There is a big update for the students who are going to appear for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) 10th Board Exam 2027. CBSE has changed the parsing criteria of 10th board exams, under which CBSE has withdrawn its earlier decision to change the norms of passing marks of 10th board exams. Under this decision, now students who get 33% marks in 10th board exam will be considered pass. However, it is believed that it could be implemented in 2027-28.

Let’s know the whole matter in detail. Let’s know what was the passing criteria for 10th board exam set by CBSE under previous changes. Now we will know what is the criteria. We will find out why the OSM controversy is believed to be the reason for this.

CBSE had changed the criteria for passing the 10th board exam in April.

CBSE has informed about the change in passing criteria for 10th board exam in April 2026. CBSE has clarified that in 10th board exam 2027 students have to secure 33 percent marks in each subject. For example, it was made mandatory for students to secure 33 percent marks in external and internal assessment exams.

What was the old system?

Earlier, let us talk about the passing criteria in the CBSE 10th board exam, under which students were required to have 33 percent marks in aggregate to pass. 33 percent marks in separate subjects was not required. In fact, CBSE adopts an 80-20 weightage formula in most subjects, with 80 marks awarded for board exams and 20 marks awarded for school assessment.

CBSE said, the old system of passing criteria will remain in force.

Recently, CBSE released a new circular regarding board exam, in which CBSE has clarified that there will be no change in the question paper design and evaluation method for board exam 27. Also, CBSE has clarified that the pass rules will remain the same as the academic session 2025-26. That means old passing criteria of 10th board exam will be applicable.

What caused the OSM controversy?

CBSE has withdrawn its earlier decision and changed the criteria for passing the 10th board exam. The On Screen Marking (OSM) controversy is believed to be behind it. Actually, CBSE had checked the copies of Class 12 from last year through OSM system. Due to technical glitches, the declaration of 12th result was delayed and the 12th pass percentage also dropped. It is believed that due to the implementation of the new pass criteria in the 10th board exams, the number of students passing may decrease. Keeping this in mind CBSE has suspended it.