Struggling to pass? Karnataka just made SSLC & II PU exams simpler; check details

The Karnataka government has released draft rules proposing a revised evaluation pattern for SSLC and II PU examinations starting from the 2025–26 academic year. Two major changes include lowering the pass mark and factoring internal marks into the final score.

For SSLC exams, students will now need to secure 33% of the total marks to pass, down from the current 35%. Additionally, the revised rules allow students to achieve this percentage by combining internal assessment and external examination scores. A student will be declared passed if they score a minimum of 206 out of 625 marks, provided they also secure at least 30% in each subject.

The total marks for the first language remain at 125, and the other subjects continue to carry 100 marks each. These amendments are part of the Karnataka Secondary Education Examination Board First Regulations (Amendment) 2025.


As per the draft shared on Thursday, II PU students will also be able to pass by obtaining 33% of aggregate marks across all subjects, at present, the requirement is 35%. Students must also earn at least 30% in each subject, which will now include marks from written exams, internal assessments, or practicals.

In subjects without practicals or internal assessments, students will need at least 24 out of 80 marks in the written exam. For subjects with practical components, candidates must score at least 21 out of 70 marks in the theory portion.

The draft also introduces changes to the practical exam format. Unlike the current allocation of 30 marks, the practical component will now be evaluated out of 20 marks. The remaining 10 marks will be awarded to candidates who meet specific criteria: maintain at least 75% attendance in each subject (including theory and practicals), complete the minimum required number of practicals, properly maintain and submit a certified record book, and appear for the practical exam.

Many of these revisions align with practices followed by national boards like the Central Board of Secondary Education. The state’s historically low pass percentages have been partly attributed to the absence of internal marks and a higher pass threshold.

For example, in the recent SSLC exam, out of 8.68 lakh students, only 5.28 lakh passed, resulting in a pass percentage of 62%. Similarly, in II PUC-1, 6.37 lakh students appeared, and the pass percentage stood at 69.16%.

[With TOI inputs]