CBSE Class 9 Curriculum 2026 27: 22 Skill Subjects Listed; Check Class 10 Exam Rules

CBSE Class 9 Scheme of Studies 2026-27 Details (22 Skill Subjects, Kaushal Vikas & Class 10 Board Exam Rules)

New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a fresh clarification on the Scheme of Studies for students currently studying in Class IX for the 2026-27 academic year. The changes will also apply when the students move to Class X in the 2027-28 academic year.

Vocational education will still be a mandatory component, but they can choose to study Kaushal Vikas or one of the 22 notified skill subjects (Circular No. Acad-70/2026, dated October 29, 2026). The type of assessment they will receive depends on the subject they choose.

CBSE Class 9 Scheme of Studies 2026-27 Changes

The circular outlines three key changes to the curriculum for the current batch of Class IX students in 2026-27, which will also apply when they move to Class X in 2027-28. Interdisciplinary will no longer be a component. This means that the Individuals in Society and CT & AI modules will no longer be studied in Class IX. Environmental Education will no longer be a component in Class X in 2027-28.

Vocational education will still be a mandatory component. Students can choose to do Kaushal Vikas or one of the 22 skills subjects. Other optional subjects will still be available in both Class IX and X.

CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2027-28: Which Subjects Will Be Examined?

The FAQs in the circular outline that there will be 5 main subjects that will be examined in Class X.

• Language R1
• Language R2
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science

They may also be examined in other subjects, depending on what they choose. This includes their optional subject, Maths Advanced, Science Advanced and a skill subject. Language R3, Art Education, Physical Education and Wellbeing will all be assessed via internal assessment. If they choose to do Kaushal Vikas it will also be an internal assessment.

CBSE 22 Skill Subjects

If they aren’t doing Kaushal Vikas they can choose one of the 22 skill subjects (Annexure I). These range from technology, finance, healthcare, agriculture and design.

If they choose to do any of the 22 skills subjects they will have to sit the relevant CBSE Board exam. Their results will be shown on their marksheet. Those who successfully pass will also get an NSQF certificate for their chosen skill subject.

Kaushal Vikas or Skills Subject Differences

If students choose to do Kaushal Vikas they will be assessed via internal assessment. Those who choose this subject will not have to sit the exam. They will get a certificate from their school if they get 33% or above.

Those who choose one of the 22 skills subjects will have to sit the relevant exam. It is important to consider what subjects you want to do and how they will be assessed. Those who do Kaushal Vikas will not be eligible for the subject substitution benefit.

Key Clarification for Current Class 10 Students

These changes in Circular Acad-70/2026 do not affect the current Class X students of 2026-27. The current scheme will still apply to them. The changes are for those currently in Class IX in 2026-27. Schools have been asked to inform students. Parents should confirm with their schools what subjects are available and how they will be assessed

FAQs

1. Who does CBSE Circular Acad-70/2026 affect?

Those in Class IX in 2026-27 moving to Class X in 2027-28.

2. Is Vocational Education a mandatory subject for CBSE Class 9?

Yes. Students must choose to do either Kaushal Vikas or one of the 22 skills subjects.

3. Will those who choose to do Kaushal Vikas have to sit an exam?

No. It will be an internal assessment.

4. Will those who do one of the 22 skills subjects have to sit an exam?

Yes. Those who choose to do any of the 22 skills subjects will have to sit the exam.

5. What 5 subjects will be the main subjects to be examined?

Language R1, Language R2, Maths, Science and Social Science.

6. Will those in current Class 10 (2026-27) be affected by this change?

No. CBSE have clarified that the current scheme will still apply to those currently in Class X in 2026-27.

7. Will students get a certificate for Kaushal Vikas?

Yes. They will get a certificate from their school if they get 33% or above in their internal assessment.

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