Published on October 23 , 2025
Delhi, India
In a student-centric move, the Karnataka government has revised the passing criteria for Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC, Class 10) and Second Pre-University Course (II PUC, Class 12) exams, effective from the 2025-26 academic year. Announced on October 15, 2025, by the School Education and Literacy Department, the changes lower the overall pass marks to 33% for SSLC and 30% for PUC, with a minimum 30% per subject. This reform, recommended by the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2 (KARC-2), addresses concerns over low pass percentages—such as 62% in SSLC 2025 and 69% in PUC—while aligning Karnataka’s standards with national boards like CBSE. Applicable to regular, repeater, and private candidates, the update aims to reduce academic pressure, enhance equity, and improve overall performance. As registrations for private/repeater students close on October 31, 2025, this guide details the new rules, timelines, and strategies for success.
Background: Rationale Behind the Passing Criteria Reforms
Karnataka’s board exams have historically lagged in pass rates compared to central boards, prompting a review to foster a more inclusive evaluation system.
- Historical Context: Until 2025, both SSLC and PUC required 35% overall and per subject, excluding internal assessments from final tallies—contributing to lower outcomes amid post-pandemic learning gaps.
- Driving Factors: Low Gross Enrolment Ratio (36.2% in 2021-22, ranking 15th nationally) and exclusion of internals led to high failure rates; reforms incorporate 20% internal marks for a holistic score.
- Approval Process: Draft notified months ago for public feedback; implemented via amendments to Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board Regulations, 2025, following KARC-2’s fourth report.
- Official Stance: Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa stated, “This will increase pass percentages, align with CBSE, and reduce stress while maintaining standards.”
- Broader Reforms: Paired with upgrading 800 government schools to Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) for integrated pre-primary to PUC education.
New Passing Criteria for SSLC (Class 10) Exams 2026
The revised SSLC rules emphasize combined assessments, easing the path for 8.68 lakh+ annual examinees.
- Overall Requirement: 33% aggregate (206 out of 625 total marks), including 20% internal assessment and 80% external exam.
- Per Subject Minimum: 30% (at least 30 marks per subject), covering theory, practicals, and internals.
- Subject Structure: First language (125 marks total); others (100 marks each)—internals now factor into finals for balanced evaluation.
- Eligibility for Pass: Must meet all criteria; no grace marks mentioned, but repeaters benefit equally.
- Total Subjects: Typically 5-6, with languages and core subjects like Maths, Science.
| Criteria | Previous (Up to 2025) | New (2026 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass % | 35% | 33% (206/625) |
| Per Subject % | 35% | 30% (min 30 marks) |
| Internal Assessment Role | Excluded from pass | Included (20% weight) |
New Passing Criteria for II PUC (Class 12) Exams 2026
PUC reforms target higher secondary transitions, supporting 6.37 lakh+ students amid competitive college admissions.
- Overall Requirement: 33% aggregate (198 out of 600 total marks), blending internals/practicals with written exams.
- Per Subject Minimum: 30% in written exam; at least 30 marks total per subject (including 30% internals/practicals).
- Subject Structure: 6 subjects (2 languages, 3 cores, 1 optional); theory (70 marks) + practical/internal (30 marks) for most.
- Practical Focus: Separate 33% pass in practicals for relevant subjects; attendance (75% min) mandatory for eligibility.
- Exam Format: 3-hour offline papers; blueprints/model papers available on DPUE portal.
| Criteria | Previous (Up to 2025) | New (2026 Onward) |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Pass % | 35% | 33% (198/600) |
| Per Subject % | 35% | 30% written + 30 marks total |
| Internal/Practical Role | Excluded from pass | Included (30% weight) |
Applicability and Exam Timeline for 2026
Changes apply uniformly, with streamlined processes for diverse candidates.
- Who It Covers: Regular, repeater, and private students; no exemptions for any category.
- Registration Details:
- Private/Repeater: Online via sslc.karnataka.gov.in (SSLC) or dpue-exam.karnataka.gov.in (PUC); deadline October 31, 2025.
- Fees: Updated for 2026—check portals for specifics (e.g., SSLC private: Rs 1,000+).
- Exam Schedule:
- SSLC Exam-1: March 2026 (provisional dates out September 20, 2025).
- II PUC Exam-2: April 25–May 9, 2026; Exam-3: June 2026.
- Results: May/June 2026 for Exam-1; July for others.
- Syllabus Note: No reductions announced; 2024 syllabus carries over, with model papers/blueprints for prep.
Implications: Boosting Pass Rates and Equity in Karnataka Education
These tweaks promise ripple effects on student outcomes and system-wide improvements.
- Pass Rate Uplift: Expected 5-10% rise, per officials, mirroring CBSE’s 90%+ averages—vital for low performers (e.g., 62% SSLC 2025).
- Stress Reduction: Inclusive internals reward consistent effort; aids rural/private students facing resource gaps.
- National Alignment: Syncs with CBSE/ICSE, easing transitions to higher education; supports GER goals amid 36.2% state lag.
- Challenges Addressed: Tackles post-COVID dips; bilingual policy post-Class 5 adds flexibility.
- Long-Term Vision: Part of KPS upgrades for holistic schooling; potential for further internals integration.
