CBSE Subject Replacement Policy and Rules 2024-25 and Scheme of Studies (Secondary and Senior Secondary Level)
Skill subject score can replace with compulsory subject failure for CBSE Class 10
💫As per the new CBSE curriculum 2024-25, if a Class 10 student fails a compulsory subject, a skill subject score can compensate for the same.
👉Check the details and other changes in the CBSE curriculum here.
💦In a bid to ease the pressure on students grappling with core subjects in CBSE Class 10 like science, mathematics, and social science, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a significant policy change for the academic year 2024-25.
👉As per the recently released CBSE Secondary Curriculum 2024-25, If a students fails in any of the three compulsory subjects, Likely Science, Mathematics, OR Social science, in Class 10 now have the option to substitute it with a skill subject.
💥This move aims to provide students with an alternative path to academic success and reduce the stress associated with traditional subjects.
👉The CBSE Secondary Curriculum 2024-25 states: "If a student fails in any one of the three compulsory subjects (i.e., Science, Mathematics and Social Science) and passes in the Skill subject (offered as sixth optional subject), then that subject will be replaced by the Skill subject and the result of Class X Board examination will be computed accordingly."
👉Here are the skill subjects available for CBSE Class 10 students:
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| 👉Download Skill Subjects List OR Visit the skill subjects |
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| 👉The Curriculum and Study material for Skill Education |
Skill Education - Curriculum
Skill Education - Books and Support Material
Session 2024-25
👉https://cbseacademic.nic.in/skill-education.html
👉LANGUAGE SUBJECT REPLACEMENT
The revised curriculum also notes a similar process for Class 10 students failing in a language subject.
👉If a student fails to clear any language subject from the five compulsory subjects, it can be replaced by a language subject that has been chosen as their sixth subject or seventh subject. However, either English or Hindi needs to remain as a passed subject among the five compulsory subjects.
"If a student fails in any language subject, out of first five subjects, the same will be replaced by the language taken as sixth subject (in case of no skills subjects offered) or as seventh subject (optional), provided that he or she has passed this language and after replacement, either Hindi or English remains as a passed language in the first five subjects," the CBSE curriculum states.
👉THREE-LANGUAGE POLICY
The new CBSE curriculum states that all students need to have studied three language subjects till Class 8. Students unable to clear the third language by the end of Class 8 will be assessed by their schools at the end of Class 9.
Those still unable to clear the third language by the end of Class 9 may have another opportunity in Class 10. However, passing the third language is a prerequisite for appearing in the Class 10 board exam.
It's essential to note that children with special needs (CWSN) are exempted from studying the third language, recognizing the unique challenges they may face in the curriculum.
👉This new CBSE curriculum seeks to provide flexibility and support to students, enabling them to pursue their interests and strengths while ensuring a holistic and inclusive education system.
Subjects | Description of Subjects | Group | |
Compulsory | Subject 1 | Language 1 (Hindi-Course A or Hindi-Course B or English Language and Literature or English Communicative) | Group-L |
Subject 2 | Language 2 (Any one from the Group of Languages (Group-L) other than the language chosen as Subject 1) | Group-L | |
Subject 3 | Mathematics – Basic OR Mathematics - Standard | Group-A1 | |
Subject 4 | Science | ||
Subject 5 | Social Science | ||
Optional | Subject 6 | Skill Subject | Group-S |
Subject 7 | Language 3 / Any subject other than opted above | Group-L / Group-A2 | |
Subjects of Internal Assessment | Subject 8 and 9 (Assessment and certification at school level) |
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*Work Experience is subsumed in Health and Physical Education
Please Note:
- If any student fails in any one of the three elective subjects (i.e. Science, Mathematics and Social Science), and passes in the Skill subject (offered as a 6th additional subject), then that subject will be replaced by the Skill subject and the result of Class X Board Examination will be computed accordingly.
- Also, if a student studies three compulsory subjects (i.e., Science, Mathematics and Social Science) and also chooses to study a Skill subject (offered as sixth optional subject), then the aggregate of best five including two languages and the best three subjects (from subject 3, 4, 5 & 6, including Skill subject) can be considered for calculation of percentage (by the school).
