CBSE Results 2025: Fail A Subject, Still Pass Class 10 Without Compartment Exam – News18

Last Updated:May 12, 2025, 17:10 IST

CBSE now recognises the sixth subject, typically a skill subject, as a potential substitute for a failed core subject – provided the student has passed the skill subject.

In a significant shift that could alter the course of thousands of students’ academic journeys, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a policy that allows students who fail in one main subject in Class 10 to still pass the board exams, without taking a compartment exam, by replacing the failed subject with a passed skill-based subject.

According to a report by Education Times, the 2025 curriculum framework from CBSE now formally recognises the sixth subject, typically a skill subject, as a potential substitute for a failed core subject – provided the student has passed the skill subject. This means that a student who fails in Mathematics, Science, or Social Science but clears, for instance, Computer Applications or Artificial Intelligence, will be deemed to have passed the Class 10 board exams.

“Earlier, it was compulsory to pass in Math, Social Science and Science. To promote skill subjects, the CBSE has said that if a student fails in a compulsory subject such as Mathematics but passes a skill subject then the student will be declared passed,” an educationist reportedly said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

CBSE New Subject Framework

This change is a part of CBSE’s broader push to promote competency-based education and skill development among schoolchildren. Starting this academic year, Class 10 students were required to choose one skill subject from options such as Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology, or Computer Applications, in addition to five core subjects.

The compulsory subjects now include:

• Language I (Hindi – Course A/B or English)
• Language II
• Mathematics (Basic or Standard)
• Science
• Social Science

The sixth subject, typically from the Group A2 electives, functions as a skill subject. If a student passes this skill subject and fails in one of the core subjects, CBSE will replace the failed subject with the skill subject when computing the final result. However, if a student fails both a main subject and the skill subject, they will be required to take a compartment exam as per standard protocol.

What Happens if You Fail a Skill Subject?

Failing in the skill subject does not affect the overall result – as long as the student clears the five main subjects. In that case, the skill subject is treated as an additional elective, and the student is still declared pass.

In line with the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE), CBSE has also made curriculum revisions that emphasise holistic development. New skill subjects such as Early Childhood Care Education and Yoga have been introduced. Physical Education, Vocational Skills, Art Education, and Work Experience are being accorded importance previously reserved for academic subjects.

“The CBSE has already introduced competency-based education, teachers’ capacity building programmes, and systemic reforms such as holistic progress report cards for implementing NCF-SE,” the educationist added.

CBSE Third Language Policy

As per CBSE guidelines, students must have studied three languages up to Class 8 to be eligible for Class 9. If a student is promoted to Class 9 without clearing the third language in Class 8, the school is responsible for assessing them using the prescribed Class 8 syllabus by the end of Class 9.

“No student shall be eligible to appear in the secondary school examination of the Board at the end of class 10 unless she/he has passed in the third language,” stated CBSE’s curriculum document.

Efforts are underway to bring these multilingual policies in sync with the NCF-SE, which will require updates in textbooks, teacher training, and recruitment. The NCERT is currently developing the necessary resources.

CBSE Results 2025: How to Check

As anticipation builds around the CBSE Class 10 and 12 results for 2025, students are encouraged to activate their DigiLocker accounts to avoid last-minute issues. According to the official DigiLocker handle (@digilocker_ind), results will be available soon via the platform.

To check your result:

1. Visit https://cbse.nic.in or https://results.cbse.nic.in.
2. Click on the relevant result link (Class 10 or 12).
3. Enter your roll number, school number, date of birth, and admit card ID if needed.
4. Click Submit.
5. Download or print your provisional mark sheet.

This new policy is being welcomed as a lifeline for students who struggle with traditional academic subjects but excel in practical, skill-based learning.

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