CBSE clarifies Class 10 passing rule, 33% overall marks required in a subject

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

Under the existing rule, students must secure at least 33% marks overall in each subject, calculated by combining marks obtained in the internal assessment and the external board examination.

The clarification came after confusion among students, teachers and school administrators over the wording of a recent CBSE circular issued with the Secondary School Curriculum for Classes 9-10 (Part 1) for 2026-27.

The circular stated that a student must secure a minimum of 33% marks separately in the external and internal assessments, based on the combined total of both components. The wording led to questions over whether CBSE was introducing a new requirement for Class 10 students.

CBSE later clarified that the existing 80:20 assessment pattern for Class 10 will continue, with the passing requirement remaining unchanged from the previous academic year.

During a CBSE-hosted webinar, a board official explained that Class 10 students need to score 33% when their internal assessment and external examination marks are combined.

The official also said CBSE had considered introducing a rule requiring students to secure 33% separately in the external examination and internal assessment. However, that proposal was withdrawn.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.

Class 12 rule remains different

For Class 12, the existing passing requirement continues. Students must secure at least 33% marks separately in the internal and external assessments to pass a subject.

CBSE has also informed its affiliated schools that it will release Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes (MS) for Classes 10 and 12. The materials are intended to provide a standard board examination template, ensure uniformity and help schools understand the expected coverage of the prescribed curriculum.

“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,” CBSE reiterated.