CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2025: Students Can Now Pass by Replacing Failed Core Subject with Skill Subject
In a major policy shift, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Class 10 students who fail in one core subject can still pass the board examination by replacing it with a passed skill subject (6th subject). This change is part of CBSE’s broader push under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE) to promote competency-based and holistic learning.
Key Changes in CBSE Class 10 Exam Policy
According to the CBSE 2025 curriculum framework, students must take five core subjects:
- Language I (Hindi or English)
- Language II
- Mathematics (Basic or Standard)
- Science
- Social Science
Additionally, students must choose a sixth skill-based elective from Group A2, which includes subjects like Artificial Intelligence, Computer Applications, or Information Technology. If a student fails one core subject but passes the skill subject, the board will consider the skill subject in place of the failed subject for the final result.
However, if a student fails both the core and skill subjects, they must appear for a compartment exam as per existing rules.
No Penalty for Failing Skill Subject
Failing the skill subject does not impact the final result if the student passes all five core subjects. In such cases, the skill subject is treated as an additional elective.
New Skill Subjects Introduced
CBSE is introducing new skill subjects, including:
- Early Childhood Care Education
- Yoga
- Greater emphasis on Physical Education, Art, and Vocational Skills
These changes align with NCF-SE’s focus on teacher training, competency-based assessments, and holistic report cards.
CBSE’s Language Policy Update
CBSE has reiterated its third-language requirement:
- Students must study three languages up to Class 8 to be eligible for Class 9.
- If a student fails the third language in Class 8, schools must reassess them by the end of Class 9.
- Students who do not pass the third language will not be allowed to appear for Class 10 board exams.
How to Check CBSE Results 2025
CBSE Class 10 and 12 results will be available on:
- cbseresults.nic.in
- results.cbse.nic.in
- cbse.gov.in
- results.digilocker.gov.in
Students must have their roll number, school number, date of birth, and admit card ID to access results. Authorities advise activating DigiLocker accounts in advance.
This policy is seen as a lifeline for students who excel in practical learning but struggle with traditional academic subjects.
