CBSE’s latest guidelines state that if a Class 10 student fails in any one of the main academic subjects-such as Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, or Hindi-but has passed a skill subject (like Information Technology, Retail, or Artificial Intelligence), the passed skill subject can be used as a replacement. This means the student will be considered “pass” in the overall results, provided all other passing criteria are met.
Eligibility: The rule applies only if the student has failed in one core subject and has passed a skill subject offered as part of the CBSE curriculum.
Replacement: The failed core subject is replaced by the skill subject in the “best five” subjects calculation for passing.
Result: The student is declared “pass” and is eligible for promotion or further studies, avoiding the need to appear for a compartment exam in that core subject.
This reform is designed to relieve pressure on students who may struggle with a single academic subject but excel in practical, skill-based courses. By recognizing skill subjects as equal to academic ones, CBSE encourages students to pursue and value vocational education, aligning with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on holistic development. Students who would otherwise have to wait for compartment exams or repeat the academic year can now move forward without interruption, provided they meet the minimum passing marks in all other subjects.
Minimum Marks: Students must score at least 33% in each subject-including theory, practicals, and internal assessments-to pass.
Skill Subject Option: If a student fails in one core subject but passes a skill subject, the skill subject can be counted among the five subjects required to pass.
Compartment Exams: Students who fail in more than one subject must still appear for compartment exams or repeat the year.
Suppose a student fails in Mathematics but passes all other subjects, including a skill subject like Information Technology. The student’s marks in IT can replace Mathematics in the calculation of the “best five” subjects, allowing them to pass the Class 10 board exam without taking a compartment exam for Mathematics.
CBSE continues to offer supplementary exams, re-evaluation, and grace marks in specific cases to help students clear the board exams. The board also provides multiple ways to access results and mark sheets, including DigiLocker, UMANG app, and SMS services.
