Have you ever wondered how many marks you need to pass an exam out of 80 in your CBSE school? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many students have this same question before their exams. Knowing your passing marks helps you plan your study time and reduces exam stress.
In this article by School Dekho, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the passing marks out of 80 in CBSE, how your final result is calculated, and share a few smart study tips to help you succeed.
What Is the CBSE Grading System?
Before understanding the passing marks, it’s important to know how CBSE evaluates students. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) uses a combination of internal assessments and main exams to decide your final score.
Each subject usually has:
Theory Paper (80 Marks)
Internal Assessment (20 Marks)
This makes a total of 100 marks per subject.
The theory exam is conducted by CBSE, while the internal marks are given by your school teachers based on class tests, assignments, and projects.
Passing Marks Out of 80 in CBSE
According to the CBSE examination guidelines, a student must score at least 33% marks in each subject to pass.
Let’s do a simple calculation to make this clear.
Passing Marks Formula
So, if your exam is out of 80 marks:
That means your passing marks out of 80 are 26.4, which is usually rounded up to 27 marks.
In short:
You need 27 marks out of 80 in the theory exam to pass that subject.
What About the 20 Internal Marks?
Along with the 80 marks theory exam, you also get 20 marks from internal assessments. These are based on:
Class tests and quizzes
Assignments or projects
Attendance and participation
Practical or oral exams (for some subjects)
Here, you must also score 33% of 20 marks to pass.
So,
That means you need at least 7 marks out of 20 in your internal assessments.
Final Passing Criteria:
27 marks in theory (out of 80)
7 marks in internal assessment (out of 20)
Total: 33 marks out of 100
Combined Passing Marks: Example Calculation
Let’s see an example of how your final result is calculated.
| Component | Total Marks | Passing Marks | Your Marks | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Theory Paper | 80 | 27 | 35 | Pass |
| Internal Marks | 20 | 7 | 15 | Pass |
| Total | 100 | 33 | 50 | Pass |
If you score 27 or more in theory and 7 or more in internal, you pass that subject.
But if you get less than 27 in theory—even if your total is above 33—you will still need to reappear for the exam.
What Happens If You Fail in One Subject?
CBSE has a very student-friendly system. If a student fails in only one subject, CBSE gives a compartment exam. This means you can reappear for that subject and improve your marks.
You don’t have to repeat the entire year! Instead, you can clear the compartment subject and continue your studies.
So, if you miss the passing marks in just one subject, don’t panic. Use that time to prepare well and do better in your next attempt.
Why Are Passing Marks Important?
Passing marks are not just numbers—they represent your understanding of the subject. Knowing the minimum passing marks helps you:
Set a clear target for exams.
Plan your study strategy effectively.
Focus on weaker subjects before exams.
Reduce exam stress and build confidence.
When you know what you’re aiming for, you can study smarter!
CBSE Grading System: How Grades Are Given
CBSE not only gives marks but also converts them into grades. This system helps evaluate your overall performance.
| Marks Range | Grade | Grade Point | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91–100 | A1 | 10 | Outstanding |
| 81–90 | A2 | 9 | Excellent |
| 71–80 | B1 | 8 | Very Good |
| 61–70 | B2 | 7 | Good |
| 51–60 | C1 | 6 | Satisfactory |
| 41–50 | C2 | 5 | Average |
| 33–40 | D | 4 | Below Average |
| Below 33 | E | – | Fail |
So, to get a D grade or above, you must score at least 33 marks.
CBSE Exam Pattern: How Are Marks Distributed?
Understanding the marking scheme helps students score better.
Each subject is divided into:
Objective questions (MCQs)
Short answer questions (2–3 marks each)
Long answer questions (5–6 marks each)
Subjects like Science and Social Studies include diagrams, maps, and case studies.
Tip: Read the marking scheme before the exam. It helps you focus on high-scoring sections!
