In line with the recommendations of the Karnataka Administrative Reforms Commission-2, the state government has decided to reduce the passing marks for SSLC and Second PUC examinations from 35% to 33%, effective from the 2025–26 academic year.
Announcing the change on Wednesday, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa said the decision aims to increase the overall pass percentage and bring Karnataka’s evaluation standards in line with CBSE and other state boards.
“A student appearing for SSLC exams will now be declared pass if they secure 206 marks out of 625 (33% overall) and at least 30% in each subject,” the minister said. The revised rule will apply to regular, repeater, and private candidates alike.
For Second PUC students, the same criteria will apply — a minimum of 30% in written exams, 30 marks per subject including internals, and an overall 33% of 600 marks, meaning students will need 198 marks to pass.
Following the draft notification, the department received 701 letters supporting the move and only 8 opposing it.
However, the decision has drawn criticism from some parents and teachers who fear it could make students complacent and erode academic competitiveness over time.