Now it becomes difficult to pass on the basis of additional subjects, revolutionary change in the rules of 10th and 12th:

News India Live, Digital Desk: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made a change in the examination rules from the session 2025-26, which will have a direct impact on those students who expected to pass with the help of ‘additional subject’ (6th or 7th subject) if they are weak in the main subjects. The board has now Ending the policy of declaring pass on the basis of 6th or 7th additional subject Have decided to do.

What was the old rule and what has changed now?

Old Testament (Best of 5): Till now, if a student failed in any one of the core 5 subjects (like Mathematics or Science) but had taken the sixth subject (like skill subject or Physical Education), then the marks of the additional subject would replace that of the core subject and the student would be declared ‘passed’.

New rule: now the student Core Subjects It is mandatory to pass. Additional subjects will only help in improving your overall percentage, but it will not be able to take you from ‘fail’ to ‘pass’ category.

Why did the board take this tough decision?

Importance of main subjects: The board believes that students were ignoring core subjects like Mathematics, Science and Social Science and were reaching the next class only on the basis of additional subjects.

Quality Education: The move is aimed at ensuring that students acquire basic competency in core subjects of their choice.

Obstacles in higher education: Many times students passed school on the basis of additional subjects, but had to face rejection in college admissions or competitive examinations due to failure in main subjects.

Points to note for students and parents

Mandatory Passing Marks: Now students have to pass different minimum marks in their main 5 subjects (Language and Core Subjects). 33% Have to get marks.

Role of skill subject: Skill subjects will still be important, but they will only act as ‘supplementary’.

Preparation Strategy: Now students will have to pay more attention to their weak subjects, because now the safety net of “backup subject” will not work in case of failure.

When will this rule come into effect?

According to the CBSE circular, this change is considered effective from the current academic session itself, which will have a direct impact. board exams 2026 Will appear on the results.