The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is tightening the passing norms for the 10th grade examination, requiring students to achieve a minimum of 33% in both written exams and internal assessments to pass. This change is set to take effect from the year 2027, but for the upcoming 2026 examination, students must achieve an overall 33% across all subjects.
Currently, students need a minimum of 26.5 marks out of 80 in the written exam and 6.6 marks out of 20 in internal assessments to pass. The new criteria will significantly raise the bar for students, as they will no longer be able to rely on scoring lower marks in internal assessments if they perform well in the written exam.
Under the revised norms, if a student scores below the qualifying marks in one assessment, they can still pass if they score well in the other assessment. In some subjects, the ratio of written exam to internal assessment may be 70:30, which emphasizes the importance of internal evaluations.
Internal assessments include periodic tests, projects, and performance in record work as evaluated by teachers. This shift in assessment strategy aims to provide a more holistic evaluation of student performance.
Teachers have expressed concern that the number of failing students may increase due to the new requirements. The changes reflect a broader trend in educational reform aimed at enhancing academic standards, but they also raise questions about student preparedness.
Previously, students could pass with lower marks in internal assessments if they scored sufficiently in the written exam. The new passing criteria are part of a larger initiative by CBSE to ensure that students are better equipped for higher education and future challenges.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding how schools will implement these changes and support students in adapting to the new standards. As the 2026 examination approaches, educators and students alike are bracing for the impact of these significant changes.
