CBSE Legal Studies syllabus overhaul: Students to study triple talaq repeal, Section 377 and sedition law removal from 2026
NEW DELHI: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will revise its Legal Studies syllabus for Classes XI and XII to include significant legal reforms such as the repeal of triple talaq, the removal of Section 377, and the scrapping of the sedition law, suggest media reports.
The updated syllabus is reportedly scheduled to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic session.
According to media reports, the decision to update the curriculum was approved by the CBSE Curriculum Committee and later ratified by the Governing Body in June. The changes are part of a broader effort to incorporate recent legislative reforms into school education and to ensure alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Curriculum to reflect modern legal reforms and repealed laws
The revised Legal Studies curriculum will include legal developments such as the enactment of the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bhartiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the Bhartiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA). These new laws, enacted in 2023–24, have replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act.
According to media reports, the updated syllabus will focus on key provisions of the BNS, BNSS, and BSA; important legal judgments; contemporary legal doctrines; and the repeal of colonial-era laws including those related to sedition, triple talaq, and Section 377, which previously criminalised homosexuality.
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The provision under Section 377 of the IPC penalised sexual activities deemed against the order of nature, dating back to 1861.
Textbook development to be overseen by expert committee
It is reported that CBSE plans to form an expert committee and may engage a content development agency to prepare the revised textbooks. These are expected to be ready ahead of the 2026–27 academic year. As reported by media sources, the updated material will aim to deliver a modern, student-focused approach to teaching legal concepts at the senior secondary level.
Legal Studies was introduced in Class XI in 2013 and in Class XII in 2014. In April 2024, the Directorate of Education approved its introduction in 29 additional schools. The subject has grown in relevance for students pursuing careers in law, public policy, or governance.
Current subject framework and previous syllabus updates
The subject currently combines theoretical study with project work. Class XI covers topics such as constitutional values, jurisprudence, and the court system, while Class XII focuses on business and general laws, contracts, torts, criminal law, and sustainable development.
The last major syllabus update occurred in 2022–23, when the curriculum was expanded to include the POSH Act 2013, the Right to Information Act, the Consumer Protection Act, Intellectual Property Rights, and legal entities.
Vocational course updates also approved
In addition to Legal Studies, CBSE's Governing Body also approved updates to vocational courses including Taxation and Financial Markets Management, suggest media reports. These updates will reflect recent amendments to tax laws and new trends in financial markets. With support from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) and the National Stock Exchange (NSE), the updated material is expected to be completed by November 2025.
The Department of Skill Education will allocate necessary funds as per existing norms.
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