Teachers and principals from several schools have expressed concern about the revised CBSE passing criteria for Class X, warning that it may increase pressure on students, especially those who are not academically strong.

According to the new rule, which will apply to students appearing for the 2027 board examinations, candidates must achieve the minimum required marks separately in internal assessments and written exams. Earlier, students could rely on a combined score from both components to meet the passing requirement, which provided some flexibility.

Educators believe that this change removes an important support system. In the previous system, students who performed poorly in theory papers could balance their scores through internal assessments. Without this option, it may become harder for some students to pass.

At present, students need an overall score of 33% in each subject to qualify. However, from 2027 onwards, they must secure at least 26.5 out of 80 in the theory exam and 6.6 out of 20 in internal assessments independently.

Schools have already started informing students about the revised criteria. Internal assessments—such as projects, practical work, and subject enrichment tasks—previously gave students opportunities to improve their overall scores, but the new system limits that advantage.

CBSE guidelines state that students must obtain at least 33% marks separately in both internal and external components to pass a subject. Subjects assessed fully through internal evaluation will follow separate instructions outlined in the curriculum.

Some principals pointed out that while similar rules already apply to Class XII, extending them to Class X may lead schools to adopt stricter evaluation patterns in Class IX as well.

Opinions among educators are divided. Some feel the rule may be challenging for students who are not equally skilled in all subjects, particularly at an early stage of academic development. Others believe it will bring fairness and reduce the practice of awarding excessively high marks in internal assessments.

Teachers also suggest that the new system could encourage students to take board exams more seriously, as stricter criteria may push them to maintain consistent performance across both internal and external evaluations.