There will be a stronger emphasis on maths skills and practical science, as tougher, new-look GCSEs and A-levels for England are revealed.
Maths skills will become more important in other subjects, such as physics.
The role of central banks and financial regulation will be introduced into economics A-levels and an "unseen text" into English literature A-level exams.
Education Secretary Michael Gove has set out the content of exams to be phased in from 2015 and 2016.
Mr Gove said the changes would correct "pernicious damage caused by grade inflation and dumbing down"
"Our changes will make these qualifications more ambitious, with greater stretch for the most able; will prepare young people better for the demands of employment and further study," said the education secretary.
The exam regulator Ofqual is expected to set out later how science practicals might be assessed.
Head teachers' leader Brian Lightman warned that schools and pupils faced "enormous pressure" and confusion during the switch to the new exams.
"Hastily implemented changes on such a scale carry an enormous risk," said Mr Lightman.
More maths
The changes set out for the subjects include:
A-levels, to be taught from September 2015:
Science: At least 12 practical experiments in chemistry, biology and physics. Changes to be announced in how this is assessed. More mathematical knowledge will be expected in physics.
History: Topics will need to cover at least 200 years rather than 100 years. There will also be a specific theme to be studied with a 100-year period.
English literature: At least three pre-1900 works including a Shakespeare play, and one post-2000 work. There will also be an "unseen text" to ensure there is wider and more critical reading.
Economics: More maths and introduction of role of central banks and financial regulation
Computer science: More focus on programming, algorithms and problem-solving
GCSEs, to be taught from September 2016:
Sciences: "Cutting-edge content" such as human genome in biology, nanoparticles in chemistry, and energy and space in physics. More maths in all science
History: A wider range of historical periods to be studied, with three eras - medieval (500-1500), early modern (1450-1750) and modern (1700-present day). More emphasis on UK history.
Geography: At least two examples of fieldwork, more maths and more emphasis on UK geography
Modern languages: Requirement that "questions are asked in the respective foreign language". More translating from English into the foreign language.
There have already been details set out for the first three of the new type of GCSE, which will be English language, English literature and maths, to be taught from September 2015.
The education secretary has also announced that there will be more "rigorous and demanding" A-levels and GCSEs in arts subjects, including music, drama, art and dance, are to be made more "rigorous and demanding", Education Secretary Michael Gove is to announce.
They will be taught from September 2016, alongside changes to A-levels in RE and design and technology.
Changes to the structure of exams have already been announced - such as shifting from modules to exams at the end of two years.
Last week, exam regulator Ofqual announced that new-style GCSEs would be graded from 9 to 1, with the highest grade to be twice as hard as an A*.
Changes to the structure of exams have already been announced - such as shifting from modules to exams at the end of two years.
Mr Lightman, leader of the Association for School and College Leaders, said he was "very concerned about the amount of simultaneous change".
"The success of these very ambitious changes will depend on effective implementation and high quality communication and preparation for schools from the awarding bodies.
"We still have not seen specific content for the exams nor details of how it will be assessed. Therefore there is no way of saying with any certainty that these new qualifications will be tougher than what is now in place."
http://www.bbc.com/news/education-26955452
