New Delhi, October 3, 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified an important point regarding the Class 10 passing criteria for the 2026–27 academic session, putting an end to confusion among students, parents and schools.

The Board has confirmed that there is no change in the Class 10 passing criteria. Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 Board Examination 2027 will continue to be required to secure at least 33% marks overall in a subject, with marks from the external board examination and internal assessment taken together.

No separate 33% requirement for Class 10Confusion arose after wording in the recently issued Secondary School Curriculum for Classes 9 and 10 for 2026–27 appeared to suggest that students would have to secure 33% separately in the external examination and internal assessment.

CBSE has now clarified that this interpretation does not apply to Class 10 students for the current academic session.

The Board has confirmed that the existing assessment system will continue, with the Class 10 result being calculated by combining the marks obtained in the board examination and internal assessment.

80:20 assessment pattern continuesUnder the existing Class 10 assessment structure, the external examination carries 80 marks, while 20 marks are allotted for internal assessment.

Students therefore need to complete both components, with their performance combined for determining the subject result.

For example, a student who scores below 33% in the external examination but whose combined external and internal marks reach the required overall threshold can qualify in the subject, subject to the applicable CBSE rules.

CBSE has historically specified that the Class 10 result is calculated using the combined marks from the internal assessment and Board examination.

What about Class 12?

The situation is different for CBSE Class 12.For subjects involving practical/internal assessment, Class 12 students are required to meet the applicable minimum marks requirements separately in the relevant components, in addition to the aggregate requirement.

CBSE’s latest clarification specifically concerns the Class 10 assessment system, which will continue under the existing format for 2026–27.

No change in question paper patternCBSE has also clarified that there is no change in the question paper design or assessment pattern for the 2026–27 academic session.

The Board has released the Sample Question Papers (SQPs) and Marking Schemes for Classes 10 and 12 to help schools and students understand the examination structure and expected coverage of the curriculum.

The sample papers are intended to provide students with an understanding of the question paper design and assist teachers in classroom preparation.

Relief for Class 10 students

The clarification is significant for students preparing for the CBSE Class 10 Board Examination 2027, as the earlier wording had raised concerns that students would have to independently achieve 33% in both the external and internal components.

CBSE has made it clear that the passing criteria for Class 10 in 2026–27 remain the same as those followed in 2025–26.

Students should nevertheless ensure that they attend both their internal assessments and Board examinations, as both components contribute to the final result.

Key points for CBSE Class 10 studentsPassing requirement: 33% overall in a subject.Internal assessment: 20 marks.

External Board examination: 80 marks.

Separate 33% requirement: Not being introduced for Class 10 in 2026–27.

Assessment pattern: No change from the previous academic session.Question paper design: No change announced for 2026–27.

Sample papers and marking schemes: Released by CBSE.

CBSE Class 10 Board Examination: Students should follow the official examination schedule and instructions issued by the Board.

What students should do now

Students should not be distracted by unofficial interpretations of the earlier curriculum wording. They should prepare according to the official CBSE syllabus, Sample Question Papers and Marking Schemes released for 2026–27.

Schools and teachers are also expected to use the CBSE sample papers as a guide while preparing students for the forthcoming examinations.

For students and parents, the key message is simple: the Class 10 passing rule has not changed for the 2026–27 session. The 33% requirement continues to be calculated on the combined internal assessment and external examination marks.

Source: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)