In a significant policy shift aimed at improving student outcomes and aligning state board standards with national benchmarks, the Karnataka state government has officially reduced the minimum passing marks for SSLC (Class 10) and PUC (Class 12) examinations.
As per the new order passed on Tuesday, the passing marks for SSLC have been reduced from 35% to 33%, while for PUC, they have been lowered from 35% to 30%. This change will be implemented starting from the academic year 2025–26, benefitting regular, repeat, and private students alike.
Aim: To Increase Pass Percentage and Align with CBSE Standards
Announcing the decision, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said,
“The minimum pass mark in SSLC and II PUC examinations was 35%. We want to increase the pass percentage and also introduce a uniform system that is aligned with CBSE and other national boards.”
The Minister further explained that a draft notification was published in the Gazette earlier, allowing a 15-day window for public feedback. A total of 701 letters supported the move, while only eight opposed it. Based on this overwhelming response, the amended rules will be implemented from this academic year itself.
Recommendations from Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission
The Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2 (KARC-2), in its 4th report, had also recommended reducing the pass percentage for SSLC and PUC students. The decision, therefore, is not only progressive but also backed by data and expert consultation.
Revised Passing Criteria for SSLC Students
Under the new evaluation system:
- An SSLC student must secure an overall 33% combining both internal assessments and board examination marks.
- Students must obtain at least 206 marks out of the total 625 to be declared passed.
- They must also score a minimum of 30 marks in each subject to qualify.
This change is expected to reduce exam-related stress and encourage holistic learning among secondary school students.
Revised Passing Criteria for PUC Students
For PUC (Pre-University Course) students, the revised guidelines are as follows:
- Students must secure at least 30 marks in the written examination in each subject.
- Including practical and internal marks, they must obtain an overall score of 33%, which equals 198 marks out of 600.
This move will bring PUC evaluation standards closer to CBSE and national education boards, ensuring uniformity in assessment methods and promoting higher education mobility for students.
Implementation and Impact
The new rule will be applicable to regular, repeat, and private candidates appearing for both SSLC and II PUC examinations from the 2025–26 academic session. Education officials believe that this reform will help increase the pass percentage, reduce dropouts, and ensure parity across various education boards.
Education experts have welcomed the move, saying it will not only make the system more student-friendly but also align Karnataka’s state board with national-level education standards, supporting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 vision for inclusive and flexible learning.
The decision marks a pivotal step toward making Karnataka’s school education system more progressive, equitable, and performance-oriented, ensuring that students are evaluated fairly while maintaining academic rigor, for more details CLICK HERE
