CBSE Class 9 Curriculum 2026-27: CT and AI Modules Removed, Vocational Education Retained

CBSE Class 9 curriculum 2026-27: What has changed?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced changes to the Scheme of Studies for Class 9 students enrolled in the 2026-27 academic session. The revised framework will also apply to these students when they move to Class 10 in the 2027-28 session.

According to the board's notification, three curricular components will not be included in the revised schedule:

Individuals in Society: This interdisciplinary subject has been excluded from the Class 9 scheme.

Computational Thinking (CT): The CT module will not be part of the Class 9 curriculum for this batch.

Artificial Intelligence (AI): The specified CT and AI modules have been removed from the scheme for these students.

The board has also clarified that Environmental Education will not be included in the Class 10 curriculum of this batch in the 2027-28 academic session.

Vocational education remains compulsory

Despite these changes, vocational education will continue as a compulsory curricular component for Class 9 students. Schools and students can fulfil this requirement through either of the following options:

Kaushal Vikas: Students choosing this subject will undergo school-based internal assessment. Those securing at least 33% marks will receive a certificate issued by their school.

Skill-based subjects: Students can select any one of the 22 skill subjects notified by CBSE. Those opting for this route will have to appear for the respective subject in the Class 10 board examination in 2027-28.

The skill-based options cover areas such as Information Technology, Retail, Tourism, Healthcare, Agriculture, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science.

Important clarification: The removal of the CT and AI modules does not mean that Artificial Intelligence has been completely removed from CBSE's skill education offerings. AI remains available as a separate vocational skill subject.

Which subjects will Class 9 students study?

Under the revised scheme, students will study the following nine curricular areas:

Language R1

Language R2

Mathematics

Science

Social Science

Language R3

Art Education

Physical Education and Well-being (PE & WB)

Vocational Education (Skill Education)

Students can also choose additional optional subjects according to the board's prescribed guidelines. CBSE has clarified that other optional subjects available under the 2025-26 scheme will continue to be offered.

CBSE Class 10 board examination and passing criteria

The revised scheme also outlines the assessment requirements for students moving to Class 10 in 2027-28.

The five main subjects for the Class 10 board examination will be two languages, Mathematics, Science and Social Science. Students must secure at least 33% marks in each subject, calculated by combining board examination and internal assessment marks.

Art Education and Physical Education and Well-being will be assessed through school-based grading. Schools will award grades ranging from A-1 to E, with students securing grade D or above eligible for school-issued certificates.

Students opting for one of the 22 notified skill subjects will have to take the corresponding Class 10 board examination. The vocational subject may also be considered for subject replacement under the specific conditions laid down by CBSE.

Which students will be affected by the revised CBSE rules?

The revised Scheme of Studies applies specifically to students studying in Class 9 during the 2026-27 academic session and progressing to Class 10 in 2027-28.

Students who are already studying in Class 10 during the 2026-27 session will continue under the existing scheme. The changes are intended to provide clarity about the academic and examination requirements for the affected batch.