What is the Passing Marks in CBSE Class 10? New 2026 Independent Passing Rules
Confused about what is the passing marks in CBSE Class 10? For 2026, you must pass theory and internals separately. Check the minimum marks for Maths, Science, and English here to ensure you clear the board exams without a compartment.
If you are asking "What is the passing marks in CBSE Class 10?" for the 2026 session, the answer has changed. While the overall percentage required remains 33%, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a stricter independent passing criteria for theory and internal assessments that every student must meet.
As the results for the 2026 exams (held from February 17 to March 11) are prepared for release, here is the definitive guide to the new passing standards.
The Mandatory 33% Split: Theory vs. Internals
For the 2025-26 academic year, CBSE has mandated that students pass the written exam and the school-based assessment separately. You can no longer "cushion" a poor theory score with high internal marks.
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Passing Marks in Theory (80-Mark Paper): You must score at least 27 marks.
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Passing Marks in Internal Assessment (20-Mark Paper): You must score at least 7 marks.
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The Global Subject Total: You must also achieve at least 33 marks out of 100 in total.
Warning: If a student scores 20/20 in internals but only 24/80 in theory, they will be marked as "Compartment" because they failed the independent theory threshold of 27 marks.
Subject-Wise Passing Marks Table 2026
Most core subjects follow the 80+20 pattern. Here is the minimum requirement for each:
| Subject Name | Max Theory Marks | Min. Theory Pass | Min. Internal Pass | Total Pass Marks |
| Mathematics (Std/Basic) | 80 | 27 | 7 | 33 |
| Science | 80 | 27 | 7 | 33 |
| Social Science (SST) | 80 | 27 | 7 | 33 |
| English Lang. & Lit. | 80 | 27 | 7 | 33 |
| Hindi (Course A/B) | 80 | 27 | 7 | 33 |
| Information Tech (IT) | 50 | 17 | 17 (Practical) | 33 |
What Happens if You Score Below 33%?
If you fail to hit the 27-mark theory or 7-mark internal target, CBSE provides the following pathways:
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Grace Marks Policy: If you are failing by 1 or 2 marks in only one subject, the board may award grace marks to help you pass. This is discretionary and not a right.
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Phase 2 / Compartment Exams: If you fail in one or two subjects, you can appear for the Phase 2 (Supplementary) exam in June 2026.
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Essential Repeat (ER): If you fail in three or more subjects, you are not eligible for improvement exams and must repeat the entire year.
FAQs: Clearing Your Doubts
1. What is the passing marks in CBSE Class 10 out of 80?
The passing mark is 27 out of 80. Although 33% of 80 is 26.4, CBSE rounds this up to the next whole number, which is 27.
2. Do I need to pass theory and practical separately in Class 10 2026?
Yes. Unlike previous years where combined totals were often accepted, the 2026 rules require a minimum of 33% in the board theory exam and 33% in internal assessment independently.
3. Can I pass if I get 15/80 in theory and 20/20 in internals?
No. Your total would be 35/100, but because you failed to reach the 27-mark threshold in theory, you will be placed in the Compartment category.
4. How many grace marks does CBSE give in Class 10?
CBSE typically provides 2 to 5 grace marks if a student is failing in a single subject, provided their performance in all other subjects is strong.
5. When will the CBSE Class 10 2026 results be out?
Results are expected to be announced between April 15 and May 10, 2026, as the evaluation process was completed faster this year to accommodate the new Phase 2 exam cycle.