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The CBSE, formally the Central Board of Secondary Education, is fully prepared to begin class 10th, 12th board examinations from February 15. Students preparing for the board examinations want to know the different aspects of CBSE’s exam assessment like its passing criteria, grading system, etc.
In this article, we will provide students with the information on CBSE Passing marks criteria along with its grading system.
CBSE Passing Marks 2025
The CBSE passing marks is the minimum score that student should obtain in order to be rewarded pass status or successful status in that subject. The CBSE passing marks in absolute value vary from subject to subject while the passing marks criteria in percentage terms have remained the same over the years for all subjects. The CBSE passing marks 2025 is common for both 10th and 12th class.
CBSE Passing Marks Criteria 2025
The exam period is around the corner, and students are eager to find out what marks they need to pass the CBSE board exam. There are distinct criteria for the CBSE passing marks out of 100 for both theory and practical. The practical exams have concluded, and schools have submitted the grades into the CBSE Portal.
Go through this article thoroughly to grasp what is the passing requirements are for CBSE grades 10 and 12. Additionally, determine the passing marks for CBSE Class 10 and 12 out of 70, 80, and 100.
CBSE Passing Marks Criteria 2025 Class 10th
Review the CBSE 10th class passing marks criteria 2025 below.
Pass Criteria
Must achieve a minimum of 33% marks (Grade above E) in every subject.
Subjects for internal assessment are evaluated on a scale from A to E.
There are no general divisions, distinctions, or cumulative marks given.
Compartment Exam
Students who are failing in no more than two subjects can take a compartment exam. The passing marks requirement for this exam is also 33% out of total marks.
CBSE Passing Marks Criteria for 12th
Class 12th students should check the CBSE 2025 passing marks criteria for regular as well as compartment examinations. The passing marks for both these exams has been shared herein.
Pass Criteria
Must achieve at least 33% of the marks (Grade above E) in every subject.
If a subject includes practical, then 33% is needed in theory, 33% in practical, and 33% overall.
No overall total or differentiation is granted.
Compartment Exam
Students who do not pass in one subject may take a compartment exam. The marks required to pass the compartment exam is also 33%.
CBSE Passing Marks 2025 for Different Subjects
The maximum marks for different subject vary from each other. Generally, the commerce stream subjects like accountancy is held for 80 marks while the PCMB science subjects have maximum marks of 70. Some subjects like English is held for 100 marks while there are some subjects whose maximum marks is 50. Based on the constant 3% passing marks criteria, the passing marks in absolute numbers for such subjects is given below.
| Maximum marks for the Specific Subject | Passing Marks |
| 100 | 33 |
| 80 | 26 |
| 70 | 23 |
| 50 | 17 |
CBSE Exam 2025 Minimum Qualifying Marks
Understanding minimum qualifying marks criteria is crucial for students to prepare effectively and achieve their desired grades. Learn additional details about the qualifying marks criteria below:
Minimum Qualifying Marks: Students are required to score a minimum of 33% mark in each subject for Class 10 and 12 to pass that subject. For subjects with practical exam, students must score 33% separately in theory, practical, and overall to pass.
CBSE 10th, 12th Grading System 2025
CBSE uses both grading and numerical scores for Classes 10 and 12, respectively. Check the grading system below.
Marks & Grades: Both theory and practical examinations receive numerical score evaluations. External examinations indicate both scores and grades, whereas internal evaluations show only grades.
Grade Allocation Criteria:
Students are ranked and graded as per the following:
- A1 – Top 1/8th of passed students
- A2 – Next 1/8th
- B1 – Next 1/8th
- B2 – Next 1/8th
- C1 – Next 1/8th
- C2 – Next 1/8th
- D1 – Next 1/8th
- D2 – Next 1/8th
- E – Failed candidates
CBSE Passing Marks Grading Scale
The CBSE uses the grading scale from A to E. External exams use a nine-point scale from A1 to E while Class 10 internal assessments use a five-point scale: A, B, C, D, E. Some of the important points regarding the grading system of CBSE exam is listed below.
- Small modifications can be implemented to prevent ties.
- If students receive identical scores, they will obtain the same grade.
- Grading is relevant when over 500 students successfully complete a subject.
- If less than 500 students succeed, grading adheres to a similar structure as other subjects.
CBSE Practical Exam 2025 Passing Marks
The CBSE practical exam passing marks criteria in terms of percentage is same. That is students will have to score a minimum of 33% marks in practical to pass the same. If a student does not pass theory but succeeds in practical, practical scores will be retained. If a student does not pass the practical, they are required to retake both the theory and the practical.
What If Students Could Not Score CBSE Passing Marks
If a student is not able to obtain the required passing marks in CBSE 2025 exam, then he or she will be allowed to appear for the compartment exam. Students can attempt the compartment exam for three chances available in the following time period:
- First attempt – July/August of the same year.
- Second attempt – March/April next year.
- Third attempt – July/August of next year.
If students fail in all three attempts, they will need to retake all subjects the following year.
CBSE Merit Certificate 2025
CBSE grants Merit Certificates to the top 0.1% of students in every subject, as long as they fulfill the Board’s passing requirements. The number of Merit Certificates in a subject will be established by rounding the number of candidates who pass the subject to the closest multiple of one thousand. If fewer than 500 candidates pass a subject, a merit certificate will not be awarded.
CBSE Board Exam 2025 Examination Scheme
The examination scheme for Class 12 under CBSE adheres to the points outlined below:
Most subjects feature one theory exam worth 100 marks, lasting 3 hours. Courses that feature practical consist of both theoretical and practical assessments, with marks allocated according to the syllabus, usually 70 for theory and 30 for practical.
The examination scheme for CBSE Class 10 encompasses: Evaluation in areas such as Work Experience, Art Education, and Physical and Health Education is carried out internally by schools, utilizing a five-point grading scale (A to E).
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