- Further, if desired, students may also opt language-3 as Seventh optional subject along with Skill subject as 6th additional subject.
- Children with Special Needs (CWSN) may opt one language and any four subjects including Skill subject.
- For detailed Scheme of Studies, please refer to the Secondary Curriculum available on the CBSE website (http://cbseacademic.nic.in).
| Subject | Description | |
| Compulsory | Subject I | Hindi Elective OR Hindi Core OR English Elective OR English Core |
Subject II | Any one Language from Group-L not opted as Subject 1 | |
Subject III, IV & V | Any three electives either from Group-A or Group-S {i.e. three academic electives OR two academic electives and one skill elective OR one academic elective and two skill electives OR three skill electives} | |
| Additional Subject (Optional) | Subject 6 - Additional Subject (optional) | Any one elective or Language from any subject group not opted as subject 1-5 {i.e. one language at elective level OR one academic elective OR one skill electives} |
| Subjects of Internal Assessment | Subject 7 to 9 (to be taken by all Regular Candidates) | Health & Physical Education, Work Experience, General Studies |
Please Note:
- Out of the languages, one shall be English or Hindi, both English and Hindi can also be offered simultaneously.
- The same language can be offered only at one level i.e. Core/ Elective.
- Skill electives can be offered along with any subject, as per the scheme of studies.
- Out of three Computer Science/IT related subjects i.e. Informatics Practices (065), Computer Science (Code 083), and Information Technology (Code 802), a candidate can opt only for one subject.
- Business Studies (054) and Business Administration (833) cannot be taken together.
- For detailed Scheme of Studies, please refer to the Senior Secondary Curriculum available on the CBSE website (http://cbseacademic.nic.in).
👉CBSE SCHEME OF EXAMINATIONS AND PASS CRITERIA with additional subject replacement rules
To resolve this confusion, Let's Discuss the 15 Frequently Asked Questions about Optional Subjects in Class 11th CBSE.
Q1. What are additional or Optional Subjects in Class 11th CBSE?
CBSE gives students the option to study an additional subject, i.e. a 6th subject alongside their 5 regular subjects in classes 11th and 12th. It is not a substitute for a main subject and is generally opted to compensate for the possibility of scoring low marks in a major subject or to keep additional career options open (e.g. Mathematics in the case of Humanities students).
Many schools offer vocational or elective subjects such as Physical Education, Music, Hindi, Fine Arts, etc. as 6th subjects, while some others also offer academic subjects such as Computer Science, Informatics Practices, Mathematics, Biology, and Psychology as options.
Q2. What are the advantages of taking 6th subject in CBSE class 12th?
The biggest question in most students’ minds is, how beneficial would it be for them to opt for a 6th subject? Is there a point to it? The answer is, yes. There are certain advantages associated with an additional subject in class 12. Some of them are:
Improve Your Percentage:
A 6th subject can help you improve your overall percentage, especially if you opt for an easier and higher-scoring subject. In case you score higher in your 6th subject, the marks obtained in it will substitute your 5th subject in your percentage calculation. Thus, your overall percentage will increase. For example – You opted for Physical Education as a 6th subject and obtained the following scores: Physics – 85; Chemistry – 87; Math – 92; English – 95; Computer Science – 90; Physical Education – 96
Thus, the overall percentage here will be 91% (accounting for PCM, English and Physical Ed.) as opposed to 89.8% (with Computer Science).
Increase Career Options:
Opting for a 6th subject can help you increase the number of career options available to you in some cases. For example, a Humanities student may choose to opt for Mathematics as a 6th subject in addition to the main CBSE class 11 subjects to keep Economics open as a career option. Or, PCB students may consider opting for Mathematics and Physical Education, both together. (5th and 6th subjects).
In such a case, keeping Mathematics would open career options in Biotechnology and Biomedical engineering-related fields. Keeping Physical Education as a 6th subject would act as a backup in case they score low in Mathematics and want to save their percentage.
