Is it really free? No hidden charges?

100% free. No in-app purchases, no subscriptions, no forced ads. Play immediately from the shared question bank — no setup needed. Optional extras stay optional: watch a rewarded ad only if you want +5 coins, and add your own free Gemini API key only if you want unlimited AI-generated questions.

What is a Gemini API key and do I need one?

You don't need one — the shared question bank works without it. A Gemini key is a free key from Google AI Studio that unlocks unlimited freshly generated AI questions tuned to your exam and branch. Takes 2 minutes, no billing: aistudio.google.com → Get API Key → Create → copy and paste.

Should I install from Google Play or the APK?

Both give you the same app — Aspirant Arcade is live on Google Play. Play Store is the easiest route: standard install, automatic updates. The direct APK is for anyone who prefers to skip the Play Store — it installs in 30 seconds after enabling 'Install unknown apps'. Don't want to install anything? The web version runs straight in your browser.

Which engineering branches are supported?

Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Chemical, Computer Science/IT, Electronics, Metallurgy, Mining and Petroleum. Questions generated specifically for your branch — not generic.

Will questions repeat across sessions?

No. The app tracks every question you've seen and tells Gemini to avoid them. Every session has fresh questions.

Does it work offline?

Partially. Bookmarked questions and insights are available offline. AI question generation needs internet to call the Gemini API.

Yes. Stored locally on your device using encrypted secure storage. Never sent to any server — not ours, not anyone's.

Which engineering exams are covered?

GATE, IES/ESE and PSU recruitment exams — HPCL, Coal India, BHEL, ONGC, NTPC, SAIL, IOCL, GAIL, BPCL and more. Interview Simulator available for exams with GD/PI rounds like HPCL, BHEL and IES.

Is Aspirant Arcade only for engineering exam aspirants?

No — engineering (GATE, IES, PSU) is one of five categories. It also covers entrance exams (JEE Main, JEE Advanced, NEET, CUET, BITSAT), govt exams (SSC, Banking, Police), college degrees (BCA, MCA, MBBS, Nursing, B.Pharm and more) and CBSE Class 9–12 boards. Pick your category on the home screen.

Does Aspirant Arcade cover SSC, Banking and Police exams?

Yes. SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, GD Constable and CPO, IBPS PO/Clerk, SBI PO/Clerk, UP Police Constable and Delhi Police Constable are all covered with free, section-wise gamified MCQ practice matching each exam's real syllabus, question count and marking scheme.

Is Aspirant Arcade a replacement for Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah or Unacademy?

No — it's a free companion, not a competitor. Platforms like Testbook, Adda247, Physics Wallah and Unacademy give you structured courses, live classes and full-length mocks. Aspirant Arcade adds a gamified practice layer on top: streaks, survival rounds, multiplayer challenges and AI interview drills that turn idle scroll time into extra MCQ reps between coaching sessions.

Which college degree exams are supported?

BCA, MCA, MBBS, BMLT/BMLS, BMRIT, BPT (Physiotherapy), B.Sc Nursing and B.Pharm — free subject-wise core practice authored from each degree's real university curriculum, with shared foundational subjects (like Anatomy and Physiology) reused across the medical degrees at the right difficulty band.

Do I need a Gemini API key to play?

No. You can play immediately from our shared question bank — no key or signup required. Adding a free Gemini key (Google AI Studio, 2 minutes, no billing) unlocks unlimited freshly generated questions every session.

How do coins and multiplayer challenges work?

You start with 100 coins, earn +50 per referral, and can watch an optional rewarded ad for +5. Spend 2 coins to unlock a question hint. For multiplayer, create a Synced Challenge lobby, share the invite code with up to 10 friends, and compete under a synchronized 5-minute timer for ranked trophy scorecards.

Focus Mode is an Android-only feature that catches you on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts and makes you clear a few MCQs from your branch and syllabus before you can keep scrolling. You set the scroll limit and how many questions, and you can turn it off anytime. It turns doom-scrolling into drip-fed revision without quitting the app.

Does Focus Mode read my messages or spy on me?

No. It only checks which app is open and the screen name (Reels or Shorts) — like a sign on a door, not what's inside the room. It never reads your DMs, captions, comments or the videos themselves, and nothing leaves your phone. Questions are cached locally on your device.

Which students are affected by these new rules for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028?

These changes specifically apply to students currently studying in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session, who will progress to Class 10 in 2027–28 and appear for the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028.

What are the five compulsory subjects for Class 10 Board Exams 2028?

The five compulsory board examination subjects are Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.

Is vocational education still compulsory under the revised scheme?

Yes, vocational education remains compulsory. Students can choose between Kaushal Vikas and any one of the 22 notified skill subjects.

