CBSE clears Class 10 passing criteria confusion, says no change in 33% rule

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified that there will be no change in the Class 10 passing criteria for the 2026-27 academic session. For the upcoming CBSE board exams, students will continue to follow the 33 percent qualifying requirement, with theory and internal-assessment marks



combined.

CBSE issued the clarification alongside the release of the Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2026-27 academic session. The board also confirmed that there will be no change in the question paper design or assessment pattern for the session.