Create a Backup Option in Case You Don’t Score Well:
Again, going by the last example mentioned above, a 6th subject can prove helpful in case you have opted for a tough 5th subject, and you are not sure how well you will be able to score in it. An easier 6th subject can act as a backup if you don’t score well in the optional subject, since your percentage will include the additional subject you score a higher percentage in. Your overall percentage will thus not be affected.
Q3. What are the disadvantages of having a 6th subject in class 12th?
Despite its many advantages, one cannot deny that studying a 6th subject is not meant for everyone. There are certain disadvantages associated with studying an additional subject.
The biggest concern about opting for an extra subject is the extra effort, hard work and time that you will have to devote to your studies. This is especially true for students who have tougher 5th subjects since they would already have their hands full with their 5 main subjects, and adding another to the mix may make it too much to handle.
Even if you opt for an easier 6th subject, you will still have to study for it, and many hold the view that more focused attention towards 5 subjects is a better formula for obtaining a good percentage than dividing attention between 6 subjects.
Thus, you need to look at your ability to multitask and handle the efforts involved in taking up an extra subject.
Q4. Is a 6th subject compulsory in Class 11th?
No, opting for a 6th subject in class 11th is not compulsory. Generally, your 5 main subjects are counted towards your percentage calculation in the board exam, and adding a 6th additional subject is optional.
Q5. Is it compulsory to take the 6th subject exam if I have opted for it?
Yes, it is compulsory to write the 6th subject exam if you have opted for it. However, the marks in your 6th subject are not counted in your percentage calculation if you score less in it or fail. They are only considered in your total percentage calculation in case you have scored less or fail in your 5th subject then that 6th subject will replace language only when after replacing the student still has English/Hindi as one of the languages.
Q6. What if I flunk my 6th subject? Will I be considered to pass or fail?
Your 6th subject marks are not counted to your overall percentage and even for admission purposes, only four/five subjects are counted. Thus, in a case where you’re not able to obtain a passing percentage in your 6th subject, it’s up to you whether you wish to write the examination again or not.
The marks in your 6th subject will however still be written on your final marksheet, and may not give a good impression to future recruiters if you’ve not passed the subject. This is something to take into consideration.
Q7. If I pass in the additional subject but score low/fail in one of the main subjects, what will my result show?
The CBSE board gives you a provision to replace the marks of your 6th subject with those of your main subject in your percentage calculation in certain cases.
As per CBSE guidelines:
- A language offered as an additional subject may replace a language in the event of a candidate failing in the same, provided after replacement the candidate has English/Hindi as one of the languages.
- An elective subject offered as an additional subject may replace one of the elective subjects of the candidate.
- Additional language offered at the elective level may replace an elective subject provided after replacement the number of languages offered shall not exceed two.
For more information, refer to CBSE guidelines.
Thus, if you have failed or have scored low in one of your main subjects, you could get the option to replace it with the marks of your 6th subject.
Q8. Which subject options do I have for a 6th subject?
CBSE provides many options for additional subjects. Some of the popular choices offered with each are as below:
- PCB optional subjects (Medical ): Psychology, Home Science, Mathematics, Economics, Biotechnology, Fine Arts, and Physical Education
- Optional Subjects with PCM (Non-Medical): Biotechnology, Economics, Computer Science, Home Science, Fine Arts, and Physical Education
- Optional Subjects with Commerce: Mathematics, Informatics Practices, Psychology, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Web Applications, Legal Studies, and Entrepreneurship.
- Optional Subjects with Humanities: Economics, Psychology, Mathematics, Home Science, Legal Studies, Fine Arts, Physical Education, Media Studies and Music.
The choices you get to choose from will depend on your school, since some schools may not offer all of the above-mentioned options.
Q9. How to calculate the CBSE Class 12th percentage for 6 subjects?
Only your top five subjects would be taken into account for calculating the aggregate percentage in class 12th, even if you have six subjects. As I mentioned above, if you have scored better in your 6th subject, then its marks can replace your 5th subject (elective subject) marks in the total.
For example – You have opted for Commerce with Mathematics along with Physical Education as your sixth subject. Your marks are as follows: Business Studies – 92; Economics – 90; Mathematics – 89; Accounts – 86; English – 95; and Physical Education – 88. Thus, the overall percentage here will be 90.8% (accounting for the top five subjects i.e. Business Studies, Economics, Mathematics, English, and Physical Education).
