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Journalism of Courage
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is considering introducing two levels of examinations for science and social science in Classes 9 and 10 — Standard and Advanced — similar to the existing two-tier system for mathematics in Class 10. The Advanced level seeks to delve deeper into concepts and foster critical thinking, while the Standard level will focus on core understanding.
The CBSE governing body approved this decision in December last year, noting that the standard-level exams may have a shorter duration, while the advanced-level exams might be longer to accommodate additional content. Both exams will be conducted on the same day at the same exam centre. Students opting for the Advanced level will receive a supplementary question paper with additional questions requiring higher-order skills.
The syllabus will retain a common core curriculum, with specific topics identified for in-depth study at the Advanced level. CBSE and the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) officials have indicated that new textbooks for science, social science, and mathematics, incorporating additional content for the Advanced level, will be available for the 2026-27 academic session.
The move is intended to offer flexibility to students, allowing those interested in STEM fields like engineering and medicine to opt for the Advanced level in science, while those pursuing non-STEM fields can choose the Standard level. Similarly, the Advanced level in social science will facilitate deeper exploration of historical events, geographical patterns, and economic systems, while the Standard level will emphasize real-world applications.
CBSE is also considering renaming and reorganising the mathematics paper along the same lines as science and social science. Under the current system, both Standard and Basic levels in Class 10 mathematics are based on the same syllabus.
To implement these changes effectively, CBSE is planning comprehensive teacher training programmes on differentiated instruction and assessment practices. The curriculum committee, which approved the proposal in November, cited several advantages, including alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, providing adequate challenges for students with advanced aptitude, reducing reliance on coaching centers by strengthening the STEM curriculum from Class 9, and preparing students for higher education through early engagement with complex concepts.