Tips to Score More Than Passing Marks
Getting 27 marks may help you pass, but aiming higher is always better. Here are some practical tips for CBSE students:
a) Make a Study Schedule
Plan your study time. Spend more hours on your weak subjects and revise regularly.
b) Understand, Don’t Memorize
CBSE focuses on concept-based learning. So try to understand the concepts rather than rote learning.
c) Solve Sample Papers
Practice previous year’s question papers. It helps you learn time management and the exam pattern.
d) Revise Daily
A short daily revision strengthens memory and boosts confidence.
e) Attend School Regularly
Class attendance and participation improve internal marks and help you grasp lessons better.
f) Write Neatly
Presentation matters! Write neatly and highlight key points to impress examiners.
Difference Between Class 10 and Class 12 Passing Marks
For both Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE exams, the passing marks rule remains the same—33% in each subject.
However, in Class 12, some subjects have practicals (like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, etc.).
In that case:
You must score 33% in theory
And 33% in practicals separately
For example:
If the Physics theory paper is 70 marks and the practical is 30 marks, then:
Passing marks in theory = 23
Passing marks in practical = 10
You must pass in both sections to clear the subject.
What If You Miss Internal Marks?
Internal marks are very important in CBSE. If you don’t submit your project or skip a class test, you might lose those marks. Even if you score well in theory, missing internal marks can make you fail the subject.
Tip: Always complete your assignments and attend school activities on time.
Why CBSE Has a 33% Passing Rule
CBSE believes every student should have a basic understanding of the subject before moving to the next level.
That’s why 33% is the minimum—it ensures students are learning enough to build strong foundations.
This system also gives equal opportunity to all students—whether they are from big cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or small towns in states like West Bengal, Odisha, or Madhya Pradesh.
Common Mistakes Students Make
Many students fail not because they don’t study—but because they make simple mistakes.
Avoid these common errors:
Not reading the question paper carefully.
Leaving answers incomplete.
Spending too much time on one question.
Ignoring internal marks or assignments.
Skipping revision before exams.
By avoiding these, you can easily score above the passing marks!
How Teachers and Parents Can Help
Teachers and parents play a big role in helping students pass exams confidently.
Teachers can guide students about marking schemes, time management, and important chapters.
Parents can provide a calm environment and encourage regular study habits.
When teachers, parents, and students work together, exam fear disappears!
CBSE’s Support for Students
CBSE understands that exams can be stressful. That’s why they offer:
Counseling sessions before board exams
Helplines for exam-related queries
Relaxed rules for students with special needs
This support system ensures every child has a fair chance to succeed.
Also Read:- Passing Marks Out of 50
Why School Dekho Encourages Awareness About Passing Marks
At School Dekho, we believe that awareness is the first step toward success. Knowing your passing marks, exam pattern, and grading system helps you prepare better and reduces anxiety.
School Dekho aims to make learning simple, structured, and accessible for every student across India—from Delhi to Maharashtra, from Odisha to West Bengal, and from Uttar Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh.
Our goal is to help you study smartly and build confidence for your exams!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is 26 enough out of 80? A: No. You need 27. 33% is the rule.
Q: What about grace marks? A: Sometimes CBSE adds 1-2 marks for tough papers. But don't depend on it.
Q: Do all subjects have 80 marks? A: Mostly yes for theory. Check your school.
Q: Can I pass with 27 in one and fail another? A: No. Pass every subject separately.
Key Takeaways
Let’s quickly recap what we learned:
CBSE passing marks out of 80 = 27 marks
You also need 7 marks out of 20 in internals
Minimum total to pass = 33 marks out of 100
You must pass theory and internal assessments separately
CBSE allows compartment exams for one failed subject
Focus on understanding concepts, not memorizing
Always complete your internal projects on time
Aim to score above passing marks for better results
Conclusion: Aim Higher Than Passing Marks!
Passing marks are important—but your goal should be more than just “passing.” Every exam teaches you something new about your strengths and efforts.
Believe in yourself, study smart, and stay consistent. Remember, success is not just about marks—it’s about learning with joy and confidence.
At School Dekho, we’re here to guide every student on their learning journey. Explore schools, understand exam systems, and find the right educational path for you.
Keep learning, keep growing—and let your curiosity shine!
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