CBSE’s revised Legal Studies syllabus from 2026 will cover the removal of sedition law, repeal of triple talaq, and decriminalisation of Section 377, reflecting major legal reforms for students.
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NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to introduce a comprehensive update to its Legal Studies syllabus for Classes XI and XII, aiming to align school education with recent landmark legal reforms and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The revamped curriculum, scheduled to be introduced from the 2026-27 academic session, will incorporate crucial changes in Indian law, including the repeal of triple talaq, the decriminalisation of homosexuality through the removal of Section 377, and the scrapping of the sedition law.
CBSE’s Curriculum Committee approved, and the Governing Body ratified in June 2025, the revision of the Legal Studies syllabus to reflect the extensive legal reforms introduced between 2023 and 2024.
This update aims to replace the colonial-era framework with a modern legal education approach centered on the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), new laws which have replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and Indian Evidence Act, respectively.
Highlights of the Revised Legal Studies Syllabus
- Inclusion of New Laws: Students will study the core provisions of BNS, BNSS, and BSA, focusing on their role in shaping contemporary Indian jurisprudence.
- Focus on Major Legal Reforms: The curriculum will delve into the repeal of the triple talaq practice, the decriminalisation of homosexuality following the removal of Section 377 (a colonial-era law from 1861 criminalising “carnal intercourse against the order of nature”), and the abolition of sedition as a criminal offence.
- Emphasis on Important Judicial Decisions: The syllabus will also cover landmark rulings that have influenced these reforms, highlighting evolving legal doctrines.
- Alignment with NEP 2020: The teaching approach will adopt a student-centric methodology consistent with the National Education Policy’s vision of holistic and contemporary education.
Background
Legal Studies was introduced by CBSE in Class XI in 2013 and in Class XII in 2014. Since then, it has gained popularity, especially among students aspiring to pursue careers in law, public policy, governance, and administration. The subject currently combines theoretical knowledge with project work, covering constitutional law, criminal law, business laws, and more.
The latest revision builds upon previous syllabus expansions in 2022-23, which included key legislations such as the POSH Act 2013, the Right to Information Act, and the Consumer Protection Act.
In April 2024, the Directorate of Education approved the introduction of Legal Studies in 29 additional schools, further emphasizing the growing importance of legal literacy among senior secondary students.
To ensure quality and accuracy, CBSE plans to form an expert committee and collaborate with content development agencies for preparing updated textbooks. These resources are expected to be ready ahead of the 2026-27 academic session, ensuring students receive the most up-to-date legal education.
Alongside Legal Studies, CBSE is updating vocational courses such as Taxation and Financial Markets Management to reflect recent tax amendments and financial market trends. Supported by expert bodies like the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), these materials are scheduled for completion by November 2025.
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