Advanced Level in Maths and Science

CBSE has introduced an advanced level in Maths and Science from the session 2026-27. It will be implemented in grade 9th this year and applicable to grade 10th in 2027-28.

What is Advanced Maths and Science

From the academic session 2026–27, CBSE will conduct a mandatory examination in Mathematics and Science for all students. In addition to this common exam, students who wish to challenge themselves can also opt to appear for a higher-level (advanced) exam in these subjects.

As per the CBSE curriculum document, the Mathematics and Science Advanced papers will be optional and designed for students interested in studying topics beyond the standard syllabus. These exams will be based on a separate, more advanced textbook and will primarily include HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions to assess deeper understanding.

To get Model Question Papers and related study material on Advanced Maths and Science, you can install the myCBSEguide app or access it on the myCBSEguide website.

More information on Advanced Maths and Science

• Basic Maths will be discontinued from the session 2027–28 in Class X
• Mathematics and Science – Standard Level will be compulsory for all students, with an 80-mark annual examination
• An Advanced Level in Maths and Science is being introduced as a purely optional paper
• The Advanced exam will be of 25 marks and based on HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills) questions
• It will cover additional content beyond the standard syllabus
• The duration of the Advanced exam will be 1 hour

Let’s Understand

• ⁠Nature – It’s optional
• Duration – 1 Hour
• Marks – 25 Marks
• ⁠⁠Difficulty – HOTS questions
• Content – Additional Topics (other than textbook)
• ⁠⁠Pass percentage – 50% marks
• Marks in Report Card – No, only mentioned PASSED, Advanced level.
• Calculated in percentage – No, because marks are NOT provided.
• Mentioned in the report card – Yes if the score is 50% or above, else not mentioned.
• If failed – Nothing will be mentioned in the report card. So, it’s a safe game.
• Exam date and duration – Normal Maths will be 3 hours, and you will get an additional 1 hour to attempt this test after that.

Maths Advanced and Science Advanced

All students, whether they choose the Advanced level or not, will appear for a common final examination—either the Board examination in Class X or the school-based annual examination in Class IX—of 80 marks with a duration of 3 hours. In addition to this, students who opt for the Advanced level will take an extra examination of 25 marks, conducted for 1 hour, which will be based on higher-level prescribed content.

Thus, the examination in Mathematics and Science will be offered at two levels—Standard and Advanced in Class IX (from 2026–27 onwards), and Mathematics Advanced and Science Advanced in Class X (from 2027–28 onwards). Students will have the flexibility to choose the Advanced level in none, one, or both subjects, i.e., they may opt for no Advanced subject, only Maths Advanced, only Science Advanced, or both Maths and Science Advanced.

Passing Criteria

Candidates who secure 50% or above in the optional Advanced Examination will have a remark recorded in their marksheet stating that “The Advanced Level has been successfully cleared” (wording may vary). However, the marks obtained in the Advanced Examination will not be included in the overall aggregate or total score. In case a candidate scores below the prescribed criteria, no mention of the Advanced Level will be made in the marksheet.

Internal Assessment

The two-level structure will not be applicable to the 20-mark internal assessments in Mathematics and Science conducted at the school level in Class X.

Maths Basic Discontinued

From the academic session 2026–27, the existing two-level scheme of Mathematics Basic and Mathematics Standard will be discontinued. However, Class X students in 2026–27 will continue under the current scheme and will still have the option to choose Mathematics Basic, as applicable for the academic year 2025–26.