I PU Pass Marks Reduced From 35% To 33% In Karnataka, Effective This Year

Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 16:30 IST

While SSLC and II PU exams are centralized public examinations, I PU papers are evaluated at the college level. The government aims to eliminate disparities between these stages.

The Karnataka government has officially reduced the minimum passing marks for First Pre-University (I PU) examinations. This decision, announced by the Department of School Education and Literacy, takes effect this academic year. It is set to impact approximately 6 lakh students who appear for these exams annually across the state.

The primary goal of this revision is to establish uniformity within the state’s education system. By lowering the bar from 35 to 33, Karnataka aligns I PU (First Pre-University) criteria with the existing standards for SSLC and II PU. Officials noted that this move also brings the state board in line with national boards, such as the CBSE, creating a more uniform competition for students.

Ensuring Evaluation Consistency

While SSLC and II PU exams are centralized public examinations, I PU papers are evaluated at the college level. The government aims to eliminate disparities between these stages by maintaining a consistent benchmark. To formalize this, the state will amend the Karnataka Pre-University Examination Method of Evaluation Rules 2025 to reflect the new 33% requirement.

The move has garnered support from educators, including the Karnataka State Pre-University College Lecturers Association, who believe it brings much-needed parity with national education standards.

With I PU exams already concluded, results are expected by March 31. This revised rule is expected to help thousands of students clear the exams who might have otherwise fallen just short of the previous 35-mark threshold, said the official circular from the department.

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