The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has dropped three planned curricular components for Class 9 students in the 2026-27 academic session. According to a circular issued on October 29, Individuals in Society and the Computational Thinking (CT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) modules will not be included in this year’s curriculum. Environmental Education will also be excluded when the same batch moves to Class 10 in 2027-28.
The decision follows NCERT’s release of a 20-hour introductory CT and AI module for Classes 9 to 12 on October 23. CBSE said the changes were intended to align the introduction of these subjects with the implementation schedule.
The announcement comes amid several revisions to CBSE’s three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The board initially proposed a phased rollout but subsequently revised the timeline, making three languages compulsory for Class 9 from July 2026, with at least two being Indian languages.
The policy also faced scrutiny from the Supreme Court over concerns regarding textbook availability and shortages of qualified teachers. On September 28, the court directed CBSE to extend transitional relief to Class 6 students, allowing them to study the third language without a mandatory Class 10 board examination in it.
Under the latest scheme, Class 9 students must study nine compulsory subjects, including three languages, Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Art Education, Physical Education and Well-being, and Vocational Education. They may also choose one optional subject from 57 listed options.
CBSE has clarified that Class 10 students must secure at least 33% in each of five compulsory board-examination subjects. Passed skill subjects may replace failed Mathematics, Science or Social Science results, while an optional language may replace a failed R1 or R2 language, subject to eligibility conditions.
Educationists have welcomed the emphasis on multilingual and skill-based learning but highlighted the need for qualified teachers, adequate learning materials and clear implementation guidelines.
