The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released an important CBSE update in its July 2025 circular, introducing revised internal assessment guidelines for students in Classes 10 and 12. These changes are part of a broader education reform aimed at improving learning outcomes, reducing exam stress, and promoting continuous academic engagement throughout the school year.
The updated assessment rules reflect a shift toward competency-based learning and include new formats for practicals, projects, and internal exams. Schools are now expected to align their evaluation models with these revised guidelines beginning the 2025–26 academic session.
Table of Contents
Key Changes in Internal Assessment CBSE
The CBSE July 2025 circular outlines a new framework for internal assessment CBSE that applies to both secondary (Class 10) and senior secondary (Class 12) levels. The revised model emphasizes a balanced approach combining academic performance, skill-based activities, and project-based learning.
Main updates include:
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Weightage increased to 30% for internal assessments in Class 10
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Practical and project components now carry 20–25% in Class 12
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Introduction of periodic competency-based assessments
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Mandatory peer and self-evaluation in certain subjects
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Reduced focus on rote-based oral tests and increased activity-based learning
These changes ensure assessments are more reflective of actual student understanding, aligning with NEP 2020 principles.
Class-Wise Assessment Breakdown (2025–26)
CBSE has published revised assessment rules detailing the percentage of marks to be assigned internally for each subject. Here’s a quick overview:
Class |
Component |
Internal Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Class 10 |
Periodic Tests |
10% |
Portfolio/Notebook Work |
5% |
|
Subject Enrichment (Lab/Activity) |
5% |
|
Project Work |
10% |
|
Class 12 |
Practical/Project Work |
20–25% |
Internal Viva |
5% (in selected subjects) |
All schools must conduct at least three periodic assessments per term for Class 10 and maintain detailed records in the prescribed formats.
Implementation Guidelines for Schools
To ensure uniformity in the application of these new guidelines, CBSE has directed all affiliated schools to implement the following:
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Teachers must undergo training for competency-based assessment methods
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Schools must submit assessment records digitally to the CBSE portal
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Use of CBSE-released rubrics for project and practical evaluation
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Continuous feedback to be provided to students throughout the year
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Internal marks must be verified during school inspections
The CBSE update also recommends that schools encourage students to engage in cross-disciplinary and socially relevant project topics to develop 21st-century skills.
Impact on Students and Parents
For students, the new internal assessment CBSE model brings more opportunities to showcase their learning in non-traditional ways. Instead of relying solely on final board exams, students will now be evaluated through various formats such as portfolios, presentations, fieldwork, and real-life application projects.
Parents are advised to:
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Track their child’s performance throughout the term, not just during final exams
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Encourage consistent academic participation in school projects and activities
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Stay informed about changes from the school’s CBSE coordinator or principal
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Support development of soft skills such as communication and collaboration
The goal of the CBSE July 2025 circular is to foster continuous academic improvement rather than a one-time performance assessment.
FAQs
What is the CBSE July 2025 circular about?
It is an official notification introducing changes to the internal assessment CBSE structure for Classes 10 and 12, starting the 2025–26 academic year.
How much weight is now given to internal assessments?
Internal assessments now carry up to 30% weightage for Class 10 and 20–25% for Class 12, depending on the subject, as per the new guidelines.
Will these changes affect the board exam format?
While the board exam format remains largely the same, internal marks will now play a bigger role in final results and student evaluation.
Are these guidelines mandatory for all schools?
Yes, all CBSE-affiliated schools must adopt the revised assessment rules and report compliance through the digital monitoring system.
What are the benefits of these assessment reforms?
The changes aim to reduce stress, promote conceptual understanding, and give students more ways to perform through projects, practicals, and peer-reviewed work.
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