CBSE year-ender 2025 reshaping education

As 2025 draws to a close, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has emerged as one of India’s most reform-driven education Boards, introducing a series of significant changes that have reshaped exams, curriculum design and classroom learning across the country. Closely aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, these reforms mark a decisive shift away from rote learning towards competency-based, skill-oriented and student-centric education.

One of the most notable developments this year was the increased emphasis on competency-based assessment in Classes 10 and 12. Board exams now feature a higher proportion of case-based, application-oriented and real-life problem questions, while traditional long-answer questions have been reduced.

The CBSE also introduced a section-wise question paper pattern for Class 10 Science and Social Science, allowing students to attempt subject-specific sections such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History and Geography in a more organised manner.

CBSE mandated a competency- and skill-based learning framework for middle school (Classes VI–VIII), integrating experiential and hands-on learning. The Board also announced new competency-based textbooks for Classes IV, V, VII and VIII to be implemented from the 2025–26 academic session, focusing on concept clarity, critical thinking and real-world application.

On the exam front, CBSE strengthened security by introducing biometric authentication and CCTV surveillance at exam centres nationwide. Digital evaluation of answer sheets was expanded to improve accuracy and speed, while the APAAR ID framework was rolled out to create long-term digital academic records for students.

Among the most impactful announcements was the introduction of a two-term Board exam system for Class 10 from 2026, offering students two chances to improve their scores.