Major reforms for CBSE 2025 exams 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant reforms for the 2025 academic session, aimed at reducing academic pressure on students. The Board will cut the syllabus by 10 to 15 per cent for classes X and XII, enabling students to focus on key concepts and develop a deeper understanding of their subjects rather than relying on rote memorisation.

This decision was shared by Vikas Kumar Agrawal, CBSE’s Regional Officer in Bhopal, during the ‘Bridging the Gap’ Principals Summit in Indore. In addition to the syllabus reduction, the CBSE is revamping its assessment system.

Internal assessments will now contribute 40 per cent to a student’s final grade, with traditional written exams accounting for the remaining 60 per cent. This change aims to provide a more balanced evaluation, recognising students’ diverse skills and encouraging a more holistic approach to learning.

Another major reform is the introduction of open-book exams for select subjects, including English Literature and Social Science. These exams will allow students to refer to their textbooks, promoting critical thinking, application-based learning, and deeper engagement with the content. The objective is to shift from memorisation to an emphasis on analysis, interpretation, and problem-solving.

Looking ahead, the CBSE has confirmed that the 2024-25 academic year will still follow the existing structure with a single annual Board exam. However, starting from the 2025-26 session, the Board will reintroduce the two-term exam system, offering students two opportunities each year to demonstrate their learning.

This change is part of CBSE’s long-term vision to create a more flexible and student-friendly evaluation process.