CBSE Class 10 & 12 Passing Criteria: Everything Students Need to Know

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has set clear rules for students to pass their Class 10 and 12 board exams. Here’s a simple guide to understanding the passing marks, grading system, and compartment exams.

Minimum Marks Required to Pass

• Students must score at least 33% in each subject to pass.
• For subjects with practical exams, students need 33% separately in theory, practical, and overall total.

CBSE Exam Structure

• CBSE conducts final exams for Class 10 and 12 based on a fixed syllabus.
• Marks are awarded separately for theory and practical exams.
• Students receive subject-wise marks or grades, but no total aggregate marks are given.

Grading System for Class 10 & 12

CBSE uses both numerical marks and grades for assessment:

• Theory and practical exams are marked numerically.
• Internal assessments use grades instead of marks.
• Grading Scale:
  • Class 10 internal exams: 5-point scale (A to E)
  • External board exams: 9-point scale (A1 to E)
• Students with the same marks receive the same grade.

Passing Rules for Class 12

To pass the CBSE Class 12 exam, students must:

• Score at least 33% in each subject.
• If a subject has practicals, students must score:
  • 33% in theory
  • 33% in practicals
  • 33% overall total

Passing Rules for Class 10

To pass the CBSE Class 10 exam, students must:

• Score at least 33% in each subject.
• Internal assessment subjects are graded on a 5-point scale (A to E).
• No overall distinction or aggregate marks are given.

Compartment Exams for Class 10 & 12

Students who fail in one or two subjects can take a compartment exam to improve their scores.

• Class 12 students can retake an exam if they fail in one subject.
• Class 10 students can retake an exam if they fail in up to two subjects.
• Students get three chances to clear their failed subjects:
  1. First attempt: July/August (same year)
  2. Second attempt: March/April (next year)
  3. Third attempt: July/August (next year)
• If a student fails all three attempts, they must reappear for all subjects next year.

Compartment Exam & Practical Marks

• If a student fails theory but passes practical, the practical marks will be carried forward.
• If a student fails practical, they must retake both theory and practical exams.

CBSE Merit Certificates

CBSE awards Merit Certificates to the top 0.1% of students in each subject, as long as they meet the passing criteria.

CBSE Exam Format

• Most subjects have a 3-hour theory exam worth 100 marks.
• Subjects with practicals usually have:
  • 70 marks for theory
  • 30 marks for practical

These guidelines help students prepare effectively and understand what it takes to pass their CBSE board exams. 🎓