The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) determines the passing criteria for SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) exams, ensuring that students meet essential academic standards. The KSEAB has specified both subject-wise and aggregate passing requirements for Karnataka SSLC exams. As per the latest government order dated October 15, 2025, the Karnataka Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) examination passing criteria have been clearly defined for the academic year 2025-26. To pass the Karnataka SSLC exam, candidates must secure a minimum of 33% marks overall, combining both internal assessment and external examination. This means that students are required to score at least 206 marks out of a total of 625 marks across all subjects. Also, students must obtain a minimum of 30% marks in each individual subject to be declared as passed.
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For the current academic year, the internal assessment will be conducted for 125 marks: the First Language carries 25 marks, while the remaining five subjects carry 20 marks each. The external examination will be conducted for 500 marks, where the first language is for 100 marks and the other five subjects are for 80 marks each. Students must appear for both internal and external exams as attendance in these assessments is mandatory to qualify for the Karnataka SSLC result 2025-26.
The KSEAB SSLC exam passing criteria is formulated to balance overall performance with subject-specific competency. Students need to appear and pass six subjects, divided into three languages and three core subjects. In the following table, students can find details of the total marks of various subjects as well as the passing marks required for clearing the respective subjects.
Subject | Total Marks | Passing Marks for Individual Subjects (30%) |
First Language | 125 | 38 |
Second Language | 100 | 30 |
Third Language | 100 | 30 |
Mathematics | 100 | 30 |
Science | 100 | 30 |
Social Science | 100 | 30 |
Aggregate Requirement: Students need to achieve at least 33% marks overall.
Subject-Specific Minimum: Scoring below 30% in even one subject will lead to failure, regardless of the aggregate score.
If a student fails to achieve the required passing marks in the KSEAB SSLC result 2026, they are provided with multiple opportunities to improve their performance. To ensure no student is left behind, the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board has introduced a three-exam system for the 2026 SSLC examination. This system allows students to reappear and clear failed subjects within the same academic year.
This is the primary exam conducted at the end of the academic year. Students attempt all six subjects (three languages and three core subjects) in this phase.
If a student fails to meet the passing criteria in any subject(s) during the main examination, they can appear for the KSEAB SSLC exam-2 or a supplementary exam. This is held shortly after the KSEAB SSLC results of Exam-1 are declared, giving students a chance to quickly recover and improve their scores.
For students who are unable to pass the supplementary exam, a special examination is conducted. This final attempt within the academic year ensures that students do not lose a year and can still progress to higher education.
Allocate extra time to subjects where the performance is below average.
Solve KSEAB SSLC model papers and previous years’ question papers to familiarise yourself with the Karnataka SSLC exam pattern.
Seek help when required. Consult teachers or peers for topics you find challenging.
Effective time management is the key to success. Divide your study schedule strategically to cover the entire Karnataka SSLC syllabus 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Students must secure at least 33% in aggregate and 30% individually in each subject.
No, students must score a minimum of 30% in each subject to pass.
Yes, KSEAB conducts supplementary exams to help students improve their scores.
It ensures students have a balanced understanding of all subjects rather than excelling in a few.
Candidates must score at least 38 out of 125 in the first language.
On Question asked by student community
Hello Student,
Preparatory exam 1 was held from January 5 to January 10, 2026. Preparatory question paper for exam 1 is available for Hindi and other subjects. You can download the Karnataka SSLC preparatory exam 1 Hindi question paper 2025-26 through this link.
Hello, Student.
You can find and download the Karnataka SSLC preparatory exam-1, third language Kannada question paper answer key through the link below.
Dear student,
Find the UPMSP 12th pre-board exam question paper 2026 by clicking on the link provided. You can also practice solving UP 12th model papers . All the best!
Hello,
The link to the question paper is attached here. You can also find the answer key on the website of Careers360. Careers360 provides students with preparation tips that will help them utilise their time in preparation.
https://school.careers360.com/boards/kseeb/karnataka-sslc-preparatory-exam-question-paper-2025-26
Thank you.
Hello,
The link to the answer key is attached here. You can find the answer key for all subjects of all three exams. Careers360 provide students with preparation tips that will help students utilise their time in preparation
https://school.careers360.com/boards/kseeb/karnataka-sslc-preparatory-exam-question-paper-2025-26
Thank you
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