To clear KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026, you must score at least 30% in each of the five counted subjects out of 525 marks — a minimum of 38 marks in First Language (125 marks) and 30 marks in each of the other four subjects (100 marks each) — with an overall aggregate of at least 174 marks (33%).
The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board revised the SSLC passing criteria for 2026, lowering the per-subject threshold from 35% to 30% and the overall aggregate from 35% to 33%. KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 is the third annual examination in the new three-exam calendar, giving students a final opportunity within the 2025–26 cycle to clear or improve their scores. The five counted subjects total 525 marks; Third Language (100 marks) is assessed separately and does not count toward the 525-mark pass or fail aggregate.
- KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 total counted marks: 525
- Minimum marks to pass overall: 174 out of 525 (33%)
- Per-subject pass threshold (revised 2026): 30% in each of the five counted papers
- First Language carries 125 marks; Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science carry 100 marks each
- Third Language (100 marks) is separately graded and does not affect the 525-mark aggregate result
- Safe score with a comfortable buffer: 40% per subject (approximately 210 out of 525)
| Direct Link — KSEAB Official Website (Official) | kseab.karnataka.gov.in |
KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 Subject-Wise Pass Marks Out of 525
Five subjects are counted in the 525-mark KSEAB SSLC aggregate: First Language, Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science. The minimum pass mark in each subject is 30% (revised for 2026), and the minimum overall aggregate is 33% — that is 174 marks out of 525. The table below shows the external marks, internal marks, total, and minimum pass marks for each subject.
| Subject | External Marks | Internal Marks | Total Marks | Minimum Pass Marks (30%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Language (Kannada / Urdu / Telugu / Marathi) | 100 | 25 | 125 | 38 |
| Second Language (English / Kannada) | 80 | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 80 | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| Science | 80 | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| Social Science | 80 | 20 | 100 | 30 |
| Total (Counted Aggregate) | 420 | 105 | 525 | 174 (33% overall) |
Failing in even one of these five subjects means the overall result is Fail, regardless of your total aggregate. You must clear each paper individually.
Safe Score to Clear KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026
The 30% per-subject threshold is the legal minimum, but it leaves almost no room for error. Targeting 40% in each subject gives a practical buffer against marking variations and ensures you pass without borderline risk. Aiming for 50% adds a stronger cushion and improves your grade classification for PUC or vocational course admissions.
| Subject | Total Marks | Pass Marks (30%) | Safe Score (40%) | Comfortable Score (50%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Language | 125 | 38 | 50 | 63 |
| Second Language | 100 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Mathematics | 100 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Science | 100 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Social Science | 100 | 30 | 40 | 50 |
| Total | 525 | 174 | 210 | 263 |
Score 210 out of 525 (40%) across all five subjects to pass with a comfortable buffer. Students targeting First Class or Distinction will need to push toward 315 or above.
KSEAB SSLC 2026 Grading and Classification
Once you clear all five counted subjects and the overall aggregate, KSEAB assigns a classification based on your total percentage out of 525. The classification appears on your SSLC mark sheet and is relevant for PUC admissions and scholarship eligibility.
| Classification | Percentage Range | Marks Out of 525 |
|---|---|---|
| Distinction | 75% and above | 394 and above |
| First Class | 60% to 74% | 315 to 393 |
| Second Class | 45% to 59% | 236 to 314 |
| Pass | 33% to 44% | 174 to 235 |
| Fail | Below 33% overall or below 30% in any subject | — |
Third Language and the 525-Mark Aggregate Explained
A significant change in KSEAB SSLC 2026 is that Third Language marks are excluded from the 525-mark aggregate used to determine pass or fail. Here is what this means in practice:
- Third Language (Hindi / Sanskrit / Urdu / Arabic / others) carries 80 marks external and 20 marks internal, totalling 100 marks.
- It is not counted toward the 525-mark aggregate. The aggregate for the pass or fail determination covers only the five subjects listed above.
- Third Language receives its own grade on the mark sheet but does not affect your overall SSLC pass or fail status in 2026.
- Students appearing in Exam-3 only for specific failed subjects should check their individual subject requirements on the official KSEAB portal.
What Happens If You Fail One Subject in KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026
KSEAB Exam-3 is the third and final annual examination in the 2025–26 cycle. Failing even one of the five counted subjects in Exam-3 means your result for this cycle is declared Fail.
- Your overall result is Fail even if your aggregate total exceeds 174 marks.
- Since Exam-3 is the last exam in the current academic cycle, students who do not clear may need to re-register for the next academic year’s examination cycle.
- Watch the official KSEAB website at kseab.karnataka.gov.in for any official updates on re-examination provisions or the next exam calendar.
- Retain your Exam-3 provisional mark sheet as documentary proof of marks obtained in subjects where you did pass.
KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 Pass Marks FAQs
Ques. What is the total marks for KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026?
Ans. The total marks counted for KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 is 525. This covers five subjects: First Language (125 marks) and Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science at 100 marks each. Third Language (100 marks) is graded separately and is not included in the 525-mark aggregate.
Ques. What are the minimum pass marks per subject in KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026?
Ans. The minimum pass mark is 30% per subject, as revised for 2026. You need at least 38 marks in First Language (out of 125) and at least 30 marks each in Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science (out of 100 each).
Ques. How many marks out of 525 are needed to pass KSEAB SSLC Exam-3?
Ans. You need at least 174 marks out of 525 overall (33% aggregate). However, you must also score at least 30% in each individual subject. Crossing the overall threshold alone does not qualify you if you fall below 30% in any single paper.
Ques. What is a safe score for KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 out of 525?
Ans. A safe score is 40% in every subject — at least 50 marks in First Language and 40 marks in each of the other four subjects — totalling around 210 out of 525. Targeting 50% (263 out of 525) gives a stronger cushion and a better grade on your mark sheet.
Ques. Is Third Language included in the 525 marks for KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026?
Ans. No. Third Language (100 marks) is assessed and graded separately but is not included in the 525-mark aggregate used for pass or fail determination in 2026. The five counted subjects are First Language, Second Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.
Ques. What happens if I fail one subject in KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026?
Ans. Failing even one of the five counted subjects means your Exam-3 result is declared Fail. Since Exam-3 is the final annual examination in the 2025–26 cycle, students who do not clear may need to register for the next examination cycle. Visit kseab.karnataka.gov.in for official updates.
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