CBSE Board Exam 2025: Passing Criteria, Grace Marks & other FAQs to score well in 10th 12th exams

With nearly 44 lakh students expected to appear for the exams, questions and concerns regarding the CBSE Board Exams 2025 are on the rise. To help ease the anxiety, CBSE officials have addressed some of the most common questions posed by students regarding CBSE Board Exam 2025. Here's what students need to know.

CBSE Board Exam 2025 FAQs: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is scheduled to conduct CBSE 10th Board Exam 2025 and CBSE Class 12 Exam 2025 from February 15 to April 4, 2025, according to the CBSE date sheet 2025. With nearly 44 lakh students expected to appear for the exams, questions and concerns regarding the exams are on the rise. From how to score above 90% to the kind of questions that may appear, students are seeking answers.

To help ease the anxiety, CBSE officials have addressed some of the most common questions posed by students regarding CBSE Board Exam 2025. Here's what students need to know.

What is the passing criteria for CBSE Practical and Theory Exams 2025?

The passing criteria for both practical and theory exams are as follows:

• Class 10: Students need to secure 33% marks by combining theory and internal assessment.
• Class 12: Students must secure 33% marks separately in both theory and practical exams to pass.

Does CBSE Repeat Questions from Previous Years?

Many students wonder if CBSE repeats questions from past CBSE Board Exams. The answer is simple: if a student has a good grasp of the subject, it doesn’t matter whether the question is old or new. The key is to prepare thoroughly and focus on understanding concepts, rather than worrying about specific questions.

How to Score Above 90% in CBSE Board Exams?

While aiming for 90% or higher is a common goal for many students, CBSE officials recommend focusing on knowledge acquisition rather than chasing marks. However, if you are aiming to score well, here are some tips:

• Attend Classes Regularly: Teachers play a crucial role in preparing students academically and holistically. Make sure you are present in class to benefit from their guidance.
• Create a Study Plan: Organize your time effectively throughout the year. As the exams approach, design a focused plan for the final months based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Take Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests and evaluate your performance. Identify weak areas and work on them to improve.
• Revise Actively: Instead of passive revision, practice writing answers. This will increase your confidence and help you remember important details.
• Subject-wise Strategy: Use CBSE sample papers to devise strategies for each subject. Understand the time required for each answer to ensure you can complete the paper and have time for revision.
• Maintain Balance: Don’t forget your health! A balanced diet, exercise, and leisure time are essential to maintain mental clarity during exam preparation.

What is Step-Wise Marking for CBSE Mathematics Papers?

Students preparing to appear for CBSE Board Mathematics Exam 2025 must note that in subjects like Mathematics, the step-wise marking system is used. This means that students must show their work through the steps involved in solving a problem. These value points are crucial to the evaluation process. If the required steps are not shown, marks may not be awarded, even if the final answer is correct.

What are some CBSE Exam Preparation Tips to score high?

Here are the top 5 tips to help you prepare for the upcoming CBSE board exams:

1. Be Regular in School: Consistent attendance and engagement in classes are key to staying on track.
2. Plan Your Study Schedule: Organize your study routine for both the entire academic year and the last few months before exams.
3. Take Mock Tests: Regular practice will help you assess your readiness and improve weak areas.
4. Revise by Writing: Practicing written answers will reinforce your memory and boost your confidence.
5. Manage Time Effectively: Use sample papers to plan your time, ensuring you can attempt all questions and still have time for revision.

Does CBSE give Grace Marks in Board Exams?

In cases where a student misses passing by a small margin, such as 1 mark, grace marks may be awarded. However, CBSE exams are primarily designed to evaluate a student’s knowledge acquired throughout the academic year. Students must meet the 33% threshold to pass; grace marks are considered only in exceptional cases.

With these insights, students can approach the 2025 CBSE Board Exams with greater confidence and clarity. Preparing well, maintaining a balance between study and health, and focusing on conceptual understanding are key steps to achieving success. Good luck to all students!

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