CBSE Introduces New Guidelines for Additional Subjects in Class 10 and 12
New Regulations on Additional Subjects
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes regarding the selection of additional subjects for students in classes 10 and 12. Under the revised guidelines, students are now restricted to choosing only two additional subjects in class 10 and one in class 12.
This new policy means that students will not have the liberty to select additional subjects freely. The chosen subjects must be studied continuously over two academic years to qualify for the board examinations. Specifically, students must complete their studies in these subjects during both the 9th and 10th grades for class 10, and during both the 11th and 12th grades for class 12. Furthermore, students from schools that lack CBSE approval for specific subjects will not be permitted to select those subjects.
Guidelines for Additional Subjects
According to the new rules, class 10 students can only opt for two additional subjects alongside their five core subjects. In contrast, class 12 students are limited to just one additional subject.
Merely selecting an additional subject is insufficient; students must engage with these subjects for two consecutive years. This means that for class 10, both the 9th and 10th grades must be completed, while for class 12, the subjects must be studied in both the 11th and 12th grades to be eligible for the board exams.
School Approval and Resources Required
CBSE has emphasized that schools can only offer additional subjects if they have received the necessary permissions from the board. Additionally, schools must have qualified teachers, laboratories, and other essential resources to support the subjects. If a school has not obtained the required permissions or lacks the necessary facilities, students will not be able to select those subjects for examination.
Options for Compartmental and Essential Repeat Students
Students who do not pass an additional subject in their final year and fall into the Compartmental or Essential Repeat category have the option to retake the exam as private candidates. Private candidates are not required to enroll in any school; they can prepare independently and directly sit for the board exams. This provision offers a valuable opportunity for students seeking a second chance.