Jan 30, 2025
How to Pass in CBSE Class 10 & 12? Know the Passing Marks!

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Don’t be confused about the Passing Marks in CBSE Class 10 & 12 ?

Discover the essential CBSE minimum passing marks for Class 10 and 12 exams, along with key exam criteria, fail regulations, and compartment rules—ensuring clarity and understanding for students striving for academic excellence.

CBSE Passing Marks Out of 100: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has a separate criteria for board examination to pass the candidates and promote to the next level. Check out the complete details and know what is the criteria for passing Class 10 and 12 board exams.

CBSE Passing Marks: The exam session is ongoing, and students want to know the score they require to pass the examination. Well, there are separate guidelines for the CBSE passing marks out of 100 for theory and practical. The practical exams are over, and schools have submitted the marks onto the CBSE Portal. The theory exams will be conducted from February 15, 2025, for Class 10 and Class 12. Read this article carefully and understand what the passing criteria are for CBSE 10th and 12th. Also, find out the CBSE passing marks for Class 10 and 12 out of 70, 80, and 100.

CBSE has outlined its examination-related guidelines that every student and teacher should know for a smooth conduction of examination. Here are some general rules to know:

• Exam Structure: CBSE conducts external examinations at the end of Class 10th and Class 12th, based on the prescribed syllabi. Class 9th and 11th exams shall be conducted internally by the schools.
• Assessment Format: Examinations include both theory and practical components, depending on the subject. Marks are awarded separately for each.
• Marks or grades will be awarded for each subject individually, and total aggregate marks will not be provided.

CBSE 10th & 12th Grading System: A Complete Guide

Understanding the CBSE grading system is crucial for students aiming for their desired scores. The board evaluates Class 10 and 12 students through both numerical scores and a structured grading pattern. Below is a breakdown of the grading system, passing criteria, and compartment rules.

Marks & Grades

CBSE assesses theory and practical exams using numerical scores.

  • External exams display both marks and grades.
  • Internal assessments in Class 10 only show grades.

Grading Scale

  • External board exams follow a nine-point grading scale (A1 to E).
  • Internal assessments for Class 10 use a five-point grading scale (A, B, C, D, E).

Qualifying Marks

  • Students must secure at least 33% in each subject to pass Class 10 and 12.
  • For subjects with practical components, 33% is required separately in theory, practical, and overall total.

CBSE Passing Criteria

For Class 12 (Senior School Certificate Examination)

Pass Criteria:

  • Students must score at least 33% in each subject (Grade higher than E).
  • If a subject includes practicals, a minimum of 33% in theory, practical, and overall score is mandatory.
  • CBSE does not provide total aggregate marks or distinctions.

Compartment Exam:

  • Students who fail in one subject can appear for a compartment exam.

For Class 10 (Secondary School Examination)

Pass Criteria:

  • Students must secure at least 33% marks in each subject (Grade higher than E).
  • Internal assessment subjects are graded on an A to E scale.
  • CBSE does not provide overall divisions, distinctions, or aggregate marks.

Compartment Exam:

  • Students failing in up to two subjects can appear for a compartment exam.

CBSE Merit Certificates

CBSE recognizes academic excellence by awarding Merit Certificates to the top 0.1% of candidates in each subject, provided they meet the board’s passing criteria.

CBSE Class 10 & 12 Examination Scheme

Class 12 Exam Pattern

  • Most subjects include a single theory paper of 100 marks, conducted over 3 hours.
  • Subjects with practicals have marks distributed as follows:
    • Theory: 70 Marks
    • Practical: 30 Marks
      (Subject-wise distribution may vary as per syllabus guidelines.)

Class 10 Exam Pattern

  • Internal assessments for subjects like Work Experience, Art Education, and Physical & Health Education are conducted by schools.
  • These assessments use a five-point grading scale (A to E) instead of numerical scores.

This structured guide ensures clarity for students and parents regarding CBSE's grading system, passing criteria, and compartment exam policies.

The details provided above are based on the official CBSE Scheme of Examinations and Passing Criteria. CLICK HERE to view the details.

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