In a landmark move under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a two-level curriculum for key STEM subjects—Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology—in Classes 11 and 12 starting from the 2026–27 academic session.
This change will give students more flexibility in choosing the difficulty level of subjects based on their interests and career goals.
🔍 What is the Two-Tier System?
The two-tier system will divide core STEM subjects into:
- Basic Level – For students who want a simpler, conceptual understanding.
- Advanced Level – For students aiming for competitive exams like JEE or NEET.
The syllabus will be the same in terms of topics, but the depth and complexity of content and questions will vary.
🎯 Why This Change?
CBSE’s decision comes after years of feedback from educators and students about the pressure of a one-size-fits-all curriculum. The key reasons include:
- ✅ Reduced academic burden
Students not pursuing science in higher education can opt for an easier version of the subject. - ✅ More personalized learning
Students can align their subject difficulty with future plans (engineering, medicine, or humanities). - ✅ Inspired by Class 10 success
The two-level Mathematics model in Class 10, where students choose between Basic and Standard Maths, was well-received.
📅 When Will It Be Implemented?
- Class 9 & 11 New Textbooks: To be released by late 2025.
- New Curriculum in Action: From 2026–27 session for Classes 9 to 12.
- Subjects Affected:
- Class 9–10: Science and Social Science (already approved)
- Class 11–12: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology (now under planning)
📘 How Will It Work?
| Aspect | Basic Level | Advanced Level |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Concept clarity & real-life applications | In-depth understanding & competitive prep |
| Assessment | Moderate-level questions | Higher-order, analytical questions |
| Usage | Ideal for non-STEM career aspirants | For students targeting STEM fields |
Exams will likely include separate question sets or sections depending on the chosen level.
🧪 Pilot Program: Already Tested!
In 2023–24, select CBSE schools piloted the model for Class 9 students with positive results. Students reported reduced stress and better understanding when allowed to choose levels based on comfort and career plans.
🚧 Key Challenges
While the new system offers flexibility, there are still challenges:
- ❓ How will universities treat Basic vs Advanced levels in admissions?
- 👨🏫 Will schools have enough trained teachers for both levels?
- 📄 Will certificates mention the level chosen by the student?
CBSE is working on solutions and guidelines to ensure smooth implementation.
✍️ Final Thoughts from ExamJankari
This is a student-centric reform that aligns education with individual aspirations. Whether you want to be a doctor, engineer, psychologist, or designer—CBSE is offering a path that suits your journey.
Stay tuned with ExamJankari for the latest updates on new textbooks, syllabus changes, sample papers, and preparation tips for the upcoming two-level board system!