Compiled from reports by Telangana Today, ThePrint and Deccan Chronicle. See the original articles linked below.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified how the Class 10 board examinations will be structured for the batch that sits them in 2028, according to reports published on 29 October 2026 by Telangana Today, ThePrint and Deccan Chronicle. Telangana Today and ThePrint carried the story as a Press Trust of India wire report.
Who is covered
Telangana Today reported that the arrangement applies to students who are in Class 9 in the 2026-27 academic year. ThePrint and Deccan Chronicle both said the students currently in Class 10 are not affected.
Compulsory subjects
ThePrint reported that students will take board examinations in five compulsory subjects: two languages, mathematics, science and social science. Deccan Chronicle added that students may also take an extra skill paper. According to Deccan Chronicle, this paper can help a student clear the examination even after failing mathematics, science or social science.
According to Telangana Today, students will study nine compulsory curricular subjects in total. These include a third language, art education, physical education and well-being, and vocational education.
Vocational education
ThePrint reported that vocational education remains compulsory. A student can pick either a programme called Kaushal Vikas or one of 22 notified skill subjects. ThePrint listed artificial intelligence, data science, information technology, financial markets, healthcare and design thinking among the options.
Deccan Chronicle reported that a student who takes a skill subject sits the matching Class 10 board paper and has the marks printed on the marksheet. Those who pass receive certification under the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF), the outlet said.
Kaushal Vikas works differently, according to Telangana Today. It is assessed by the school internally and has no board examination. The outlet reported that a student who scores at least 33 per cent receives a school certificate.
Items left out
Telangana Today reported that the interdisciplinary area and the computational thinking and AI modules will not be part of the Scheme of Studies. ThePrint said the "Individuals in Society" subject and the CT and AI modules, planned for Class 9 in 2026-27, will not feature for these batches. It added that Environmental Education in Class 10 in 2027-28 is also excluded.
Telangana Today and ThePrint attributed the clarification to a communique from CBSE Director (Academics) Praggya M Singh, addressed to school principals.
Deccan Chronicle quoted a board source as saying the circular was intended to give clarity well ahead of the time these students reach Class 10, and to encourage meaningful learning over a sole focus on examinations.
Sources
- Class 10 board exams: CBSE offers 22 skill subjects for 2028 batch (Telangana Today, 2026-10-29)
- 5 compulsory subjects, optional skill paper as safety net: CBSE scheme for 2028 Class 10 exams (ThePrint, 2026-10-29)
- CBSE Skill Paper To Help Students Clear Class 10 (Deccan Chronicle, 2026-10-29)
This article was compiled with AI assistance from the reports listed above and reviewed by GMA before publishing.