CBSE Permits Elementary Math Pupils to Study Advanced Math in Grade 11
Starting from the academic year 2025-26, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has granted a new opportunity for students who studied Basic Mathematics (241) in Class 10. These learners are now permitted to opt for Mathematics Standard (041) in Class 11, under specific conditions.
This significant policy change marks a departure from the prior rule, which restricted Mathematics Standard to only those students who had studied it in Class 10. In the past, students who took Basic Math were limited to Applied Mathematics in Class 11.
In an official communication issued on May 27, 2025, the CBSE announced this flexibility for students' academic paths. The decision expands study options, enabling students to make informed choices as they fill their List of Candidates (LOC). Once the LOC is submitted, no modifications to the chosen subjects will be allowed.
The prerequisites for this switch include an assessment by the head of the institution to confirm the student's aptitude and academic preparedness to handle Mathematics Standard's rigor. It is essential that the school authority makes this assessment before approving the switch.
The CBSE has emphasized that this flexibility is temporary, in effect only until a new scheme of studies is introduced under the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCF-SE). Until then, other provisions of the circular issued on January 10, 2019, will prevail.
The dual-level Mathematics system was first introduced by the CBSE in the 2019-20 academic session. Mathematics (Standard) caters to students intending to pursue the subject in higher studies, while Mathematics (Basic) is designed for those who do not wish to continue with it beyond Class 10.
In conclusion, students who studied Basic Mathematics in Class 10 can switch to Mathematics Standard in Class 11 from 2025-26, provided the school authority certifies their aptitude and readiness for the subject and the subject choice is finalized in accordance with CBSE guidelines.
This update from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) enables students who studied Basic Mathematics in Class 10 to extend their learning by opting for Mathematics Standard in Class 11, under specified conditions. This change in policy is announced in the general news, providing students with additional opportunities for education and self-development. However, once the List of Candidates (LOC) is submitted, no modifications to the chosen subjects will be allowed.
