Panel moots 33 as pass marks for SSLC exams in Karnataka, aligning with CBSE

Bengaluru: Considering a demand by various stakeholders, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) has submitted a proposal to the government to revise the SSLC examination pattern to bring it on par with the CBSE.

According to sources, KSEAB has recommended reduction of minimum passing marks from the existing 35 to 33 and also to reduce the total marks for which the exam will be conducted for the first language from 125 to 100.

After the SSLC examinations showed a decline in results this year, the Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka had submitted a petition to the department of School Education and Literacy calling for adopting the CBSE model to prevent disadvantage to students appearing for the state board exams.

One of the major demands by the association was to reduce the minimum pass marks in SSLC from 35 to 33. "Pass marks in other boards including CBSE and ICSE is only 33, putting state board students at a disadvantage. Let the state also reduce it to 33," the association argued in the petition.

The association even mentioned that disparity in pass marks among the boards was also one of the major reasons for students to shift from the state to other boards when they enter high school. "Even one mark makes a difference for students," the association said.

According to sources, the Board has submitted a proposal seeking permission to implement the CBSE model from the 2026 exams.