Passing Marks Out of 80 in CBSE

30 Jan 2026, 10:47 am

Understanding the passing marks in CBSE exams is crucial for students preparing for class 10 and 12. CBSE theory papers often have 80 marks, and internal assessments contribute the remaining 20 marks for a subject. This guide provides a comprehensive explanation of passing marks out of 80 in CBSE, calculation methods, grading system, and tips to help students secure passing grades.

What Is the Minimum Passing Score Out of 80 in CBSE?

In CBSE, a student must secure at least 33% of total marks in each subject to pass. For 80-mark theory exams, this translates to:

33% of 80=26.4≈27𝑚𝑎𝑟𝑘𝑠33% of 80=26.4≈27marks

This means students need 27 out of 80 in theory to meet the minimum passing criteria.

Combined Passing Marks

CBSE exams typically have a total of 100 marks per subject: 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for internal assessment. To pass, students need to score 33 marks out of 100, combining theory and internal marks.

CBSE Passing Marks: Class 10 vs Class 12

CBSE Passing Marks for Class 10

For class 10, students must meet the following criteria:

Theory marks (80): 27 minimum
Internal assessment (20): 6.6 minimum (approx. 7 marks)
Total combined marks (100): 33 minimum

Example Calculation:
If a student scores 27/80 in theory and 7/20 in internal, the total is 34/100, which is above the passing requirement.

CBSE Passing Marks for Class 12

For class 12, the passing criteria are similar:

Theory marks (80, 70, or 100 depending on subject)
Internal/practical marks (20 or 30 depending on subject)
Minimum 33% in theory and overall 33% to pass

Example: For an 80-mark theory paper and 20-mark internal assessment:

Theory: 27/80
Internal: 7/20
Total: 34/100 → Pass

If a student scores below the minimum in theory, they may qualify for a compartment exam, provided internal marks are sufficient.

Understanding the CBSE Grading System

CBSE awards grades based on overall marks, not just theory marks. Grading is as follows (for reference):

A1: 91–100 marks
A2: 81–90 marks
B1: 71–80 marks
B2: 61–70 marks
C1: 51–60 marks
C2: 41–50 marks
D: 33–40 marks → Passing grade
E: Below 33 → Fail

Key Point: Even if a student scores 27/80 in theory (passing), the overall grade depends on internal marks.

How to Calculate Passing Marks Out of 80

The formula to calculate passing marks:

Passing Marks=Maximum Marks×0.33Passing Marks=Maximum Marks×0.33

Example:

Maximum Marks = 80
Passing Marks = 80 × 0.33 = 26.4 → Round to 27

For subjects with 70 marks theory or 100 marks theory, apply the same formula.

What Happens If You Fail the 80-Mark Exam?

If a student scores below the passing marks in theory:

They may appear for a compartment exam.
CBSE may provide grace marks in certain cases (rare and subject-specific).
Failing in one subject does not prevent promotion, but passing all subjects is necessary for the final certificate.

CBSE Grace Marks: These are additional marks given to help students pass, usually up to 5 marks in a subject depending on the board’s discretion.

Tips to Score More Than Passing Marks in 80

Focus on high-weightage units and previous years’ questions.
Allocate time for practical/internal assessments, as they contribute to total marks.
Regular revision and practice help secure marks above the passing threshold.
Solve mock tests to build speed and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1: What is the passing mark out of 80 in CBSE class 10?
A: Minimum 27/80 in theory and 33/100 overall.

Q2: What is the passing mark out of 80 in CBSE class 12?
A: Minimum 27/80 in theory and 33/100 overall.

Q3: Can 25.9 marks out of 80 be considered a pass?
A: No, the minimum required is 27 marks in theory.

Q4: How are grace marks calculated in CBSE?
A: Grace marks are given in specific cases, usually up to 5 marks, to help a student pass in one subject.

Q5: How do internal marks affect passing marks?
A: Internal marks are added to theory marks. Students must pass both individually to avoid failing the subject.

FindMyGuru Guidance for Students

Students looking to improve their CBSE theory scores or understand passing marks calculation can benefit from personalized tutoring.

CBSE Tutor: Find verified online tutors for CBSE class 10 and 12 subjects.
Find Tutors for Any Skills: Explore tutors for additional skills to strengthen exam preparation.

Why FindMyGuru Helps: Tutors can guide students on difficult chapters, provide exam strategies, and ensure they score above passing marks consistently.