CBSE Grading System 2025 Class 10 & 12 - Know All About 9-Point Grading System

CBSE Grading System 2025 Class 10 & 12 - Know All About 9-Point Grading System

Manasvini GuptaUpdated on 13 May 2025, 12:52 PM IST

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) follows a 9-point grading system to assign grades to students. As per the new CBSE grading system, grades are awarded to students as per their marks in the CBSE 10th and CBSE 12th board exam. The CBSE Class 10 assessment scheme consists of 80 marks for theory papers, while 20 marks are reserved for practical/internal assessment work.

This Story also Contains

  1. CBSE Class 10, 12th Grading System 2025
  2. CBSE Grading System 2025 Explained for Class 10 and 12
  3. CBSE Class 9 Grading System 2025
  4. CBSE Class 11 Grading System 2025
  5. Benefits of 9-Point Grading System 2025 in CBSE
CBSE Grading System 2025 Class 10 & 12 - Know All About 9-Point Grading System
CBSE Grading System 2025 Class 10 & 12

CBSE awards grades for each scholastic subject. The CBSE 12th Assessment Scheme has components of theory paper, internal assessment, or practical exam as per the syllabus of each subject. Grades are awarded here as well based on a 9-point grading system in each elective subject. Keep reading further to get in-depth details on the CBSE grading scheme.

CBSE Class 10, 12th Grading System 2025

To award the grades in the CBSE board result 2025, CBSE puts all the passed students in rank order and awards the final grades as per the following table:

2025 CBSE Grading System for Class 10

GradesParticulars
A-1Top 1/8th of the passed candidates
A-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-1Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-1Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-1Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
E**Essential Repeat

2025 CBSE Grading System for Class 12

GradesParticulars
A-1Top 1/8th of the passed candidates
A-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-1Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-1Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-1Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-2Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
E**Essential Repeat

CBSE Grading System 2025 Explained for Class 10 and 12

Below, we have explained the meaning of CBSE grades for Class 10 and 12

What is an A1 grade in CBSE?

A1 is a positional grade in CBSE Class 10 and 12. It means that the candidate is among the top 1/8th of the passed candidates in that subject.

What is an A2 grade in CBSE?

The next 1/8th of the passed candidates in that subject are kept in A2 grade.

What is the B1 grade in CBSE?

B1 means that the candidate scored marks among the next /8th of the passed candidates in that subject

Important Pointers related to CBSE 10th and 12th Class Grading System

  • Slight adjustments in the proportion of candidates may be implemented to resolve ties.
  • If students have the same score, they will receive the same grade. If there is a need to split students with the same score, the smaller group will be combined with the larger one.
  • This method of CBSE grading is used in subjects where the number of candidates who have passed is more than 500.
  • For subjects with fewer than 500 passing candidates, grading will follow the pattern used in grading and distribution for similar subjects.
Aakash Repeater Courses

Take Aakash iACST and get instant scholarship on coaching programs.

CBSE Class 9 Grading System 2025

The assessment scheme for CBSE Class 9 is the same as that of CBSE 10th std. However, the grading scheme for Class 9 is as follows:

Marks RangeGrade
91-100A1
81-90A2
71-80B1
61-70B2
51-60C1
45-50C2
33-40D

CBSE Class 11 Grading System 2025

For CBSE Class 11, it is recommended to use absolute grading, considering the total number of students from a school. In contrast, the class 12 uses positional grading.

The CBSE Class 11 assessment scheme is similar to Class 12th. However, the grading system which is followed is mentioned in the following table:

Marks RangeGrade
91-100A1
81-90A2
71-80B1
61-70B2
51-60C1
41-50C2
33-40D
32 and below*Essential Repeat

Hypothetical Example: Grading Distribution for 1,00,000 Students

To better understand how the CBSE 9-point grading system works, let us take a hypothetical example of 1,00,000 students appearing for an exam. How the grades would be distributed based on the grading system, assuming all students have passed the exam is mentioned below:

Grade

Proportion of Passed Students

Number of Students

A-1

Top 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

A-2

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

B-1

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

B-2

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

C-1

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

C-2

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

D-1

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

D-2

Next 1/8th of the passed students

12,500 students

E (Essential Repeat)

Remaining students who did not pass

Not applicable here (all students passed)

Explanation of the Example:

  • Since all 1,00,000 students passed, they are divided equally among the 8 grades from A-1 to D-2, with 12,500 students in each grade.

