CBSE to Introduce New Global Curriculum Abroad from April 2026

New Delhi, December 26, 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to implement a new Global Curriculum in schools located outside India starting from the academic session of April 2026. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy and aims to provide students abroad with a learning experience that is globally competitive while retaining Indian values.

The curriculum has been designed for all stages, from the Foundational Stage (ages 3–8) to Secondary Stage (ages 14–18). CBSE officials and experts have conducted discussions with schools in Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, to finalize the curriculum.

Key Features of the Global Curriculum:

• Incorporates STEM, AI, and skill-based education to meet modern educational needs.
• Combines elements of CBSE’s local curriculum with international standards, ensuring alignment between NCERT-based content and global learning objectives.
• Open for schools affiliated with other boards to apply for adoption.

Implementation Across Countries:

The Global Curriculum will be rolled out in over 257 CBSE schools across 25 countries, including Bahrain, Ethiopia, Ghana, Indonesia, Japan, Kenya, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Qatar, Oman, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen. More than 5 lakh students are expected to benefit from this curriculum, particularly in subjects like Social Sciences, where understanding local culture is crucial.

CBSE has already established its first Regional Office and Center of Excellence abroad in Dubai, marking the first overseas presence for the board. Plans are underway to open additional regional centers in other countries.

Background:

CBSE had previously launched CBSE-International (CBSE-I) in 2010 with a skill-based and globally-oriented approach. The initiative was later discontinued in 2017 due to limited adoption by schools. Now, the new Global Curriculum has been redesigned under the National Education Policy to better meet the needs of Indian students studying abroad.

This move reflects CBSE’s commitment to providing internationally competitive education while maintaining India’s educational values and preparing students for global challenges.