33% overall to clear a subject, says CBSE; clears confusion over passing criteria - The Indian Express

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that there is no change to the passing criteria for the 2026-27 Class 10 examination.

It said that, as in previous years, students will need a minimum of 33 per cent marks overall in a subject, combining their internal assessment and external examination, to pass.

The clarification comes after a recent CBSE circular caused confusion among students, teachers, and school administrators. It read, “To be declared successful in a subject, a student 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…”

However, when the contradiction in the circular was pointed out, CBSE clarified that there is no change to the passing criteria and that the assessment pattern (80:20) will be the same as the last academic year for Class 10.

At a webinar hosted by CBSE, an official said, “In Class 10, combining both internal assessment and external exam, students should score 33 per cent.”

He also added that while there were plans to introduce a rule that would have required separate 33 per cent passing marks in externals and board exams for Class 10, it was withdrawn. “We are continuing with the old format because a lot of changes are coming. So, we wanted to bring all the changes in one go later on. Right now, the old format,” the official said.

Meanwhile, Class 12 students must continue to score a minimum of 33 per cent marks separately in internal and external assessments to clear a subject.

CBSE has also notified its affiliated schools that it will issue Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Class 10 and 12 “to provide a board template and serve as a guide for ensuring uniformity and proper coverage of the curricula”.

“There is no change in the question paper design and assessment pattern for the academic year 2026-27. The passing criteria will remain the same as those applicable during 2025-26,” it reiterated.