CBSE Class 10 Optional Subject Rules: Replace Failed Core Subjects in Result 2025-26
  • CBSE Class 10th Exam
  • CBSE Class 10 Optional Subject Rules: Replace Failed Core Subjects in Result 2025-26

CBSE Class 10 Optional Subject Rules: Replace Failed Core Subjects in Result 2025-26

Manasvini GuptaUpdated on 06 Aug 2025, 10:29 AM IST

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.

This Story also Contains

  1. CBSE Class 10 Subject Structure: Overview
  2. CBSE 10th Subject Replacement: How it Works?
  3. CBSE 10th Subject Combination Limitations
CBSE Class 10 Optional Subject Rules: Replace Failed Core Subjects in Result 2025-26
CBSE Class 10 Optional Subject Rules: Replace Failed Core Subjects in Result 2025-26

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 Class 10 Subject Structure: Overview

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:

Compulsory Subjects

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

Optional Subjects

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 10th Subject Replacement: How it Works?

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.

  1. Replacement of a Core Subject (Maths/Science/Social Science)

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.

  1. Replacement of a Language Subject

CBSE Class 10th Syllabus 2025-26
Students can access the subject-wise CBSE Class 10 syllabus for the 2025–26 academic session.
Check Now

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 10th Subject Combination Limitations

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)

Q: Can I offer both Hindi A and Hindi B?
A:

No. Students must choose only one. Either Hindi Course A (002) or Hindi Course B (085).

Q: What happens if I fail in a language and do not have a third language?
A:

You will not be eligible for replacement unless you have taken a third language or an additional academic subject and passed it.

Q: Is English or Hindi mandatory among the passed subjects?
A:

Yes. Either Hindi or English must be present in the final list of passed subjects.

Q: Can I replace Maths if I fail in it?
A:

Yes, if you pass the chosen Skill subject, Maths can be replaced.

Q: Can I replace two failed subjects with optional ones?
A:

No. Only one failed subject can be replaced. Either one core subject or one language.

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Questions related to CBSE Class 10th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 10th ?

Hello,

If you want to get your 10th marksheet online, you just need to visit an official website like https://www.cbse.gov.in/ or https://results.cbse.nic.in/ for the CBSE board, and for the state board, you can check their website and provide your roll number, security PIN provided by the school, and school code to download the result.

I hope it will clear your query!!

Hello, if you are searching for Class 10 books for exam preparation, the right study material can make a big difference. Standard textbooks recommended by the board should be your first priority as they cover the syllabus completely. Along with that, reference books and guides can help in practicing extra questions and understanding concepts in detail. You can check the recommended books for exam preparation from the link I am sharing here.
https://school.careers360.com/ncert/ncert-books-for-class-10
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-best-reference-books-for-cbse-class-10-exam

Hello Dinesh !

As per CBSE board guidelines for internal assessment for class 10th you will have to give a 80 marks board exam and 20 marks internal assessment. The internal assessment will be at the end of your year.

For knowing the definite structure of the internal assessment you will have to ask your teachers or your seniors in the school as CBSE has provided flexibility in choosing the methods of internal assessment to schools. For more details related to assessment scheme for class 10 given by CBSE you can visit: Assessment scheme (http://cbseacademic.nic.in/web_material/CurriculumMain2Sec/Curriculum_Sec_2021- 22.pdf)

I Hope you have understood it!

Hello

You asked about Class 10 sample paper board exam and most important questions. Practicing sample papers and previous year questions is one of the best ways to prepare for the board exam because it gives a clear idea of the exam pattern and types of questions asked. Schools and teachers usually recommend students to solve at least the last five years question papers along with model papers released by the board.

For Class 10 board exams, the most important areas are Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, and Hindi or regional language. In Mathematics, questions from Algebra, Linear Equations, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, and Probability are repeatedly seen. For Science, the key chapters are Chemical Reactions, Acids Bases and Salts, Metals and Non metals, Life Processes, Heredity, Light and Electricity. In Social Science, priority should be given to Nationalism, Resources and Development, Agriculture, Power Sharing, Democratic Politics, and Economics related topics. In English, focus on unseen passages, grammar exercises, and important writing tasks like letter writing and essays.

CBSE Sample Papers 2026: How to Download

Follow these steps to access the SQPs and marking schemes:

Step 1: Visit https://cbseacademic.nic.in/

Step 2: Click on the link titled “CBSE Sample Papers 2026”

Step 3: A PDF will open with links to Class 10 and 12 sample papers

Step 4: Select your class (Class 10 or Class 12)

Step 5: Choose your subject

Step 6: Download both the sample paper and its marking scheme





If you are looking for Class 10 previous year question papers for 2026 preparation, you can easily access them through the links I’ll be attaching. These papers are very helpful because they give you a clear idea about the exam pattern, marking scheme, and the type of questions usually asked in board exams. Practicing these will not only improve your time management but also help you identify important chapters and commonly repeated questions.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-previous-year-question-papers-class-10
https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-previous-year-question-papers