CBSE clarifies 33% marks needed to pass a subject

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that there is no change in the passing criteria for Class 10 students. Students will continue to need a minimum of 33 per cent marks overall in each subject, combining internal assessment and Board exam scores, rather than scoring 33 per cent separately in each component.

The confusion stemmed from the Secondary School Curriculum for Classes 9-10 (Part-1) for 2026-27, which stated that students must secure a minimum of 33 per cent marks separately in external and internal assessments, calculated on the combined total of Internal Assessment and External Examination marks. The wording led several teachers, students, and parents to believe the board had introduced a stricter, two-part passing requirement.

Under CBSE’s existing assessment structure for Classes 9 and 10, the Board exam carries 80 marks, while internal assessment accounts for the remaining 20. “The final result of the student shall be determined by combining performance in both the external exam and the internal assessment. Students are required to appear in and complete both components of assessment,” the circular noted.

The proposal to introduce separate 33 per cent passing requirements for Class 12 Board exams had been considered but was ultimately withdrawn. “Earlier, it was decided, but we have withdrawn it. We are continuing with the old one because a lot of changes are coming, so we wanted to bring all the changes in one go later on. Right now, the old one will be followed,” the official said.

In a notification issued to all affiliated schools on September 21, CBSE reiterated that Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Classes 10 and 12 are meant to serve as guides for uniformity in teaching and assessment. The Board confirmed that there is no change in the question paper design and assessment pattern for the Academic Session 2026-27, adding that ‘the passing criteria will remain the same as those applicable during the academic session 2025-26.’