The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) allows Class 10 students to include optional subjects in their curriculum. Beyond academic exploration, these subjects serve a significant purpose. Under specific conditions, an optional subject can replace a core subject (marked as failed) during the final CBSE 10th result computation.
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CBSE subject replacement rule offers a safety net for students struggling in specific academic subjects. It ensures that failure in one core subject does not derail a student's entire academic record. In this article, we have discussed the structure of CBSE 10th subject selection, the dynamics of replacement, and the official CBSE rules that govern it.
CBSE follows a composite curriculum for Classes IX and X. Students are required to choose subjects in Class IX that they intend to continue in Class X. The subject structure is broadly categorised as follows:
Subject/Category | Subject Code and Details |
Language I | English or Hindi (Course A or B) |
Language II | Any language from CBSE’s approved list |
Mathematics | Standard (041) or Basic (241) |
Science | Subject code 086 |
Social Science | Subject code 087 |
Subject Category | Particulars |
Skill Subject | Group-S (As mentioned on the CBSE website, e.g., IT, Retail, AI) |
Language III or Additional Academic Subject | From Group-L or Group-A2 (as mentioned on the CBSE website) |
CBSE has a defined mechanism for replacing core subjects with optional ones under certain circumstances. These rules ensure that a student's performance in a skill or optional subject can protect them from failing the board exams if they meet specific conditions.
Condition | A student fails in one of the three core subjects (Maths, Science, Social Science). |
Requirement | Student passes the skill subject (offered as a sixth subject) |
Effect on Result | The failed subject is replaced by the skill subject, and the result is calculated accordingly. |
Condition | A student fails in one of the two language subjects in the first five core subjects. |
Requirement | Student passes in the third language taken as the sixth subject. |
Effect on Result | The passed optional language replaces the failed language, provided that either English or Hindi remains among the two passed languages. |
CBSE Board allows only specific subject combinations. Students cannot choose it according to their preference. Mentioned below are some of the norms set by CBSE, and students have to adhere to it while selecting their subjects:
Only one subject can be selected from Computer Applications (165), Information Technology (402), and Artificial Intelligence (417).
Hindi Course A and B, or English Language and Literature and Communicative cannot be opted together.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No. Students must choose only one. Either Hindi Course A (002) or Hindi Course B (085).
You will not be eligible for replacement unless you have taken a third language or an additional academic subject and passed it.
Yes. Either Hindi or English must be present in the final list of passed subjects.
Yes, if you pass the chosen Skill subject, Maths can be replaced.
No. Only one failed subject can be replaced. Either one core subject or one language.
On Question asked by student community
Class 10 CBSE 2026
Chennai Sahodaya
common examination papers are currently available. Students can directly download theseCBSE 10th Sahodayaquestion papers from the given link below. They can practice these question papers using timmer.
Direct Link: Class 10 CBSE Sahodaya Question Paper
Students can download Banglore Sahodaya Science pre board paper is provided by schools first. After the exam schools upload the paper online. We have provided the Banglore Sahodaya question paper below
Download CBSE Banglore Sahodaya Science Question Paper Here
CBSE Banglore Sahodaya Paper Structure (Class 10 Science)
The Bangalore Sahodaya
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key on the website of Careers360. Careers360 also provide student with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time in preparation.
https://school.careers360.com/articles/cbse-sahodaya-class-10-pre-board-question-paper-2025-26
Thank you.
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key for the subjects on the careers360 website that will help you analyse in-depth performance.
https://school.careers360.com/articles/chennai-sahodaya-question-paper-2025-26
Thank you
Hello
You will be able to download the CBSE Class 10th Sample Paper 2025-26 from our official website, careers360, by using the link which is given below.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-10th-maths-sample-papers-2025-26
Thank you.
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