Relief for CBSE Class 10 Students: Passing Criteria Remains Unchanged

CBSE has clarified that there will be no changes to the Class 10 passing criteria for the 2026-27 academic session. To pass, students must secure a minimum of 33% marks by combining their board exam and internal assessment scores.

This is welcome news for students appearing for the CBSE board exams in 2027. The board has clarified that the passing criteria for Class 10 remain unchanged for the 2026-27 session. Students need to secure at least 33% marks in a subject by combining the scores from the board examination and internal assessment. This means it is not mandatory to score 33% separately in the 80-mark board exam and the 20-mark internal assessment.

Confusion had arisen among students, teachers, and schools regarding the wording related to passing criteria in the secondary school curriculum released by CBSE for 2026-27. The document mentioned securing a minimum of 33% marks in both the external examination and internal assessment, prompting teachers and schools to seek clarification from the board. The issue was also raised during a CBSE webinar, where a teacher from a private school in Sonipat, Haryana, asked for a clarification regarding the passing rules.

80-20 Pattern to Continue for Class 10

CBSE has clarified that for Class 10, the board examination will carry 80 marks and the internal assessment will carry 20 marks. The final result for the subject will be determined by combining the marks from both components. This implies that if a student scores less than 33% in the board examination, they will not be declared failed solely on that basis; the internal assessment marks will also be included in the total score. However, students will be required to appear for and complete both the board examinations and the internal assessments.

The 2025-26 passing criteria will remain in effect

CBSE has clarified that the passing criteria for Class 10 in the 2026-27 academic session will remain the same as those for 2025-26. This means students will not be required to secure 33 percent marks in each component separately. In contrast, separate passing rules apply to practical and theory components for Class 12. According to CBSE, there had been earlier discussions regarding a plan to implement a separate 33 percent passing requirement for Class 10, but this proposal has been withdrawn; the existing rule will continue to apply.

No changes to the exam pattern either

Along with the passing criteria, CBSE announced that there are no changes to the paper design or assessment pattern for the 2026-27 session. The Board has also prepared sample question papers and marking schemes for Classes 10 and 12. These resources can help students understand the exam pattern, mark distribution, and syllabus coverage. CBSE has also advised schools and teachers to utilize these materials for instruction and exam preparation.