CBSE Board Exam 2026: CBSE has made a major decision that could impact the plans of thousands of students. Until now, private candidates have had the option to take additional subjects in classes 10 and 12. This meant that after passing class 12, students could choose a new subject and appear for the exam for the next two years.

Many students used this option to change their career path. For example, a student studying biology could later prepare for JEE by taking math. But now, this option will be closed from 2026. The board says that it is not possible to provide an internal assessment to private students.

How many students chose this option?
According to CBSE data, 2,768 students registered for additional subjects in the 2025 exam. Of these, 2,161 students (78%) appeared for the exam. This number was slightly lower in 2024. That year, 2,225 students registered, and 1,657 (74%) took the exam.

Students in Class 10 were also taking advantage of this option. In 2025, 375 students registered, and 311 took the exam. In 2024, 330 students registered, of whom 267 appeared.

How did the additional subject benefit?
Until now, after passing Class 12, students have had the opportunity to take an additional subject for two years. For example, if a student took Physics, Chemistry, and Biology in Class 11-12, they could appear for exams like the JEE by taking the Maths exam the following year.

Class 12 had only one additional subject option, while in Class 10, students could choose up to two subjects. The condition was that these subjects could involve project work, not practicals.

Why did the CBSE make this decision?
According to a senior CBSE official, it is difficult to provide internal assessment marks to private candidates in additional subjects. The board's focus is not just on conducting exams, but on the overall schooling experience. Therefore, this option has been removed from 2026. Students, meanwhile, say the board should have provided prior information instead of implementing this decision suddenly.

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