Karnataka Lowers I PU Passing Marks to 33% from This Academic Year
Move aims to bring uniformity with SSLC, II PU and national boards like CBSE.
The Karnataka government has reduced the minimum passing marks for First Pre-University (I PU) students from 35 per cent to 33 per cent, starting from the current academic year.
The decision was announced by the Department of School Education and Literacy and is expected to benefit around six lakh students who appear for the I PU examinations every year.
Unlike the SSLC (Class 10) and II PU examinations, where answer scripts are evaluated through a centralised system, I PU exam papers are assessed at the respective schools and colleges.
Earlier, in July 2025, the state government had reduced the passing marks for SSLC and II PU students to 33 per cent. The revised rule will come into effect for the March 2026 examinations. Officials said the change was introduced to bring the state’s evaluation system in line with national boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).
According to the latest government order, the decision to extend the same minimum passing percentage to I PU students was taken to maintain uniformity in the evaluation process and improve academic standards among students.
To implement the change, the Karnataka Pre-University Examination (Method of Evaluation) Rules, 2025 will be amended.
Bharat S, Director of the Department of Pre-University Education, said the change was logical since the passing marks for II PU have already been fixed at 33 per cent. “Since the II PU pass percentage is set at 33, the same standard is now being adopted for I PU as well,” he said.
The I PU examinations are expected to conclude soon, with results likely to be announced by March 31.
Welcoming the decision, Ningegowda A. H., President of the Karnataka State Pre-University College Lecturers’ Association, said the move would help create a level playing field for students studying under different education boards.
