Karnataka Lowers Pass Percentage for SSLC and PUC Board Exams from 2025–26
Students will now need 33% instead of 35% to pass; new rule aims to reduce academic stress and align with national standards.
Bengaluru: In a student-friendly move, the Karnataka Education Department has revised the minimum pass percentage for SSLC (Class 10) and II PUC (Class 12) board exams. Starting from the 2025–26 academic year, students will need to score at least 33% marks to pass, down from the current 35%, announced Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa on Tuesday.
Addressing the media in Bengaluru, the minister explained that the change aims to ease pressure on students while aligning the state’s evaluation standards with national norms.
“We had invited feedback from the public. Out of 709 responses, 701 supported reducing the pass percentage to 33%. Based on this overwhelming support, the government has decided to implement the new rule from the next academic year,” Bangarappa said.
Revised Pass Criteria:
- SSLC (Class 10):
Students must score a minimum of 206 marks out of 625 (excluding first language paper) to pass. - II PUC (Class 12):
Students need 198 marks out of 600 in total to be declared pass.
In addition to the overall percentage, students must also score:
- At least 30% marks in each subject, and
- 33% overall, calculated based on the average of internal assessment and external (board exam) marks.
Breakdown of Subject-Wise Pass Marks:
- Subjects without practical/internal marks:
Minimum 24 out of 80 marks required in the theory exam. - Subjects with internal/practical components:
Minimum 21 out of 70 marks in theory.
Practical/internal assessment: 30 marks (20 for practicals, 10 for attendance/assignments).
Minister Bangarappa emphasized that the decision is intended to reduce academic stress on students and promote holistic learning, without compromising on educational standards.
The changes will be applicable to students appearing for board exams from the 2025–26 academic year onward.
