CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks 2026

CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks 2026 are the minimum marks students need to secure in each subject to successfully clear their board exams. Students must achieve at least 33% in theory, practicals, and internal assessments, depending on the subject. 

Understanding these passing marks helps students plan their preparation, focus on weaker areas, and ensure they meet the requirements for all streams, Science, Commerce, and Arts, including practical subjects.

CBSE Class 12 Passing Marks 2026 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has prescribed 33% as the minimum passing marks for Class 12 students. For subjects with practicals, students must secure 33% separately in theory and practical/internal assessment to pass. Students are required to appear in at least five subjects.

The passing marks vary according to the subject type and stream. Understanding the passing marks helps students plan their preparation and allocate time to subjects they find difficult.

CBSE Class 12 Passing Criteria 2026

The CBSE Class 12 Passing Criteria 2026 include the following key points:

• Students must obtain a grade higher than E (33%) in all subjects, including internal assessments.

• Failing to meet this requirement may result in the withholding of results for up to one year.

• No overall percentage, division, or distinction is awarded; instead, students receive grades based on performance.

• If a student fails in one or two subjects, they are eligible for compartment exams.

• Passing marks in each subject of the external examination are 33%.

CBSE Class 12 Passing Criteria 2026 Maths

For Mathematics, the passing marks differ slightly based on the maximum marks:

Students must secure the minimum marks in both theory and practicals to be declared passed.

CBSE Class 12 Passing Criteria 2026 Science

The Science stream (PCMB – Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology) requires students to score at least 33% in each component of the subject.

Securing the minimum marks ensures eligibility for the CBSE Class 12 Pass Certificate.

CBSE Class 12 Passing Criteria 2026 SST

For Social Science (SST) and related subjects in the Arts and Commerce streams, students must also meet 33% passing criteria in theory and internal assessments.

Other SST subjects, including Geography or Economics, also follow the 33% minimum marks requirement for both theory and practicals/internal assessments.

What is the Passing Marks out of 100 in CBSE Class 12?

The passing marks for a 100-mark paper depend on the proportion of theory and practical marks. Generally:

• 33 marks out of 100 are required to pass the subject.

• For combined theory and practical assessments, 33% passing marks are required in each component separately.

• Students failing to meet this minimum must appear for the compartment exams

CBSE Class 12 Grading System 2026

CBSE Class 12 follows a 9-point grading system instead of overall percentages. The grades are awarded as follows:

Key Points:

• Minor variations are allowed to adjust ties.

• Subjects with fewer than 500 candidates adopt grading patterns from similar subjects.

CBSE Class 12 Merit Certificate 2026

CBSE Class 12 Merit Certificate 2026 is awarded to the top-performing students in each subject based on the official examination results. Only the top 0.1% of candidates who meet the passing criteria and achieve the highest scores are eligible to receive this certificate. I

n case of a tie, all students with the same marks are given the Merit Certificate. However, if fewer than 500 students pass a subject, no certificate is issued. This recognition highlights outstanding academic performance and motivates students to excel in their board exams.