What subjects are no longer part of the Class 9/10 curriculum for this specific batch?

For the specified batch, 'Individuals in Society' and the 'Modules on Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence' will not be part of the Class 9 curriculum. 'Environmental Education' will not be part of the Class 10 curriculum.

Do the changes mean all AI-related skill subjects have been discontinued?

No, the clarification only concerns the specific 'Modules on Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence' within the interdisciplinary area for Class 9. It should not be interpreted as a general announcement that all AI-related skill subjects have been discontinued.

What is the passing criteria for the compulsory subjects?

Students must secure at least 33% marks in each of the five compulsory subjects, considering the applicable internal assessment and board examination requirements, to pass the Class 10 board examination.

CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028: New Rules and Subjects Announced

CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028: What Has Changed?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued crucial clarifications regarding its Scheme of Studies, specifically impacting students currently in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session. These revisions are set to reshape the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028 for this particular batch. Aspirants must understand these updates to align their preparation effectively.

The board's objective is to streamline the curriculum, ensuring clarity on subjects students must study and those requiring board examination appearances. This focused approach aims to provide a clear roadmap for students and educators alike.

Tip

It is essential to understand that these changes apply specifically to students who are in Class 9 during the 2026–27 academic session and will appear for the Class 10 Board Exams in 2028. The existing scheme continues for other batches.

Practice PSU exams free on the app

HPCL · BHEL · ONGC · IOCL · SAIL · No login needed

Gamified Learning · Practice Play Progress

Get the app

Key Updates for the CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028 Batch

These changes are specific to the Class 9 batch of 2026–27, who will progress to Class 10 in 2027–28. Students currently in Class 10 during 2026–27 will continue under the existing scheme.

▸
Students will now have five mandatory board examination subjects in Class 10.
▸
This subject will not be part of the Class 9 curriculum for the specified batch.
▸
The Modules on Computational Thinking and Artificial Intelligence will also not be included in the Class 9 curriculum for this batch.
▸
Environmental Education will not be part of the Class 10 curriculum for these students.
▸
Students must still opt for vocational education.
▸
Students can choose between Kaushal Vikas or any one of the 22 notified skill subjects.
▸
Students selecting an eligible skill subject will take a board examination in that subject.

Five Compulsory Subjects for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028

Under the revised scheme, five subjects are mandatory for board examinations in Class 10. This emphasizes a strong foundation in core academic areas. Students must secure at least 33% marks in each of these five subjects to pass the Class 10 board examination, considering both internal assessment and board examination requirements.

Tip

Focus equally on internal assessments as they contribute to the overall passing criteria for each subject.

Which Subjects Have Been Removed from the CBSE Class 10 Curriculum for 2028?

CBSE has clarified the exclusion of three specific curriculum components for the batch progressing from Class 9 in 2026–27 to Class 10 in 2027–28. This move aims to streamline the academic load and focus on core competencies.

Tip

Do not confuse these specific exclusions with a general discontinuation of all related subjects or skill courses. For instance, only the CT and AI Modules for Class 9 are removed, not all AI-related skill subjects.

Strategic Preparation for CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028

With a clear understanding of the new scheme, your preparation strategy needs to be precise and targeted. The emphasis on five compulsory board subjects means each one demands dedicated attention.

Dedicate significant time to Language 1, Language 2, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. NCERT textbooks remain your primary resource. Ensure you understand every concept thoroughly before moving to advanced materials. Practice regularly, especially for Mathematics and Science, to build problem-solving skills.

Since vocational education is compulsory and can include a board examination, treat it with the same seriousness as your core subjects. Whether you choose Kaushal Vikas or a skill subject, understand its curriculum and assessment method. Consistent practice, mock tests, and timely revisions are crucial for all subjects.

To effectively drill your topic-priority list and run mock tests based on the latest CBSE pattern, practicing on Aspirant Arcade can provide the necessary edge. Its gamified approach helps reinforce concepts and track your progress efficiently. Start early and maintain consistency.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with the New CBSE Scheme

Be aware of these pitfalls and steer clear of them to ensure a smooth and successful performance in your CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2028.

▸
Since vocational education remains compulsory and may involve a board exam, underestimating its importance can negatively impact your overall results.
▸
Do not assume that the removal of 'Individuals in Society,' 'CT & AI Modules,' and 'Environmental Education' for this batch signifies a broader curriculum overhaul. These are specific to the identified implementation schedule and batch.
▸
With two languages being compulsory board examination subjects, neglecting them can cost you valuable marks. Dedicate consistent effort to improve grammar, writing skills, and comprehension in both.
▸
Given the clarity on compulsory subjects, an early and systematic approach to preparation is vital. Procrastination will only lead to stress and superficial learning.