In a significant education reform, the Government of Karnataka has approved a new pass criterion for SSLC (Class 10) and II PUC (Class 12) examinations. Starting from the 2025–26 academic session, students will need 33% marks to pass, down from the earlier requirement of 35%.
The move aligns Karnataka’s state education board with national standards like CBSE, which also follow the 33% passing rule. The decision aims to reduce exam stress, promote inclusivity, and ensure parity across education systems in India.
Key Features of the New Rule
| Feature | Details |
| Effective From | Academic year 2025–26 |
| Applicable To | SSLC (Class 10) and II PU (Class 12) students |
| New Pass Percentage | 33% overall instead of 35% |
| Minimum Marks per Subject | 30% including internal assessments |
| Internal Assessment Weightage | Marks from projects, assignments, and practicals will count toward the total |
| First Language Paper | Still out of 125 marks (structure remains unchanged for now) |
| Total Marks (SSLC) | 625 marks in total; a student needs at least 206 marks to pass |
Objective Behind the Change
The Department of School Education and Literacy stated that this decision intends to:
- Align Karnataka with National Boards (CBSE/ICSE): To standardize the evaluation system and ensure uniformity in student assessment across India.
- Reduce Exam-Related Stress: Many students, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, struggle to reach the 35% mark. Reducing it to 33% offers mental relief and prevents unnecessary failures.
- Encourage Continuous Learning: Inclusion of internal assessment encourages regular participation, project-based learning, and classroom involvement throughout the year.
- Promote Equity and Inclusion: This reform benefits students from disadvantaged backgrounds who often face unequal access to quality resources.
Benefits of the New Policy
- Boost in Pass Percentage: The reform is expected to increase the overall pass rate for both SSLC and II PU exams.
- Reduced Dropout Rate: Students who narrowly missed the old 35% threshold will now pass, keeping more students in the education system.
- Less Psychological Pressure: A lower benchmark can significantly reduce anxiety and exam fear among students.
- Parity with Other Boards: Students from the Karnataka Board will now stand on equal footing with those from national boards during competitive exams and higher education admissions.
- Encouragement for Consistent Performance: Internal marks will push students to engage consistently rather than relying solely on final exam performance.
Challenges and Concerns
- Possible Decline in Academic Standards: Some education experts warn that reducing the pass mark might compromise educational quality and rigor.
- Dependence on Internal Marks: Unequal implementation of internal assessments across schools could create inconsistencies in grading fairness.
- Implementation Readiness: Schools must be adequately trained to handle new assessment patterns and ensure transparency in evaluation.
- Perception Issue: Critics argue that easier pass criteria may send a wrong message about academic effort and competitiveness.
Public Feedback & Expert Opinion
When the proposal was opened for public feedback:
- 701 respondents supported the change, while only 8 opposed it.
- Parents and school associations largely welcomed the move, citing it as a fair and balanced reform that brings Karnataka in line with national norms.
Expert Opinion
Education analysts believe that while the reduction to 33% may appear small, it has a significant psychological and structural impact.
By combining internal assessments and moderate passing criteria, the system now focuses more on holistic learning rather than rote memorization.
Conclusion
The Karnataka government’s decision to lower pass marks from 35% to 33% marks a progressive step toward inclusivity and parity in education.However, the success of this reform will depend on consistent evaluation, teacher training, and strict monitoring of internal assessments. If implemented effectively, this initiative can strike the right balance between academic standards and student well-being, ensuring that education remains both fair and accessible.
FAQs
1. From which year will the new pass criteria apply?
Ans: The new 33% pass rule will apply from the 2025–26 academic session.
2. Does this apply to both SSLC and II PU exams?
Ans: Yes, it applies to both Class 10 (SSLC) and Class 12 (II PUC) examinations.
3. Is there a subject-wise minimum?
Ans: Yes, students must score at least 30% in each subject, including internal marks.
4. Why was this change introduced?
Ans: To align Karnataka with CBSE and other national boards, reduce student stress, and improve overall pass rates.
5. Will it affect exam difficulty?
Ans: No. The question paper structure and syllabus remain the same; only the pass mark threshold has been revised.
My self Anita Sahani. I have completed my B.Com from Purbanchal College Silapathar. I am working in Dev Library as a Content Manager. A website that provides all SCERT, NCERT 3 to 12, and BA, B.com, B.Sc, and Computer Science with Post Graduate Notes & Suggestions, Novel, eBooks, Health, Finance, Biography, Quotes, Study Materials, and more.
