The CBSE Class 12 board results were declared on 13 May 2026. Since the results were released, questions have been raised about the new on-screen marking system (OSM), as this marks the lowest pass rate for CBSE Class 12 in seven years. The pass rates have fallen particularly in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics. People are asking why the marks are lower. The education department and the CBSE have explained the reasons behind the drop in marks in 12th PCM.
CBSE Records Lowest Class 12 Pass Rate in 7 Years
In fact, there has been a 3 per cent drop in the CBSE Class 12 results this time. This year, 1,780,365 students had registered for the Class 12 board examination. A total of 1,768,968 students sat the board exams, but only 1,507,109, or 85.20%, passed, which is a decrease of 3.19% compared to last year's figure (88.39%).
Impact on Students Preparing for IIT-NIT
The drop in CBSE Class 12 marks has had a direct impact on the scores of students preparing for IIT-NIT admissions. Many students claim to have scored in the 90-95 percentile in the JEE Main, but failed to achieve the 75% mark in the CBSE exam, which is the JEE's criterion. This means that students who could have gained admission to an IIT or NIT based on their JEE scores have been knocked out of the running for a place due to their lower marks in the 12th.
Why are marks low in CBSE Class 12 PCM? Education Secretary explains
Amid questions being raised over on-screen marking and the low pass percentage in the CBSE Class 12 exams, the Education Department and the CBSE held a meeting. In the meeting, the drop in CBSE results this year was acknowledged, and several questions were answered. ...was also answered as to why the marks were particularly low in Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics (PCM). Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of the Department of School Education and Literacy, said that a decline has been observed in the marks of subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Accountancy. The cut-off marks for these subjects have fallen by 1–3 marks, whereas for other subjects they have remained stable or even increased. He said that the marking for the recently declared Class 12 results by the CBSE was carried out using the “On-Screen Marking” (OSM) system this time. According to the marking scheme prepared by subject experts, emphasis has been placed on in-depth study and conceptual understanding rather than shortcuts when checking scripts. This means that students who provided their answers using shortcuts received lower marks, while those who wrote their answers explaining the concept step by step received higher marks.
In response to numerous queries, the Ministry of Education and the CBSE have stated that students have the opportunity for re-evaluation, through which their concerns can be addressed. The CBSE will not only scrutinise each application but will also endeavour to release the re-evaluation results as soon as possible. Furthermore, in a concession to students, the re-evaluation fee has been significantly reduced.
Author : Krishan Jaswal
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