Karnataka Board Lowers SSLC Passing Marks From 35% To 33%, Check Details | Education and Career News
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Candidates must secure an average of 33% marks in internal assessment and external examination combined and will be declared pass if they obtain at least 206 marks out 625.
This reduction was implemented through an amendment to the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board Act, 1966.(Representative/File)
The Karnataka government has introduced significant changes to the SSLC (Class 10) exam passing criteria. Previously, students needed to secure 35% marks to pass. However, the passing marks have now been lowered. Students no longer need to obtain 35 marks; those with a minimum of 33% marks will pass.
The state education department has reduced the required passing marks, making it easier for students to succeed. A draft notification detailing the new passing rules has been published. The state government issued a draft notification in the Gazette on July 25, 2025, allowing 15 days for objections to this rule. The draft rule will be finalised after considering these objections.
According to the new rule, students who score at least 206 marks (33%) out of a total of 625 marks, including internal assessment (125 marks) and written test (500 marks), will pass. However, students must score at least 30% marks (24 out of 80) in the external written test for each subject. The rule will come into effect from the 2025-26 academic year.
While this change makes passing easier, the requirement for minimum subject-wise marks aims to maintain quality. The decision to reduce the passing rate from 35% to 33% is an effort by the government to reduce student pressure and promote educational inclusion. State education department officials believe this change will enable more students, particularly those from rural and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to pass the SSLC exam. According to the draft notification, schools will have more flexibility in assessing student performance in internal assessments. However, the education department insists on maintaining education quality by ensuring a minimum of 30% marks in each subject.
Education experts believe this rule will encourage students to improve in weaker subjects. The government has provided 15 days to receive objections and suggestions from the public. During this period, teachers, parents, and educationists can submit their views. After considering the objections, the Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board (KSEAB) will implement the final rule.
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