Karnataka reduces passing marks for Class 10 from 35% to 33%, notification will come into force from 2025–26

Class 10 students in Karnataka don't have to worry anymore! Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board (KSEEB) has reduced passing marks of SSLC from 35% to 33% with the objective of easing pressure on the students and achieving more pass percentages.

As per the new rule, the students now have to obtain at least 206 of 625 (internal and external exams) to pass. There is a catch, however â€" they also have to obtain at least 30% of all the written exams of the subjects, i.e., 24 of 80 marks.

This amendment, as part of the draft Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board (Amendment) 2025 rules, was released on July 25, 2025, in the state gazette. The rule is expected to become gazetted after 15 days' objection period during which parents, teachers and the general public can provide their comments.

WHAT'S CHANGING IN SSLC PASSING RULES?

Decreased passing marks from 35% to 33%

Minimum 206 out of 625 marks to qualify

30% marks as a minimum in the written test in all subjects

Transition becomes active from the academic year 2025–26

The transformation is made according to the recommendation of KSEAB so that it can be at par with the level of CBSE. The government did not, however, implement the recommendation of cutting down the total marks in the first language subject from 125 to 100 and overall stands at 625.

School management associations welcomed the new regulation in a positive manner but sought clarifications on passing marks at the subject level.

The amendment would enable more backward and rural students to pass the SSLC exam with minimum quality standards, officials said.