CBSE Passing Marks for Class 10 (2025): Minimum Marks and Passing Criteria

Every year, thousands of students take the CBSE Class 10 board exams. Knowing the passing marks for Class 10 is important for success. Whether you want to score high or just pass, it’s important to know the minimum passing marks. You should also understand the grading system and passing criteria.

In this blog, we will cover what you need to know about CBSE Class 10 passing marks. We will explain how to calculate them and what happens if you fail. We will also discuss how internal assessments work. Finally, we will give tips to help you score above the minimum requirements. Let’s dive in!

CBSE Class 10 Passing Marks Overview

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has specific rules for determining passing marks in Class 10. To pass the CBSE Class 10 exams, students must score a minimum of 33% marks in both theory and practical exams. This applies to all subjects, whether it’s Maths, Science, Social Studies, or Languages.

For example:

• 70-mark paper: The passing marks out of 70 would be 23 marks.
• 80-mark paper: The passing marks out of 80 would be 27 marks.
• 100-mark paper: The passing marks out of 100 would be 33 marks.

Case Study: In 2023, 12% of students failed due to neglecting practical exams. For example, scoring 15/20 in a 20-mark internal assessment leads to failure even if you ace theory.

CBSE Class 10 Grading vs Marks

The CBSE uses a grading system to evaluate students’ performance in Class 10. Instead of percentage marks, students are awarded grades ranging from A1 (highest) to E (lowest).

Here’s how the grading system works:

The grading system ensures a fair evaluation and reduces the pressure of scoring exact percentages. However, students must still meet the minimum passing marks to avoid failing.

Minimum Passing Marks for CBSE Class 10

To pass CBSE Class 10, students must score at least 33% marks in each subject. This applies to both theory and practical exams. Here’s a breakdown of the minimum passing marks for different paper formats:

If a subject includes both theory and practical components, students must score 33% separately in each component to pass. For example, in Science, you need to score 33% in theory and 33% in practicals to pass the subject.

How to Calculate Passing Marks in CBSE Class 10

Calculating CBSE Class 10 passing marks is simple. Here’s how you can do it:

Steps to Calculate Passing Marks

1. Check the total marks for the subject (e.g., 70, 80, or 100).
2. Calculate 33% of the total marks.
3. Ensure you score at least this minimum mark to pass.

Examples

• 70-mark paper: 33% of 70 = 23 marks.
• 80-mark paper: 33% of 80 = 27 marks.
• 100-mark paper: 33% of 100 = 33 marks.

This calculation applies to all subjects, including Maths, Science, Social Studies, and Languages.

CBSE Class 10 Internal Assessments

Apart from board exams, CBSE includes internal assessments in various subjects. These assessments play a crucial role in determining final marks.

Components of Internal Assessment

• Periodic Tests (Weightage: 10%)
• Notebook Submission (Weightage: 5%)
• Subject Enrichment Activities (Weightage: 5%)

Scoring well in internal assessments can significantly improve overall performance and help in achieving passing marks.

CBSE Class 10 Practical Exams and Passing Marks

Many subjects, especially Science, Computer Science, and Languages, include practical exams that carry weightage in the final marks. Students must secure at least 33% marks in both the practical and theory exams separately to pass.

For example:

• Science (Theory: 70 marks, Practical: 30 marks) → Minimum passing marks:
  • Theory: 23 marks
  • Practical: 10 marks

Scoring well in practical exams can boost overall marks, helping students pass comfortably.

CBSE Class 10 Passing Criteria

The CBSE Class 10 passing criteria require students to:

• Score at least 33% marks in each subject (theory and practical).
• Pass both internal assessments and external exams.
• Clear compartment exams if they fail in one or two subjects.
• Repeat the entire Class 10 exams if they fail in more than two subjects.

What Happens If You Fail in CBSE Class 10?

Students who fail in one or two subjects can appear for compartment exams conducted by CBSE. The passing marks for compartment exams are the same as the regular exams (33%).

If a student fails in more than two subjects, they may need to repeat the class or appear for improvement exams conducted by CBSE.

Revaluation and Rechecking Options

If you think there is a mistake in the marking, CBSE lets students ask for revaluation and rechecking of their answer sheets. Students must submit a request within the stipulated time after the results are announced. Revaluation involves a detailed review of answer sheets, while rechecking verifies calculation errors.

CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exams

Students who fail in one or two subjects can appear for compartment exams conducted by CBSE. The passing marks for compartment exams are the same as the regular exams (33%).

For example:

• If you fail in Maths but pass all other subjects, you can appear for the Maths compartment exam.
• Scoring 23 marks out of 70 will help you pass the subject and move to the next class.

CBSE Passing Marks Myths Vs Fact

Myth 1: “Practical exams are easier than theory.”
Fact: 17% of students fail practicals due to incomplete lab records.

Myth 2: “You can pass with 32.5% marks.”
Fact: CBSE rounds down decimals. 32.9% = 32% = Fail.

Myth 3: “All subjects have the same passing criteria.”
Fact: Skill-based subjects (e.g., Painting) have internal assessments only.

Tips to Score Above Passing Marks in CBSE Class 10

1. Focus on Important Topics: Prioritize high-weightage topics in each subject.
2. Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solve past exam papers to understand the question pattern.
3. Manage Time Effectively: Allocate time wisely during exams to attempt all questions.
4. Revise Regularly: Regular revision helps retain concepts and improve performance.
5. Take Advantage of Internal Assessments: Perform well in periodic tests and assignments.
6. Improve Answer Writing Skills: Write clear, structured answers with proper explanations.
7. Stay Calm and Confident: Avoid stress and stay focused on your preparation.