  • If some students failed, they would be placed in the E (Essential Repeat) category, and the number of students in the other grades would be adjusted accordingly.

  • This distribution reflects the CBSE’s proportional grading system, ensuring that grades are awarded fairly based on the relative performance of students.

CBSE 12 Class Free Mock Test
Boost your exam preparation with our CBSE 12 Class Free Mock Test, designed as per the latest exam pattern.
Attempt Now

Benefits of 9-Point Grading System 2025 in CBSE

The 9-point grading system of CBSE provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating students’ performances. Mentioned below are the several benefits of the CBSE 9-point grading system which is followed for both 10th and 12th grades:

  • The CBSE grading system may reduce stress among students as it offers a comprehensive evaluation which is more inclusive.
  • The CBSE 9-point grading scale aligns with international standards, making it easier to understand and compare the academic performance of students globally.
  • The standardised grading system makes it easier for students to transition between different schools or educational systems, both on national and international levels.
  • Using a nine-point scale for grading helps reduce direct comparisons among students, promoting a learning environment that is more positive and collaborative.

Also, check:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: When will the CBSE 12th results 2025 be announced?
A:

The CBSE 12th results 2025 have been announced on May 13, 2025.

Q: Can students easily transition between schools using the CBSE 9-point grading system?
A:

Yes, the standardised grading system of CBSE facilitates smoother transitions between different schools or educational systems, both within the country and internationally.

Q: How does the CBSE grading system handle subjects with practical components?
A:

The CBSE grading system considers both theoretical and practical aspects of subjects. Students are evaluated based on their performance in practical exams, projects, and other co-scholastic activities.

Q: How does the CBSE 9-point grading system work?
A:

The CBSE 9-point grading system evaluates students based on a scale from A-1 to E, with A1 being the highest grade. It provides a more comprehensive assessment.

Articles
|
Next
Upcoming School Exams
Ongoing Dates
UP Board 12th Others

11 Aug'25 - 6 Sep'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
UP Board 10th Others

11 Aug'25 - 6 Sep'25 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Hello

Yes, if you’re not satisfied with your marks even after the improvement exam, many education boards allow you to reappear as a private candidate next year to improve your scores. This means you can register independently, study at your own pace, and take the exams without attending regular classes. It’s a good option to improve your results and open up more opportunities for higher studies or careers. Just make sure to check the specific rules and deadlines of your education board so you don’t miss the registration window. Keep your focus, and you will do better next time.

Hello Aspirant,

Yes, in the case that you appeared for the 2025 improvement exam and your roll number is different from what was on the previous year’s marksheet, the board will usually release a new migration certificate. This is because the migration certificate will reflect the most recent exam details, roll number and passing year. You can apply to get it from your board using the process prescribed by them either online or through your school/college.

Yes, if you miss the 1st CBSE exam due to valid reasons, then you can appear for the 2nd CBSE compartment exam.

From the academic year 2026, the board will conduct the CBSE 10th exam twice a year, while the CBSE 12th exam will be held once, as per usual. For class 10th, the second phase exam will act as the supplementary exam. Check out information on w hen the CBSE first exam 2026 will be conducted and changes in 2026 CBSE Board exam by clicking on the link .

If you want to change your stream to humanities after getting a compartment in one subject in the CBSE 12th Board Exam , you actually have limited options to qualify for your board exams. You can prepare effectively and appear in the compartment examination for mathematics again. If you do not wish to continue with the current stream, you can take readmission in the Humanities stream and start from Class 11th again, and continue studying for two more years to qualify for the 12th examination.

The GUJCET Merit List is prepared based on the Class 12th marks and GUJCET marks received by the students. CBSE students who are not from the Gujarat board can definitely compete with GSEB students, as their eligibility is decided based on the combined marks scored by them in GUJCET and the 12th board. The weightage of the GUJCET score is 40% and the weightage of the class 12 scores is 60%.