The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has extended the relaxation that allows students who opted for Basic Mathematics (Code 241) in Class 10 to take up Mathematics (Code 041) in Class 11, provided they demonstrate the required aptitude and ability. This exemption will remain in place for the academic session 2025–26 onward, offering flexibility to students who wish to pursue Mathematics at the senior secondary level despite not having chosen the Standard Math stream earlier.
In a recent official notification, CBSE stated, “Students who offered Mathematics Basic (241) are also allowed to offer Mathematics (041) in Class XI. Before permitting Mathematics (041) in Class XI to such students, the head of the institution/school should satisfy that the students have the aptitude and ability to pursue Mathematics (041) in Class XI.”
CBSE had initially introduced two levels of Mathematics for the Class 10 Board Exam from the academic year 2019–20. These were:
- Mathematics Standard (Code 041): For students intending to pursue Mathematics at higher levels.
- Mathematics Basic (Code 241): For students who did not wish to study Mathematics beyond Class 10.
Originally, students who opted for Basic Mathematics were restricted from choosing Standard Math in Class 11. They were only permitted to take Applied Mathematics, a subject designed with real-life applications and non-calculus topics. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the academic disruptions it caused, the board allowed an exemption, enabling Basic Math students to shift to Standard Math in Class 11.
Acknowledging the continuing need for academic flexibility and recognizing varied learning patterns among students, CBSE has now decided to continue this relaxation for upcoming academic years. This decision is expected to benefit a significant number of students who may have initially chosen Basic Mathematics for various reasons but later discovered their interest and capability in Mathematics.
The board has also emphasized that once subjects are finalized and submitted through the List of Candidates (LOC) by schools, no changes will be allowed later. Therefore, schools must exercise due diligence while assessing the students’ suitability for Mathematics (041).
This continued provision is a progressive step by CBSE, providing a second chance to students while maintaining the academic rigor and ensuring only those with genuine capability take on the subject, for more details CLICK HERE
