, Vikas Kumar Agrawal, announced a syllabus reduction of up to 15% for Classes 10 and 12. This revision aligns with CBSE’s educational objectives, which focus on providing students with the opportunity to explore subjects more comprehensively. “The syllabus cut-back aligns with the board’s evolving educational framework, providing students with the space to explore topics more comprehensively without an excessive load of content,” Agrawal stated.

Increase in Internal Assessment Weightage
A major shift includes increasing the weightage of internal assessments to 40%, with the remaining 60% based on final board exams. This internal assessment will incorporate projects, assignments, and periodic tests, creating a balanced evaluation system throughout the academic year. According to Agrawal, “This change would result in steady learning and allow students to better showcase their understanding.” The approach aims to emphasize steady learning over high-stakes, end-of-year exams.

Focus on Practical Knowledge and Skill-Based Questions
In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE will implement an exam pattern that favors skill-based questions over rote memorization. For the 2025 board exams, nearly half of the question paper will assess students’ practical knowledge and real-world problem-solving skills, thereby fostering critical thinking. This adjustment reflects a shift towards evaluating students’ understanding of concepts and their application in real-life scenarios.

Digital Assessment and Open-Book Exam Format
CBSE will continue digital assessment of answer sheets in select subjects, a practice that has improved transparency and grading accuracy. Additionally, CBSE plans to introduce an open-book examination format for subjects such as English Literature and Social Science. This approach allows students to refer to textbooks during exams, prioritizing analytical skills and a conceptual understanding over memorization.

Transition to Two-Term Exam Structure by 2026
While the single-term exam structure will continue for the 2025 session, CBSE has confirmed plans to shift to a two-term structure beginning in the 2025-26 academic year. Agrawal shared that preparations for this transition are underway, with the aim to reduce the stress associated with a single, end-of-year exam by offering more frequent assessments throughout the year.

Benefits of CBSE's New Structure for Students
These adjustments reflect CBSE’s aim to align Indian education with global standards, shifting towards holistic and skill-based assessments. The increased focus on internal assessments, practical knowledge, and application-based evaluation is expected to prepare students for future academic challenges, reducing reliance on memorization-driven exams.