The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has proposed revisions to the academic structure for Classes 9 to 12, aligning with the objectives outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). Among the proposed changes is the modification of the credit system, with an emphasis on increasing the number of compulsory subjects and learning hours, as per the draft guidelines.
All CBSE schools have been instructed to review the National Credit Framework, developed by the UGC, aimed at fostering flexibility and mobility for students. Suggestions from schools are welcomed, with a deadline set for December 5, 2023.
The NCrF guidelines for schools prioritize the cultivation of conceptual understanding and critical skills among students. The framework envisions school education as a dynamic and interdisciplinary pursuit, grounded in the nation’s ethos, to nurture independent learners equipped to tackle the challenges of the 21st century, as stated in the proposal.
CBSE Class 9-10 Credit System
Here are some of the key features of the proposed credit system for CBSE Class 9.
- Under the current scheme, students in Classes 9 to 10 are required to pass five subjects – two languages and three additional subjects – to meet the pass criteria. However, the revised guidelines propose that students must pass in three languages, with at least two being native Indian languages, along with seven subjects. To achieve the pass status, students must pass each of the ten subjects.
- The seven subjects encompass mathematics and computational thinking, social science, science, art education, physical education and well-being, vocational education, and interdisciplinary areas.
- Regarding learning hours, the total has been extended to 1,200 hours from the previous 1,050 hours. Each of the three languages and interdisciplinary areas, such as environmental education, is allocated 120 hours. Mathematics and computational thinking, social science, science, and vocational education are allotted 150 hours each. Additionally, art education physical education, and well-being are assigned 60 hours each.
- Students who pass Classes 9 and 10, having completed all 10 subjects, will be eligible to earn 40 credits.
Changes in CBSE Class 11-12 Credit System
A Class 11-12 student has to study and pass 6 subjects – 2 languages and 4 subjects – to earn 40 credits. As per the distribution of learning hours, 180 hours have been allotted to two languages, out of which one should be Indian native language and 210 hours for 4 subjects. Those passing 7 subjects will be eligible for 47 credits. The fifth subject is optional.
| Compulsory subjects | Hours | Credits |
| Subject 1- Language 1 | 180 | 6 |
| Subject 2- Language 2 | 180 | 6 |
| Subject 3 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject 4 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject 5 | 210 | 7 |
| Subject 6 | 210 | 7 |
| Optional Subject 7 | 210 | 7 |
| Total | 1,200 | 40-47 |
Students will also be awarded grades in each scholastic subject, as per the proposed scheme. The passed students will be put in a rank order to award grades starting from A1 to D2. Those obtaining E grades will be put under “essential repeat”.
