CBSE to Impose 2-tier Difficulty Level for Class 9 Science and Social Science from 2026, Get Details

Updated on Feb 28, 2025 00:29

CBSE will have standard and advanced level of difficulties in Science and Social Science subjects in Classes 9 and 10 from 2026-27, starting from 2028 Class 10 boards.

Kolkata: Central Board of Secondary Education has approved a major shift, introducing standard and advanced difficulty levels for science and social science in Class 9 from 2026. This decision aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which focuses on offering subjects at two difficulty levels.

From 2026, students in Class 9 will choose between standard and advanced levels in science and social science. This will extend to the Class 10 Board examination in 2027-28, where the two subjects may have either a combined paper with advanced questions or separate papers for each level. This shift supports the NEP 2020's recommendation for offering subjects at two levels, potentially benefiting students preparing for competitive exams like JEE.

Currently, only Mathematics is offered at two levels (Standard and Basic) in Class 10. To facilitate the new system, the NCERT has been tasked with creating new textbooks for science and social science with advanced level content. These textbooks will align with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education 2023. The NCERT is progressively releasing new textbooks for all classes, with Class 9 textbooks expected before the 2026-27 session.

Students will select their preferred level in Class 9, and the CBSE is considering allowing level changes in Class 10. A pilot program in 30 schools is currently assessing student responses to this two-tier system, with internal assessments conducted at both levels.

The introduction of advanced levels aims to bridge the gap between school curriculum and entrance exam requirements, potentially reducing the need for extensive coaching classes.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Ans: Class 9 students from the 2026-27 academic year. Class 10 students from the 2027-28 academic year. This will impact the 2028 Class 10 board exams. The change is for Science and Social Science subjects. Current students are not impacted.

Ans: Standard level will cover core concepts. Advanced level will include more in-depth content. Advanced level will have higher-order thinking questions. Question papers will reflect the chosen level. NCERT will develop specific textbooks.

Ans: NCERT will create new textbooks. These will have an additional advanced level section. Textbooks will align with the National Curriculum Framework. They will be available before the 2026-27 session. Standard content will be within the same book.

Ans: Yes, a pilot is being conducted in 30 schools. It assesses student response and implementation. Schools are conducting internal assessments. This helps CBSE gauge the policy's effectiveness.