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 30 Oct 2025, 04:05 PM 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,

I am attaching the link through which you can download and access the Bangalore Sahodaya Class 10th CBSE question paper of Mathematics ( Basic )

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It will help you to practice basic level numerical questions, strengthen fundamentals and prepare confidently for the board

HELLO,

Below i am attaching the direct link of Careers360 through which you can download the Bangalore Sahodaya Class 10th Mathematics Basic Question paper 2025 2026

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Hope this will help you!

Hello

You will be able to download the CBSE Class 10th Maths Sample Paper 2025-26 using the link which is given below.

https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-10th-maths-sample-papers-2025-26

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Hello,

Here you can access the last 5 years CBSE Class 10 Board Exam Question Papers from the mentioned link below:

https://school.careers360.com/boards/cbse/cbse-previous-year-question-papers-class-10

Hope it helps.

You can check the Class 11 English half yearly question paper and answer key for 2025 26 on the Careers360 website. These papers help students practice, understand the exam pattern, and check their answers for better preparation.

You can visit this Careers360 link to access the English question paper and