Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Karnataka Lowers SSLC, PUC Passing Marks to 33% for 2025-26
Karnataka's government has changed the rules for passing high school (SSLC) and pre-university (II PUC) exams.
Students now need to get 33% overall, down from 35%.
They also need to score at least 30% in each subject.
These new rules start with the 2025-26 school year.
The government hopes this will help more students pass and make the system similar to others, like the CBSE board.
They also want to encourage more students to go to college.
Most people agreed with this change when asked.
However, some experts think it's not a good idea and that the focus should be on learning more, not just passing with lower marks.
Karnataka has lowered the minimum passing marks for SSLC and II PUC exams from 35% to 33% overall.
Students must now achieve at least 30% in each subject to pass.
The new passing criteria are effective immediately and apply from the 2025-26 academic year.
The government aims to increase the pass percentage and standardize criteria with other educational boards like CBSE.
A public consultation showed strong support, with 701 in favor and only 8 against the change.
- Who
- Karnataka Government
- What
- Reduced minimum passing marks for SSLC and II PUC exams from 35% to 33% overall, with a 30% subject-specific requirement.
- When
- Effective for the 2025-26 academic year.
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To increase the pass percentage, standardize criteria with other educational boards (like CBSE), and boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education.
Government & Supporters
Critics
Rationale for Lowering Marks
Government & Supporters
The government aims to increase the pass percentage, standardize criteria with other educational boards like CBSE, and boost the Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education. The change aligns with suggestions from the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2 and received strong public support (701 in favor, 8 opposed).
Critics
Education expert Niranjanaradhya believes the decision lacks logical thought, perpetuates colonial-era benchmarks (originally set by British administrators), and focuses on statistical outcomes rather than genuine educational improvement. He argues that standards should be elevated after 75 years of independence.
- New SSLC Aggregate Requirement
- 33% (206/625 marks)
- New II PUC Aggregate Requirement
- 33% (198/600 marks)
- New Subject-Specific Requirement
- 30% per subject
- Previous Passing Marks
- 35% aggregate and 35% per subject
- Effective Date
- Immediately, applicable for the 2025-26 academic year
- Public Consultation Results
- 701 in favor, 8 opposed
- Minister's Stated Goal
- Increase pass percentage and introduce a uniform system aligned with CBSE and other boards, boost Gross Enrolment Ratio