CBSE Curriculum 2025–26: A Comprehensive Guide to NEP-Aligned Learning

The CBSE Curriculum at a Glance

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) offers a structured and continually updated curriculum framework for Classes I through XII across India. Based on the National Education Policy (NEP 2020) and the National Curriculum Framework (NCF 2023), the CBSE curriculum⁠—anchored in NCERT textbooks⁠—emphasizes holistic education and future‑ready

1. Educational Stages & Pedagogical Philosophy The NEP‑Mandated 5+3+3+4 Structure

CBSE has aligned its structure with the NEP's updated model:

• Foundational Stage: Nursery to Class 2 (ages 3–7)

• Preparatory Stage: Classes 3–5 (ages 8–10)

• Middle Stage: Classes 6–8 (ages 11–13)

• Secondary Stage: Classes 9–12 (ages 14–18)

Instruction in early grades prioritizes activity-based and play-based learning, gradually building to concept-rich, interdisciplinary knowledge in higher grades.

Emphasis on Competency & Conceptual Skills

CBSE has shifted from rote memorization to competency-based education. For instance, in the Class X board exams, 50% of questions are now competency-based and designed to test higher‑order thinking skills. This shift led to an improved pass percentage—94.9% in West Bengal, surpassing the national average of 93.7%

2. What’s New in the 2025–26 Academic Year Mother Tongue as Medium in Early Stages

Effective from the 2025–26 session, CBSE has mandated instruction using students’ mother tongue or home language during Foundational and Preparatory stages. This aligns with NCF 2023 and NEP 2020, fostering stronger foundational comprehension and cognitive development

Mandatory Art-Integrated Projects for Classes I–X

In a move to promote interdisciplinary learning and cultural awareness, CBSE now requires all students in Classes I–X to complete an art-integrated project annually. These projects blend core academic subjects with traditional Indian art forms and must be eco-friendly. Class X students must submit their project online to receive their admit cards

Streamlined Flexibility in Higher Classes

From July 2025, CBSE plans to introduce a two-tier STEM curriculum for Classes XI and XII, allowing students greater freedom in choosing subjects such as science and mathematics, in line with NEP goals toward flexible, student-driven learning

Launch of a CBSE Global Curriculum in 2026

A global curriculum targeted at international schools and foreign learners will roll out in the 2026–27 academic year. This program will offer board exams twice a year, a globally competitive structure in sync with NEP’s vision on global learning outcomes

3. Class-Wise Curriculum Overview Classes I–V (Primary/Foundational & Preparatory Stages)

• Core subjects: English, Hindi (or another Indian language), Mathematics, Environmental Studies

• Teaching based on NCERT textbooks with multi-sensory and interactive approaches—short stories, poems, infographics, songs, and activity sheets

Classes VI–VIII (Middle Stage)

• Subjects expand to include Science, Social Science, Sanskrit (optional), Computer Applications, Art Education, Health & Physical Education, alongside languages and mathematics.

• Focus moves to conceptual clarity, hands-on experiments, projects, and continuous assessments (formative and summative)

Classes IX–X (Secondary Stage – Phase 1)

• Core subjects typically include English, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, and a second language.

• Assessment is more structured, with standard metrics (MCQs, competency-based, long-form questions).

• Class X board exams now emphasize applications and analysis, rooted in NEP-aligned assessment schemes

Classes XI–XII (Secondary Stage – Phase 2)

• Structured in streams (Science, Commerce, Humanities), with added flexibility to choose mix of subjects as per interest.

• The new STEM model introduces tiered options and elective freedom, allowing students to design their curriculum path

4. Assessment Pattern: Continuous, Holistic, Reformed

CBSE assessments combine Formative Assessments (FAs) and Summative Assessments (SAs):

• FAs: Periodic class-based evaluations, group/individual projects, assignments.

• SA: Board exams for Class X and XII, plus major exams at secondary school level.

The marking scheme now often includes:

• 40% MCQs

• 20% competency-based questions

• 40% subjective questions (short & long answers)

Performance is reported using grade points/GPA scale (e.g., A1 = 91–100 = Grade Point 10) to reduce stress and emphasize learning over rote scores

5. Key Benefits of CBSE Curriculum

• Uniformity and Mobility‑Friendly: Standardised curriculum ensures seamless transitions between schools across India and abroad

• Alignment with National Competitive Exams: Many entrance tests for engineering, medical and central universities are based on CBSE/NCERT pattern.

• Holistic Education: With art integration, life skills, culture, sports, and mental health focus, CBSE aims to nurture well-rounded individuals.

• Reduced Stress: The reformed exam pattern with grade-based assessment reduces pressure while promoting better learning outcomes.

• Language Inclusivity: Implementing mother tongue instruction at early stages enhances comprehension and cognitive readiness with early literacy and numeracy skills.

6. Challenges & Ongoing Debates Representation of Cultural Icons

One notable concern raised recently is the minimal presence of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in CBSE textbooks—reported to be only 68 words in the classes 1–12 curriculum. Maharashtra has petitioned the Centre to revise this to include more inspiring coverage, especially for classes 7–10

Implementation Hurdles

• Implementing mother tongue instruction across diverse linguistic contexts (especially in multilingual schools) can be challenging.

• Schools must adapt to new art-integrated projects, infrastructure, teacher training, and digital submission protocols.

• Balancing stream flexibility in Classes XI–XII with existing school resources, teacher specialization, and NCERT releases may take time.

7. Steps for Schools & Educators

• Access and review the official CBSE Curriculum documents for 2025–26 from the CBSE academic portal or CBSE360, Tiwari Academy, Vedantu, Selfstudys, etc.

• Train teachers for activity-based methodologies, interdisciplinary project design, and language-medium instruction in appropriate grades.

• Prepare infrastructure and guidelines for annual art‑integrated student projects, including submission protocols via CBSE’s online platform.

• Encourage students to use NCERT textbooks as the primary resource for preparation—while supplementing with experiential and analytical learning approaches.

• Update counseling and academic planning frameworks to reflect the new two-tier STEM model in Classes XI–XII.

Conclusion

The CBSE curriculum for the 2025–26 academic year reflects a holistic, flexible, and student‑centric vision of education. Reinforcing foundational language learning, promoting competency and critical thinking, and integrating culture and art-based projects are all hallmarks of CBSE’s alignment with NEP 2020. As schools, teachers, and students adapt, these changes promise a future-ready, inclusive learning experience that blends academic rigor with life skills and cultural sensitivity.

When it comes to choosing the best international school in Mumbai, it’s essential to consider your child’s learning needs, long-term goals, and the school’s overall environment. Attend school tours, interact with faculty, and talk to other parents.