CBSE · Guide
CBSE passing marks & criteria
The minimum marks needed to pass CBSE Class 10 and Class 12, including how theory, practical and internal assessment are combined.
Reviewed July 2026
What are the CBSE passing marks?
The qualifying mark is 33%. In Class 10 you generally need 33% overall in each subject by combining theory and internal assessment. In Class 12, for a subject with practicals you need 33% in theory, 33% in practical, and 33% in aggregate; for a theory-only subject you need 33% overall.
What if you do not meet the pass criteria?
If you do not secure 33% in a subject, the result depends on your overall performance across all subjects. A candidate who fails in one subject while qualifying in all internal assessments is placed in "Compartment" and can clear it in the supplementary exam held later in the year. A candidate who fails in more than one subject or does not meet the pass criteria across subjects is placed in "Essential Repeat". The full rules are in CBSE's Scheme of Examinations, so check the current version for your batch.
Official sources
Timing is typical months only — always verify the exact dates on the official board website, which change every session.