The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out major class 10 assessment changes for the academic year 2025. With an aim to shift from rote memorization to competency-based education, this education policy shift emphasizes conceptual clarity, critical thinking, and real-world application.
These board updates are being implemented for both Class 9 and Class 10 and are aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The CBSE’s redesigned exam structure is now more balanced and encourages continuous learning over a one-time year-end performance.
Key Highlights of CBSE Exam Pattern 2025
The CBSE’s latest reforms introduce a restructured evaluation format. Here’s what students and educators need to know:
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Competency-based questions will now make up 50% of the exam.
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Objective-type questions will constitute 20%.
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Remaining 30% will include short and long-answer format.
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Internal assessments to hold more weightage throughout the year.
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Class 10 board exams to be held only once, with a single-term format.
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Class 10 assessment changes apply to all CBSE-affiliated schools across India and abroad.
This format has been designed to support education policy goals of nurturing higher-order thinking skills in students.
Subject-Wise Assessment Changes in 2025
The CBSE has broken down the weightage structure for core subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and Languages:
| Subject | Competency Questions | Objective Questions | Descriptive Questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mathematics | 50% | 20% | 30% |
| Science | 50% | 20% | 30% |
| Social Science | 40% | 20% | 40% |
| English & Hindi | 40% | 20% | 40% |
This table reflects the board update intended to build skills progressively from Class 9 onwards.
Internal Assessment & Project Work
Apart from written exams, internal assessments will now play a pivotal role in student evaluation. Schools must:
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Conduct multiple periodic tests
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Assign practical work, activities, or portfolios
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Include self and peer assessment
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Submit regular report cards to CBSE portal
This balanced assessment method ensures that learning is consistent throughout the year.
Benefits of the New CBSE Board Update
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Focus on real-world application and problem-solving
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Reduces dependency on memorization
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Encourages continuous academic engagement
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Fairer evaluation through diversified formats
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Aligns with NEP’s vision of holistic education
These class 10 assessment changes mark a significant milestone in shaping India’s school curriculum toward global standards.
FAQs
When will the new CBSE exam pattern be implemented?
The new pattern will apply to the 2025 academic session for both Class 9 and Class 10.
Are these changes applicable to all CBSE schools?
Yes, the revised structure is mandatory for all CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad.
What is the biggest change in the exam format?
The major shift is the inclusion of 50% competency-based questions in the final exam and more emphasis on internal assessments.
Will Class 10 board exams be held in two terms again?
No, from 2025 onwards, the board has confirmed a single-term annual exam for Class 10.
How will internal marks be calculated?
Internal marks will be based on periodic tests, practical work, assignments, and overall class participation during the year.
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