CBSE Update: Class 10 Basic Math Students Can Now Choose Math in Class 11

To promote academic flexibility, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that students studying Basic Mathematics (Code 241) in Class 10 will be allowed to opt for Standard Mathematics (Code 041) in Class 11 for the academic session 2025-26.

👉 Official Notice

The decision is a significant step towards providing more academic options to students, while continuing the relaxation first given during the COVID-19 pandemic.

CBSE students who opted for “Basic Mathematics (241)” subject in Class 10 can study “Mathematics (041)” subject in Class 11 if they wish and if they have the aptitude.

Background: Two levels of Mathematics

In March 2020, CBSE divided the Mathematics subject for the secondary exam into two levels:

Mathematics (Standard – 041): For students who wish to study Mathematics at the higher secondary level and in the future.

Mathematics (Basic – 241): For students who do not wish to take Mathematics at higher level.

As per the original rules, students taking Basic Mathematics in Class 10 were allowed to study only Applied Mathematics in Class 11.

Policy update for session 2025-26

Keeping in view the changing educational scenario and the need for greater flexibility, CBSE has decided to continue to allow Basic Mathematics students to opt for Standard Mathematics in Class 11.

Conditions:

The school principal or head of the institution must ensure that the student has the required aptitude and ability to study Standard Mathematics.

Once the subject is entered in the List of Candidates (LOC) for the board examinations, no change will be possible.

Students and parents are advised to be careful in their subject selection decision.

Implications for students

This policy gives students the opportunity to choose their academic path in a more flexible manner. This is especially beneficial for students who opted for basic mathematics in Class 10 but wish to pursue a career in higher level mathematics or related fields later.

This decision is in sync with the objective of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes holistic and flexible educational options.

This move by CBSE has been taken keeping in mind the diverse educational needs and interests of students. It provides them with the freedom and support to choose subjects as per their career goals.

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👉 CBSE Class 10 Study Materials