CBSE Board Exam 2025: Key changes introduced in Class 10 and 12

CBSE Board Exam 2025: Key changes introduced in Class 10 and 12

Mallika ThaledderUpdated on 10 Jan 2025, 12:34 PM IST

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced some significant updates for the CBSE 10th and 12th academic year 2025. Students are advised to visit the official website, cbse.gov.in, to check the latest updates related to the CBSE board exam 2025. This year, the board released the CBSE schedule On November 20, 2024. They also announced the change in the CBSE 12th exam pattern etc. Students can scroll down to learn more about the changes that have been made in the CBSE board 10th and 12th exams.

More Competency-Based Questions in Exam

CBSE Board Exam 2025: Key changes introduced in Class 10 and 12
CBSE Board Exam 2025: Details of changes introduced in Class 10 and 12

One of the major changes this year in the CBSE board is that there will be more competency-based questions included in the CBSE 12th exam pattern. The CBSE exam will include more competency-based questions. CBSE will integrate approximately 20% of MCQ-based questions. The CBSE 12th question paper will consist of 40% competency-based, encompassing MCQs, source-based, and case-study-based questions. Whereas, the remaining 40% of the total questions will consist of short and long answer-type questions.

CBSE Exam Schedule Released Early

The board released the CBSE exam schedule 2025 earlier than usual for the academic year 2024-25. The early announcement allows more time for students to prepare better for the examination. Last year, the CBSE 10th, 12th exam schedule was released on December 11, 2023. This year, the board released the CBSE exam schedule on November 20, 2024. The CBSE 10th exam will be conducted from February 15 to March 18, 2025, while the CBSE 12th exam will be held from February 15 to April 4, 2025.

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The CBSE schedule provides information related to exam dates, exam time, subject name, exam day instruction etc. Students appearing for the CBSE 10th exam and CBSE 12th board exam are advised to go through the CBSE exam schedule and immediately start studying to avoid last-minute preparation.

CBSE Practical Exam Schedule 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released the CBSE practical exam date sheet on October 10, 2024. The CBSE board practical exam for regular CBSE-affiliated schools was conducted on January 1, 2025. Whereas, the CBSE practical exam for winter-bound areas was conducted before. The CBSE practical exam for winter-bound was held from November 5 to December 5, 2024.

CBSE Board 2025 Syllabus not Reduced

The board has officially claimed that the news regarding the 15% syllabus reduction for the CBSE 10th, and 12 board exams in 2025 and the organisation of open book exams for elective subjects are false. This year, there will be no changes/reductions in the CBSE 10th syllabus or CBSE 12th syllabus 2025. Students can check out the official CBSE syllabus 2025 for classes 10 and 12 here.

No CBSE Open Book Examination for Classes 10 and 12

As of December 2023, the board has released the official notice regarding the CBSE Open Book Examination (OBE). The board will only conduct the CBSE pilot OBE for classes 9 and 11.

Guidelines for Candidates with Special Needs (CwSN)

On August 9, 2024, the board released official guidelines for Children with Special Needs (CwSN). As per the Central Board of Secondary Education board, proper facilities like ramps in toilets and at entry/exit points for wheelchair users and auditory signals in elevators/lifts and other possible infrastructure facilities must be provided for the CwSN.

Special Provisions for Students Participating in Sports

the CBSE board released a notification related to special provisions for students who want to participate in national/international sports events and international olympiads on December 2, 2024. To raise the nation’s profile in the global sports arena and promote sports and other educational competitions among youth, the board has been providing various opportunities to students studying in classes 10 and 12.

To ensure that students involved in the sports do not face any academic losses, the board conducts special exams at a later date. This applies to the students participating in national/international sports events only. However, since March 2020, the board decided to provide special exam opportunities to students participating in International Olympiads as well. This helps students whose exam dates clash with their olympiad schedule, including travel dates. This benefit supports students in excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities like sports and olympiads.

CBSE Board 2025 Sample Paper for Class 10 and 12

The board released the CBSE sample paper for all the subjects for classes 10 and 12 on September 2024. It is recommended that students visit the official website, cbseacademic.nic.in to download the CBSE 10th, 12th sample papers. It includes the exam patterns, marking schemes and type of questions that might be asked in the board examination. Students can download the CBSE sample papers for classes 10th and 12th by clicking on the links:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where can I find information related to the CBSE board exam?
A:

Students can visit the official website of the CBSE board, cbse.gov.in, for the latest updates. 

Q: Will there be an Open Book Examination for Classes 10 and 12 students?
A:

No, the board will only conduct the OBE for classes 9 and 11 students. 

Q: Has there been any reduction in the CBSE syllabus for the academic year 2025?
A:

No, there will be no reduction in the syllabus this year. 

Q: When will the CBSE board conduct the Class 10 and 12 examinations?
A:

The CBSE 10 exams will begin on February 15 and conclude on March 18, 2025. While, the CBSE 12th exam will be conducted from February 15 to April 4, 2025.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Hello Aspirant,

SASTRA University commonly provides concessions and scholarships based on merit in class 12 board exams and JEE Main purposes with regard to board merit you need above 95% in PCM (or on aggregate) to get bigger concessions, usually if you scored 90% and above you may get partial concessions. I suppose the exact cut offs may change yearly on application rates too.

Hello,

After 12th, if you are interested in computer science, the best courses are:

  • B.Tech in Computer Science Engineering (CSE) – most popular choice.

  • BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications) – good for software and IT jobs.

  • B.Sc. Computer Science / IT – good for higher studies and research.

  • B.Tech in Information Technology (IT) – focuses on IT and networking.

All these courses have good career scope. Choose based on your interest in coding, software, hardware, or IT field.

Hope it helps !

Hello Vanshika,

CBSE generally forwards the marksheet for the supplementary exam to the correspondence address as identified in the supplementary exam application form. It is not sent to the address indicated in the main exam form. Addresses that differ will use the supplementary exam address.

Hello

Yes, if you’re not satisfied with your marks even after the improvement exam, many education boards allow you to reappear as a private candidate next year to improve your scores. This means you can register independently, study at your own pace, and take the exams without attending regular classes. It’s a good option to improve your results and open up more opportunities for higher studies or careers. Just make sure to check the specific rules and deadlines of your education board so you don’t miss the registration window. Keep your focus, and you will do better next time.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.