Karnataka SSLC, PUC Pass Marks 2026 Reduced; Major relief for students
Karnataka lowers SSLC and PUC passing marks from 35% to 33% from 2026 exams and plans to upgrade 800 government schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) to enhance infrastructure and academic quality.
Karnataka SSLC, PUC Pass Marks 2026 Reduced: The Karnataka government declared the lowering of minimum passing marks for its Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) and Pre University Course (PUC) examinations. Alongside this, the government also announced plans to massively transform 800 government schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS), a major step towards improved infrastructure and academic quality in the state.
Effective from the March/April 2026 examination onwards, the minimum marks required to pass in SSLC and PUC Examinations are fixed at 33% instead of 35%. The decision was meant to reduce the examination burden on students, and also bring Karnataka’s system of assessment in line with those of other national boards, like the CBSE, where the passing percentage continues to be 33%.
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Officials from the School Education Department (SED) and Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board (KSEAB) stated that the reduction aims to stop students from failing by minor marks difference. This move shall also boost the overall performance of the state in terms of pass percentage. The new system will apply to all students, including regular, private, and repeater candidates of SSLC/ PUC.
Education experts have given their approval to this change, pointing out that even a slight decrease in passing marks can affect students' academic growth and confidence. A top education analyst said, "This change will help keep students motivated and lower dropout rates for those who find it hard to meet the mark by a small margin."
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Besides decreasing the pass marks, the Karnataka government is upgrading 800 government schools into Karnataka Public Schools (KPS) to have better physical and teaching resources in a modern learning environment. It will also bring quality education standards to the system, better facilities, and an opportunity to compete on a national and international level. These changes are in line with the state’s need to upgrade the educational landscape and quality.
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