• Updated on Aug 11, 2025 by Ankita Banerjee
The CBSE Class 10 Cutoff Marks 2026 are the minimum scores required for students to pass their board exams or qualify for specific streams in higher secondary school. The cutoff changes according to disciplines, overall performance, and school admission requirements. Factors such as exam difficulty, grading method, and moderation policies all influence the cutoff for CBSE Class 10. Additionally, individual schools may have their own threshold percentages for the Science, Commerce, and Arts courses. Students should stay up to speed on official CBSE notifications to grasp the specific prerequisites for passing and stream selection.
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CBSE Class 10 Passing Criteria 2026
To qualify for the CBSE Class 10 Result 2026, students must meet the following criteria:
Minimum of 33% in each subject, including internal assessments and theory tests.
Overall, 33% of the total marks are in all disciplines combined.
For subjects involving practical tests, 33% must be obtained separately in the theory and practical components.
CBSE Class 10 Grading System, 2026
CBSE uses a grading system rather than fixed cutoff marks. Grades are assigned based on a candidate's performance in comparison to others. Given below are the CBSE Cutoff Marks CBSE Class 10 used to provide grades:
Marks Range | Grade | Grade Point |
91-100 | A1 | 10.0 |
81-90 | A2 | 9.0 |
71-80 | B1 | 8.0 |
61-70 | B2 | 7.0 |
51-60 | C1 | 6.0 |
41-50 | C2 | 5.0 |
33-40 | D | 4.0 |
Below 33 | E (Fail) | - |
Subject-wise CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2026
Each subject has a specified passing mark based on its total score. Given below are the minimum CBSE 10th cutoffs that students must secure in each subject:
- Subjects having practical/internal assessments (Science, Computer Science, etc.)
- Theory accounts for 33% of the overall marks.
- Practical/internal assessments account for 33% of the overall points.
- Subjects without practical/internal assessment (e.g., mathematics, social sciences)
- Theory accounts for 33% of the overall marks.
- To pass, candidates must score at least 33% on both the theory and internal assessments independently.
Read More: CBSE Eligibility Criteria 2026
CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam, 2025
Candidates who do not pass one or two subjects may apply for the CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam 2026:
- The compartment exams are expected to take place in July 2025.
- The results of compartment tests are scheduled to be announced in August 2025.
- Candidates must register for the compartment exam at their individual schools or on CBSE's official website, cbse.gov.in.
CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2026 for Competitive Examination
Several entrance exams use CBSE Class 10 marks to determine eligibility. Some major exams include:
- JEE Main and JEE Advanced: Candidates must get a minimum of 75% in Class 12 (there is no precise Class 10 cutoff, but strong Class 10 scores aid in foundational courses such as Mathematics and Science).
- NTSE (National Talent Search Examination): High Class 10 scores are required to be eligible for scholarships.
- Polytechnic and diploma courses: To be eligible for many state-level polytechnic entrance exams, students must have scored at least 35-40% in Class 10.
Check: CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern
CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 FAQs
What is the expected CBSE Class 10 Cutoff Marks 2025?
The CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 is expected to be similar to previous years. Candidates must secure at least 33% in each subject and overall to pass the examination. However, for admission to top schools and streams like Science, the cutoff can go higher, depending on individual school policies.
What are the minimum passing marks in the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025?
Candidates must score at least 33% in theory and practical exams combined in each subject. If a subject has only theory, 33% is required in theory itself to pass.
Does CBSE officially release the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025?
CBSE does not release an official CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for school admissions. Each school decides its own cutoff based on demand, past trends, and seat availability for different streams (Science, Commerce, Arts).
What is the expected CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for the Science stream?
For admission to the Science stream in top CBSE schools, the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 may range between 75% to 90%, depending on the school. Elite schools may have a cutoff above 90% for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics).
What is the expected CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for the Commerce stream?
The CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for the Commerce stream varies across schools. Generally, students need a minimum of 60% to 85%, but some top schools may require more than 85% for admission to Commerce with Mathematics.
What is the expected CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for the Arts stream?
For the Arts stream, the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 generally starts from 50% to 80%, but highly reputed schools may have a higher cutoff depending on demand.
Does the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 vary for different categories?
No, CBSE does not have different cutoffs for different categories. However, schools may have their own policies regarding reservation-based relaxation in cutoffs for SC, ST, OBC, or EWS categories.
How is the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 calculated for school admissions?
Schools determine the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 based on:
Will the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 be lower compared to last year?
The CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 depends on overall student performance. If the exam difficulty level increases, cutoffs may go lower. If students perform better, cutoffs may rise, especially for competitive school admissions.
Where can candidates check the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for different schools?
Candidates should check the official school websites or contact their preferred CBSE schools directly to know the CBSE Class 10 Cutoff 2025 for different streams. Many schools publish admission guidelines with cutoff marks after the results are announced.