CBSE Passing Criteria Changed for Class 11 and 12, New Rules 2025
Neha Tanna30 Oct, 2025
Share
To pass in Classes 11 and 12 under the CBSE board, students must secure a minimum of 33% marks in each subject, including both theory and practical components (where applicable). Also, CBSE has changed the rules only for the betterment of the students and to maintain a level of education among these classes.
For subjects with practical exams, students must score at least 33% separately in theory and practical, as well as overall. In Class 11, promotion to Class 12 is based on the final examination performance of the student. In Class 12, internal assessment, practical marks, and board exam scores are all considered. (check for each class).
Students failing in one subject may get a compartment exam opportunity as per the CBSE new rules for Classes 11 and 12. Students are advised to check these criteria carefully.
CBSE 2025 Latest Circular
This is the latest circular released by CBSE for the academic year 2025, and it includes several important updates that students, parents, and teachers must be aware of. The CBSE circular covers key changes related to passing criteria, assessment structure, exam formats, grading system, and internal evaluation guidelines. Keep in mind to check all these criteria in detail so that you do not get confused at the last minute.
Staying informed about these updates is important for effective preparation and compliance. Check the complete details of the circular below for a clear understanding.
CBSE Passing Criteria Changed for Class 11 and 12
CBSE has revised the passing criteria as per the new rules, now requiring students to score a minimum of 33% separately in theory and practical exams. Earlier, only CBSE overall marks were considered. Students must now meet both conditions to pass the CBSE Class 11th and 12th examinations. Check the detailed CBSE marks criteria below:
|
CBSE Passing Criteria Changed for Class 11 and 12 |
|||
|
CBSE Marks Criteria for Class 11th and 12th |
Previous class 11th, 12th Criteria |
New/Current Criteria |
Applicable For |
|
Minimum Passing Marks |
33% overall (combined theory + practical) |
33% required separately in theory and practical (where applicable), and overall |
Class 11 & 12 |
|
Theory Marks Requirement |
No separate pass criteria for theory if overall marks ≥ 33% |
Students must score 33% in the theory exam independently |
Class 11 & 12 |
|
Practical/Internal Marks Requirement |
No separate pass needed if combined score ≥ 33% |
Must also achieve 33% in practical/internal assessment separately |
Subjects with practicals |
|
Compartment Exam Eligibility |
For failure in one subject |
Continues, but only if other pass criteria are met |
Class 12 |
|
Promotion (Class 11) |
Based on overall final marks |
Based on separate pass in theory and practical, plus overall 33% |
Class 11 |
Understand CBSE Passing Criteria Changed for Class 11 and 12
To help students easily understand the revised CBSE new rules for Class 11 and 12, we have explained the CBSE passing marks out of 100 changes simply and visually through a detailed video.
The video clearly highlights the new requirement of scoring 33% separately in theory and practical exams, along with examples for better clarity to the student. Check these details and examples carefully to understand the criteria in detail. It is perfect for quick revision and better understanding. Watch the video below to understand the full details of the new criteria.
CBSE Grading System 2025
The CBSE Grading System for 2025 follows a 9-point scale, where students are awarded grades based on their mark range and corresponding grade points. These CBSE new rules for Class 11 and 12 help evaluate overall performance fairly. Check the detailed grading chart below to understand the marks-to-grade conversion.
|
CBSE Grading System 2025 |
|||
|
Marks Range |
Grade |
Grade Point |
Performance Description for the Examination |
|
91 – 100 |
A1 |
10 |
Outstanding |
|
81 – 90 |
A2 |
9 |
Excellent |
|
71 – 80 |
B1 |
8 |
Very Good |
|
61 – 70 |
B2 |
7 |
Good |
|
51 – 60 |
C1 |
6 |
Above Average |
|
41 – 50 |
C2 |
5 |
Average |
|
33 – 40 |
D |
4 |
Below Average (Pass) |
|
21 – 32 |
E1 |
- |
Needs Improvement (Fail) |
|
00 – 20 |
E2 |
- |
Needs Improvement (Fail) |