Karnataka Reduces SSLC & 2nd PUC Passing Marks to 33%
In a major shift aimed at reducing academic pressure and aligning with national standards, the Karnataka government has approved new evaluation rules for the SSLC (Class 10) and II PU (Class 12) examinations. The changes, set to take effect from the 2025-26 academic year, lower the overall passing mark to 33%, while setting a minimum of 30% marks per subject. This replaces the earlier requirement of 35% minimum in each subject.
Why the Change?
The move follows recommendations from KSEAB and education stakeholders to bring the state board evaluation in line with boards such as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), where a 33% aggregate is the standard. Officials believe this will ease the transition for students and reduce the number of exam failures.
Key Highlights of the New Criteria
- Students must achieve at least 33% marks overall across all subjects.
- In addition, each subject requires at least 30% marks (internals + exam) to pass.
- For SSLC, out of a total of 625 marks, passing would mean scoring a minimum of 206 marks if the 33% criterion is applied.
- The three-exam system (Exam 1, Exam 2, Exam 3) for SSLC and II PU remains unchanged.
Impact on Students and Parents
The revised rules aim to offer relief to students who struggled under the previous system, but they also raise important questions:
Positive outcomes:
- Less risk of failing due to a single weak subject.
- Encouragement for consistent performance, as internal assessments now count.
- More alignment with other national boards, making state board credentials more competitive.
Concerns raised:
- Some educationists argue that lowering pass marks may undermine the rigor of learning and weaken foundational knowledge.
- The reliability of internal assessment practices has been questioned, as some scholars worry that inflated internal marks could mask weak understanding.
What Students Should Do
- Stay focused on each subject: securing 30% in every subject is still mandatory.
- Continue preparing diligently for external exams, not relying solely on internal marks.
- Make use of the three-exam opportunity to improve scores if needed.
- Parents should encourage periodic review, practice tests and balanced learning rather than last-minute cramming.
Final Takeaway
This revision reflects a broader trend of education boards seeking to reduce exam stress while maintaining standards. For Karnataka students, the key takeaway is this: while the pass mark is more attainable, true learning and consistent preparation remain crucial. The result is not just about passing — but performing and gaining knowledge for future academic or career steps.

















