CBSE changes or clarifies rules at least six times in seven months, leaving parents and students confused

For the CBSE, the country's largest education board, 2026 is turning into a year of decisions and clarifications. Between May and October 2026, just seven months, the board had to change its rules or issue clarifications at least six times. From the dispute over digital evaluation to the counting of marks for extra questions, the three-language formula, confusion over passing marks and now a sudden change in the Class 9 syllabus, students, parents and school administrations are all troubled.

The board examinations are near. A new education minister has taken charge and the board has a new chairperson. The question being asked is whether 2027 will bring stability for students or more changes in the rules.

On May 16, complaints and questions were raised about the new on-screen marking system for Class 12 answer sheets. The CBSE defended its digital evaluation process and explained how step-wise marking works. Students who were not satisfied with their marks were asked to use the verification and re-evaluation process. After the dispute, CBSE Chairman Rahul Singh and Secretary Himanshu Gupta were transferred on June 2. An inquiry into the procurement of OSM services followed.

Another issue surfaced on June 4. Students who received scanned copies of their evaluated answer sheets found a difference between the marks written in the calculated sheet and the final total. The CBSE then explained how marks are counted when students attempt extra questions, and the process followed to award the best of marks.

On May 15, the board had announced that from the 2026-27 session, three languages would be compulsory for Class 9 students. On June 29 it issued a detailed clarification on the framework of the three-language policy. It covered the transaction and arrangement suit, combinations of foreign languages, and which batch will have to take a board examination in the third language. As the confusion persisted, the board had to issue guidelines again on July 10. These clarified issues such as what happens if a student fails the third language, arrangements for teachers, and the transfer of families.

On October 3, a curriculum document led to a rumour that Class 10 students must score 33 per cent separately in both theory and internal assessment. The CBSE had to clarify that the rule has not changed. Students who score a total of 33 per cent across both will be considered to have passed.

The latest change is in a new circular of October 29. It removes 'Individual in Society' and the 'Computational Thinking and AI module' for the current Class 9 batch. When this batch moves to Class 10 in 2027-28, it will also not be taught 'Environmental Education'. The board has also clarified the rules on vocational education and changing subjects.

The circular will apply to students who are now in Class 9 and will take the Class 10 board examination in 2028. It will not apply to students who will take the Class 10 examination in 2027. Five subjects will be compulsory in the board examination: two languages, mathematics, science and social science. Students will also have to choose skill development or one of 22 skill subjects.

If a student fails mathematics, science or social science but passes one of the 22 skill subjects, the marks of the skill subject can replace the failed subject. The aim is to give students more flexibility, but some new rules come with it, which schools and parents must understand.