CBSE's Additional Subject Ban Sparks Outcry Among Private Students

A recent directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has ignited a storm of protests and deep concern among private students across India. The board's decision to eliminate the option for private candidates to appear for additional subjects in the Class 10 and 12 examinations, effective from the 2026 board exams, is being widely condemned as a significant setback for academic flexibility and future opportunities.

Previously, private students, much like their regular counterparts, had the invaluable option to choose subjects beyond the mandatory five, allowing them to explore diverse interests, enhance their academic profiles, or even compensate for lower scores in core subjects.

This provision was a lifeline for many – an arts student aspiring to pursue higher education requiring basic mathematics, a science student eager to delve into economics or psychology, or simply anyone aiming to strengthen their overall academic standing. However, the new CBSE notification categorically states that private candidates will now only be permitted to appear for the 'essential subjects,' effectively stripping away this crucial choice.

Students are expressing profound disappointment and frustration, articulating their concerns through various channels including social media campaigns under hashtags like #CBSE_AdditionalSubject_Save and impassioned letters to the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Education, and CBSE officials.

Their core argument is simple yet powerful: this policy change is not only restrictive but also discriminatory. They highlight that regular students will continue to enjoy the privilege of opting for additional subjects, creating an unequal playing field for private candidates who often rely on this flexibility to carve out unique academic and career paths.

The impact of this decision extends far beyond just exam scores.

It stifles academic curiosity, limits skill development, and potentially narrows down higher education and career prospects for thousands of students. Many feel that the board has failed to consider the diverse circumstances and aspirations of private candidates, who may be homeschooling, reappearing for exams, or simply seeking to broaden their educational horizons outside the traditional school system.

The removal of this option is perceived as an arbitrary barrier that undermines their efforts to achieve academic excellence and pursue their dreams.

As the deadline for the 2026 exams approaches, the student community is collectively urging the CBSE to reconsider this contentious move. They are calling for a policy that champions inclusivity and academic freedom, rather than imposing limitations that could detrimentally affect the educational journey of countless young individuals.

The plea is clear: restore the option for additional subjects and ensure that all students, regardless of their enrollment status, have an equal opportunity to shape their academic future.