CBSE Passing Criteria: 33% Overall Required to Pass a Subject; Check Latest Clarification

As before, Class 10 students should score not less than 33 percent in marks in the chosen subject. The marks will be summed up from the internal assessment and external exam marks.

Such a clarification was issued because recently issued CBSE circular confused many students, teachers, and school administration due to its unclear statements about the passing criteria. It was mentioned in the circular that students should score 33% marks separately in the external and internal assessments.

However, CBSE clarified that the criteria have not been changed, and the pattern of the assessment for Class 10 will remain the same 80:20 as in the previous academic year.

Thus, during one of the CBSE webinars, an official said that Class 10 students should score 33 percent when the marks from internal assessment and external exam are summed up.

Furthermore, it was mentioned that CBSE had considered introducing 33 percent passing criterion for the external exam and board assessment, but such a decision was taken back.

CBSE Class 10 Passing Criteria 2026-27

CBSE Class 12 Passing Criteria 2026-27

The passing rule for CBSE Class 12 remains different from Class 10. Class 12 students must secure at least 33% marks separately in the internal assessment and external examination to pass a subject.

Therefore, students of Class 10 and Class 12 should note that the passing criteria aren't the same.

No Change in CBSE Question Paper Pattern

CBSE has made it clear that there has been no modification in the format of question paper and the examination pattern of 2026-27.

CBSE will release Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Class 10 & 12. This will serve as a standard board exam template and ensure uniformity on the part of schools when following the prescribed syllabus.

So, students are advised to follow the updated CBSE syllabus along with Sample Question Papers and Marking Schemes.

CBSE Passing Criteria: Key Points

• Class 10: Students need 33% overall in a subject by combining internal assessment and external exam marks.
• Class 10 assessment pattern: The 80:20 pattern will continue.
• Class 12: Students need 33% separately in internal and external assessments.
• 2026-27 question paper pattern: No change has been announced.
• Sample Question Papers: CBSE will release SQPs and Marking Schemes for Classes 10 and 12.

The latest clarification means that CBSE Class 10 students don't need to worry about a new separate 33% passing requirement for internal and external assessments for the 2026-27 examination. The existing passing system will continue.

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👉 CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

CBSE Class 12 study material includes latest syllabus, sample papers, NCERT books and solutions, previous year question papers, chapter-wise important questions, case study questions, assertion-reason questions, and competency-based questions — all updated as per the latest CBSE board exam pattern.

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👉 CBSE Class 10 Study Materials

CBSE Class 10 study material includes latest syllabus, sample papers, NCERT books and solutions, previous year question papers, chapter-wise important questions, case study questions, assertion-reason questions, and competency-based questions — all updated as per the latest CBSE board exam pattern.