Key changes in CBSE 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has consistently worked to adapt its policies and procedures to meet evolving educational standards. In 2024, CBSE announced a number of reforms aimed at improving the academic experience and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
CBSE has announced the dates for the 2025 Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. The exams will begin on February 15, 2025. While Class 10 exams will conclude by March 18, the Class 12 exams will extend until April 4, 2025. Practical exams, internal assessments, and project work have already commenced from January 1, 2025.
CBSE 2025: Changes in exam format and more
These changes, set to take effect this year, in 2025, are likely to significantly impact students’ preparation and examination processes. From syllabus adjustments to security enhancements, these updates reflect CBSE’s commitment to fostering analytical skills, ensuring exam integrity, and supporting diverse student needs.
Reduction in short and long response questions
In 2025, CBSE will reduce the number of constructed response questions—short and long-answer questions—for both Class 10 and Class 12. This shift reflects a growing emphasis on assessing analytical and critical-thinking skills. The goal is to move away from rote learning and encourage students to engage more deeply with their subjects.
Focus on competency-based questions
Competency-based questions will form a larger portion of the Class 12 board exams in 2025. These questions are designed to test students’ ability to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. The move aligns with the NEP 2020, emphasising experiential and application-based learning.
Increased internal assessment weightage
Internal assessments will now carry 40% of the total marks, with the remaining 60% based on final board exams. This includes projects, periodic tests, and assignments. The revised structure ensures a more holistic evaluation of students’ abilities throughout the year.
Mandatory 75% attendance and security measures
To qualify for the 2025 board exams, students must maintain a minimum attendance of 75%. Exceptions will be granted for medical emergencies, participation in sports events, or other valid reasons, provided appropriate documentation is submitted. Additionally, from 2025, all CBSE exam centers must have CCTV cameras installed in examination halls. Schools failing to meet this requirement will not be eligible as exam centers.
Special provisions for athletes and Olympiad participants
CBSE, recognising the challenges faced by students participating in national or international sports events or recognised Olympiads, will conduct special examinations for these students. This provision, which started in 2018, ensures they can balance academic and extracurricular commitments without compromising on either. Students whose board exam dates clash with these events, including travel days, can avail themselves of this facility.
Expanded Reach: CBSE to open a new sub-regional office in Tripura
In response to concerns over the performance of state-run CBSE-affiliated schools in Tripura, the Board announced the opening of a sub-regional office in Agartala. This decision is part of an effort to support educational reforms and improve academic outcomes in the region, following public dissatisfaction with state-run Vidyajyoti Schools’ performance.
Under the BJP-led administration, 125 state-run schools in Tripura were converted into Vidyajyoti Schools, with an English-medium CBSE curriculum replacing the Bengali-medium syllabus previously supplied by the Tripura Board of Secondary Education. Despite these adjustments, the schools had difficulties, with a 61% pass percentage in the CBSE Class 10 exams and only 59% in the Class 12 exams this year.
To further improve learning outcomes and strengthen infrastructure, the state government has agreed to provide land for a new CBSE sub-regional office. This office will initially function from the Ramakrishna Mission Vidyalaya building in Agartala. It would collaborate closely with state education authorities and local institutions to ensure effective examination management and promote student growth.