Karnataka Eases SSLC and PUC Exam Norms: Passing Marks Reduced to Boost Student Success

Bengaluru, October 15, 2025 – In a significant move to enhance student performance and harmonize with national education benchmarks, the Karnataka government has announced a revision in the passing criteria for Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Pre-University Course (PUC) examinations. Effective from the 2025-26 academic year, the overall passing threshold has been lowered from 35% to 33% for both exams, while subject-wise minimums have been set at 30%. The decision, unveiled by Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, aims to address persistently low pass rates and align the state’s evaluation system with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) standards.

This reform comes amid ongoing efforts to make board exams more accessible and reflective of holistic student development, incorporating internal assessments into the final scoring.

Key Changes in Passing Criteria

Under the new regulations, SSLC students (Class 10) will be required to secure at least 206 marks out of a total of 625 to pass, representing the 33% threshold. This aggregate includes both external exam scores and internal assessments. Additionally, candidates must achieve a minimum of 30% in each individual subject, a slight relaxation from the previous uniform 35% requirement.

For Second PUC (Class 12) examinations, the changes mirror those for SSLC: an overall pass mark of 33% across all subjects, with no less than 30% per subject. Practical components in science streams have also been recalibrated, with 20 marks now allocated to the practical exam and an additional 10 marks based on attendance, record-keeping, and participation criteria.

The first language in SSLC retains its 125-mark weightage, while other subjects remain at 100 marks each. These amendments are formalized through the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board First Regulations (Amendment) 2025 and the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board Act, 1966.

Alignment with CBSE and National Standards

The Karnataka Department of School Education & Literacy has cited alignment with CBSE guidelines as a primary driver for these changes. CBSE has long incorporated internal assessments and a 33% passing benchmark, which has contributed to higher overall pass rates compared to many state boards. By adopting similar norms, Karnataka seeks to reduce discrepancies for students transitioning between state and central curricula, particularly in competitive entrance exams.

“This revision will not only elevate pass percentages but also encourage a more balanced approach to learning, emphasizing consistent performance throughout the year,” Minister Bangarappa stated during the announcement. The move follows recommendations from the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2, underscoring a broader push for educational equity.

Addressing Low Pass Rates: A Data-Driven Decision

Karnataka’s board exams have grappled with suboptimal outcomes in recent years. In the 2025 SSLC Exam-1, only 62% of the 8.68 lakh appearing students passed, with 5.28 lakh qualifying. Similarly, the II PUC-1 pass rate hovered at 69.16% among 6.37 lakh candidates. These figures lag behind national averages, prompting scrutiny over rigid evaluation practices like the exclusion of internal marks and higher thresholds.

The introduction of webcasting systems in exams has also been linked to a dip in performance due to increased pressure, further justifying the need for leniency. Education experts hail the reform as a pragmatic step to foster resilience without compromising quality, potentially lifting thousands of students from failure to success.

Implications for Students and Schools

For students, the changes mean greater flexibility: internal assessments—now 20-30% of the total—can buffer weaker external performances, rewarding regular attendance and project work. Private and government schools alike will implement these uniformly starting next year, ensuring a level playing field.

Schools are advised to update curricula and counseling programs accordingly. The draft rules were open for public feedback for 15 days following their July release, incorporating stakeholder inputs before finalization. Early results from pilot implementations in select districts show promising upticks in motivation and preparation.

Looking Ahead: Broader Educational Reforms

This policy shift is part of Karnataka’s larger vision to modernize its education framework, including digital integration and teacher training enhancements. As the state eyes improved rankings in national assessments, such targeted interventions could set a precedent for other regional boards facing similar challenges.

With the 2025-26 academic year underway, students and educators are optimistic about a more inclusive exam ecosystem. Official guidelines are available on the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board website (kseab.karnataka.gov.in). For queries, contact local education departments.