The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced major academic reforms beginning from the 2026-27 academic session, including making the APAAR ID mandatory for exam registration and introducing two levels of board exams in Class 10 from 2028. These decisions were approved during the CBSE governing body meeting held in December and are aimed at improving transparency, data management, and curriculum flexibility for students across India and abroad.
CBSE observed that by the 2025-26 session, less than 50% of students in affiliated schools had generated their Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) IDs, prompting the board to enforce mandatory compliance from the upcoming session.
APAAR ID Mandatory for CBSE Registration from 2026-27
The APAAR ID serves as a unified digital academic identity for every student, ensuring streamlined data consistency and lifelong academic record management.
As per the meeting minutes:
“To operationalize this initiative, CBSE has integrated the process of APAAR ID linking with the registration and List of Candidates (LOC) modules for Classes 9 to 12.”
What This Means for Students
- APAAR ID will be a mandatory field while filling CBSE Registration and LOC forms from 2026-27.
- Applicable for Classes 9 to 12.
- Schools must ensure students generate APAAR IDs before registration submission.
CBSE has assured that it will initiate communication and hand-hold schools, especially in states where APAAR ID creation has been slow.
State-Wise APAAR ID Data Concerns
States such as Haryana and West Bengal had earlier requested relaxation for CBSE 2026 registrations due to low APAAR coverage. However, from 2026-27 onward, compliance will be compulsory.
CBSE to Introduce Two-Level Exams from 2028
Another major reform includes the introduction of two levels of board examinations for Mathematics, Science, and Social Science in Class 10, starting from 2028.
Currently, CBSE offers two levels only in Mathematics: Basic and Standard. The new system will expand this approach.
Key Highlights of Two-Level Exams
- Subjects: Mathematics, Science, Social Science
- Levels: Standard and Advanced
- Implementation: Curriculum begins from 2026-27 session
- Board Examination at Two Levels: From 2028
CBSE clarified that this timeline provides:
- Adequate preparation time for schools
- Capacity-building sessions and orientation programmes
- Time for NCERT to develop updated textbooks aligned with the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023
Notably, the existing curriculum and syllabi will continue in 2026-27 until new NCERT books are released.
Additional Reforms Announced
Alongside APAAR and exam-level changes, CBSE also discussed:
- Stricter rules on unfair means in board exams
- Updates in Computing and Artificial Intelligence curriculum
- Revised norms for school grading and evaluation
These reforms aim to modernize the education framework in line with NEP 2020 objectives.
Quick Reference Summary
| Reform | Implementation Timeline |
| APAAR ID Mandatory | 2026-27 academic session |
| Applicable Classes | 9 to 12 |
| Two-Level Curriculum Begins | 2026-27 |
| Two-Level Board Exams | 2028 |
| Subjects Affected | Maths, Science, Social Science |
| Governing Body Meeting | December |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| From when will APAAR ID be mandatory for CBSE registration? |
| From the 2026-27 academic session. |
| Which classes require APAAR ID? |
| Classes 9 to 12. |
| What is the purpose of APAAR ID? |
| It serves as a unified digital academic identity for lifelong record management. |
| When will two-level board exams start? |
| Board exams at two levels will begin in 2028. |
| Which subjects will have two levels? |
| Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. |
| Will the syllabus change in 2026-27? |
| The previous curriculum will continue until new NCERT books are introduced. |
| What are the two levels called? |
| Standard and Advanced. |
| Why is CBSE introducing these reforms? |
| To improve academic flexibility, record management, and align with NCF 2023 and NEP goals. |
The CBSE’s decision to make APAAR ID mandatory from 2026-27 and introduce two-level board exams from 2028 marks a significant shift in India’s school education framework. While APAAR will strengthen digital academic tracking, the new exam structure aims to offer differentiated learning pathways for students. Schools, parents, and students must stay updated through the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) and ensure timely compliance. Bookmark this page for continued updates on CBSE reforms and board examination policies.