Please note that the criteria for calculating percentage would differ if you are going for DU admissions (where you have to calculate your best-of-four).
Q10. Can I take biology as optional in PCM?
Certainly! The candidate must have successfully cleared the intermediate (10+2) or an equivalent examination recognized by the respective State Government and Education Board. You should have completed the qualifying examination with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English individually. Additionally, it is required that they have obtained a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology combined.
Q11. Which optional subject is best for Commerce class 11?
CBSE commerce subjects for class 11 offer several optional subjects to students. While the Central Board of Secondary Education provides various choices, it is better to be aware of the specific subject combinations offered at their school.
Below is a list of some optional subjects available for CBSE 11th Commerce students:
- Mathematics
- Psychology
- Informatics Practices
- Fine Arts
- Legal Studies
- Physical Education
- Entrepreneurship
It’s essential for students to carefully consider their interests and future academic goals while selecting the most suitable subject combination.
Q12. How many subjects are optional in class 11 science?
Apart from the four compulsory subjects, namely Physics, Chemistry, English, and either Biology or Mathematics, optional subjects in class 11 CBSE science will have the opportunity to select a 5th subject based on their preference. Additionally, certain schools may offer the flexibility of choosing a 6th subject, allowing students to opt for two optional subjects of their choice. This enables students to make the right academic choices.
Q13. Can I take math as an additional in CBSE arts subjects for class 11?
Yes, Arts students can often choose Mathematics as an optional subject. Many schools provide this option, but its availability may vary. So, it’s better to check with your school to see if it’s offered and if there are any other requirements. Speak to your school counsellor or academic for guidance on subject choices.
Q14. What are the benefits of choosing geography optional as a CBSE subject for class 11 science?
Choosing Geography as an optional CBSE subject for class 11 science has many benefits. It helps you understand the Earth’s processes and environment better, along with scientific subjects.
Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology improves your research and data analysis skills. You also get to do fieldwork, which enhances your practical abilities. For those aiming for careers in civil services, environmental sciences, or urban planning, Geography can be helpful in competitive exams. It gives you a global perspective on population trends, resource management, and climate change, making you understand Earth better.
Q15. What are the benefits of an optional economics subject with class 11th science?
Choosing Economics as an optional subject in 11th class with Science can be interesting! It helps you understand how money, markets, and economies work and how they relate to scientific concepts. You’ll learn how to analyze things critically and make smart decisions, which can come in handy for science research.
Plus, you’ll discover how economics influences technology and scientific developments. With Economics, you can explore exciting career paths like environmental economics or healthcare economics. It’s like adding an extra layer of knowledge to your science studies and opening up new opportunities for the future!
Hope the concept of a 6th subject is much clearer to you after reading this. Now, the decision comes back to you, whether you wish to opt for a 6th subject or not. This is one decision that needs to be taken carefully since you’ll have to study the subject for the next 2 years. Do not get swayed by others’ actions, thinking that you need to opt for a 6th subject because others are also doing it.
👉Introducing Skill Subjects/Skill Modules
As per the revised Affiliation Bye-laws of the Board, a school does not have to apply separately for introducing any additional subject(s), including Skill subject(s), except Physics, Chemistry and/or Biology. The school shall fill the details in the OASIS form and provide the required details.
However, for adequate handholding, mentoring and training of teachers of the schools that wish to introduce/have introduced Skill subjects/ Skill Modules, the schools should provide the information/ details using the below mentioned links:
| (a) For providing information about the Skill Modules (Classes VI– VIII) | Link for providing information : https://forms.gle/j7A9uhY2tgpjVA9U8 |
| (b) For providing information about the Skill Subjects in class IX | Link for providing information : https://forms.gle/1xJQaZmSY3CFADns9 |
| (c) For providing information about the Skill Subjects in classes XI–XII | Link for providing information : https://forms.gle/KXLBcLkzuaTTnXHr7 |
👉Download Qualifications for Teachers of Various Skill Courses | Multi Skill Foundation Course