CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028: Check the Five Compulsory Papers and Vocational Education Rules

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified the reported examination structure for students studying in Class 9 during the academic session 2026–27, who are expected to appear for their Class 10 board examinations in 2028. The clarification covers five compulsory board examination subjects, vocational education assessment options and changes to the curriculum for the affected batch.

According to the information provided, students will have to appear for board examinations in two languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. Vocational education will also remain compulsory, with students following one of two assessment routes: school-based Kaushal Vikas assessment or a board examination in one of 22 notified skill subjects. The changes described here concern the 2028 Class 10 examination cohort and should not be confused with the examination arrangements for students appearing in 2027.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2028: Five Subjects Will Be Compulsory

Under the reported examination structure, five subjects will form the compulsory Class 10 board examination component.

These include:

1. First language
2. Second language
3. Mathematics
4. Science
5. Social Science

Apart from these five board examination subjects, students will study nine compulsory curricular subjects overall. The additional curricular requirements include a third language, art education, physical education and well-being, and vocational education. This distinction is important because compulsory curricular subjects and compulsory board examination papers are not necessarily the same thing.

CBSE Vocational Education: Two Assessment Options Explained

Vocational education will remain a compulsory component for the affected students. However, the reported clarification provides two assessment routes.

Option 1: Kaushal Vikas – School-Based Assessment

Students opting for the Kaushal Vikas route will undergo internal assessment conducted by their schools.

According to the supplied information:

• Assessment will be conducted at the school level.
• Students securing at least 33% will receive a school certificate.
• Students will not have to appear for a separate Class 10 board examination in this subject.

The assessment framework and certification conditions should be confirmed through the relevant CBSE notification before schools communicate final instructions.

Option 2: One of 22 Notified Skill Subjects

Students may alternatively opt for one of the 22 notified skill subjects.

Under this route:

• Students will have to appear for a Class 10 board examination.
• Marks and grades will be recorded on the CBSE board marksheet.
• Successful students will receive certification under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), as described in the supplied clarification.

The official list of the 22 subjects, their codes and the applicable certification requirements should be checked against the CBSE notification.

Kaushal Vikas vs CBSE Skill Subjects: What Is the Difference?

The two vocational assessment routes differ mainly in their examination arrangements and certification.

Students and parents should confirm the available subjects and selection process with their schools before making a decision.

Which Students Will Be Affected by the CBSE 2028 Changes?

1. The reported clarification applies to students studying in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session.
2. These students are expected to progress to Class 10 in 2027–28 and appear for their board examinations in 2028.

Students currently preparing for the 2027 Class 10 board examinations should not automatically assume that these provisions apply to their batch. Schools should communicate the applicable subject structure to students and parents based on the official CBSE instructions.

CBSE Class 9 and 10 Curriculum Exclusions

The supplied clarification also identifies certain curriculum components that will not form part of the affected students' studies.

The reported exclusions are:

1. Individuals in Society: This component will not form part of Class 9 studies for the affected batch.

2. Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence modules: These modules are also reported to be excluded from the Class 9 studies of this cohort.

3. Environmental Education: This subject will reportedly not be included in the Class 10 curriculum for the 2027–28 academic session.

These exclusions should be distinguished from CBSE's separate initiative introducing Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence curriculum for Classes III–VIII from 2026–27. The latter is confirmed in CBSE Circular Acad-15/2026 dated April 1, 2026.

What Should CBSE Students and Schools Do Next?

Students entering Class 9 in 2026–27 should:

• Discuss the available vocational education options with their schools.
• Understand the difference between internal assessment and a board examination.
• Check the official list of notified skill subjects and their subject codes.
• Confirm the certification requirements for each assessment route.
• Follow the updated CBSE curriculum and subsequent school instructions.

Parents should also ensure that they are referring to information applicable to the 2028 examination cohort rather than guidance intended for an earlier batch.

Conclusion

The reported CBSE Class 10 examination clarification introduces an important distinction between compulsory curricular subjects and compulsory board examination papers for students expected to appear in 2028. While five subjects will form the compulsory board examination component, vocational education will remain compulsory through two reported assessment routes: Kaushal Vikas and notified skill subjects. Students and schools should refer to the final CBSE notification before confirming subject choices, assessment arrangements and certification requirements.