Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Board Exam

Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Time Table, Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Preparation Tips

Humanities & Social Sciences

Updated on January 1, 2026

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) conducts the Secondary School Leaving Certificate (SSLC) exams for Class 10 students annually. This certification is essential for pursuing higher secondary education in streams like Science, Commerce, or Arts. For 2026, KSEAB has introduced a dual-exam system: Exam-1 in March-April and Exam-2 (re-attempt) in May, providing students a second chance to improve scores. Preparatory exams in three phases help build confidence, while the revised pattern emphasizes competency-based questions.

Karnataka SSLC Exam 2026 Important Dates

KSEAB released the final timetable in November 2025. Key dates include:

Preparatory Exam Phase 1: January 5-10, 2026
Preparatory Exam Phase 2: January 27-February 2, 2026
Preparatory Exam Phase 3: February 23-28, 2026
Main Exam-1: March 18-April 2, 2026
Exam-2 (Re-attempt): May 18-25, 2026
Results Announcement: May 2026 (Exam-1); July 2026 (Exam-2)

Admit cards download from kseab.karnataka.gov.in in February 2026. Monitor the official site for updates.

Karnataka SSLC Exam Pattern 2026

Exams are offline, pen-paper mode, with 3 hours 15 minutes duration (15 minutes reading time). Languages carry 100 marks; core subjects 80 marks theory + 20 marks internal/practical.

Question Types: MCQs, very short, short, long answers, competency-based.
No negative marking.
First Language: 100 marks written.
Second/Third Languages & Core Subjects: 80 marks written + 20 internals.

Subject	Theory Marks	Internal/Practical	Total Marks	Duration
First Language (Kannada/English/etc.)	100	0	100	3 hrs 15 min
Second Language (English/Hindi)	80	20	100	3 hrs 15 min
Third Language	80	20	100	3 hrs 15 min
Mathematics	80	20	100	3 hrs 15 min
Science	80	20	100	3 hrs 15 min
Social Science	80	20	100	3 hrs 15 min

Karnataka SSLC Syllabus 2026

Syllabus aligns with NCERT patterns at Class 10 level, focusing on conceptual understanding.

Mathematics: Arithmetic Progressions, Triangles, Coordinate Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration, Statistics, Probability.
Science: Chemical Reactions, Acids/Bases, Metals/Non-Metals, Carbon Compounds, Life Processes, Electricity, Magnetism, Light, Human Eye, Environment.
Social Science: History (Nationalism, Industrialization), Geography (Resources, Agriculture), Political Science (Democracy, Power Sharing), Economics (Development, Sectors).
Languages: Prose, Poetry, Grammar, Comprehension, Essay Writing.

Download subject-wise PDFs from kseab.karnataka.gov.in under Syllabus section.

Karnataka SSLC Previous Year Performance Trends

In 2025, overall pass percentage reached 66.14% for freshers, with 22 students scoring perfect 625/625. Rural-urban gaps narrowed, and girls outperformed boys. Trends show rising perfect scores and improved pass rates due to multiple attempts and preparatory exams.

Toppers often excel through consistent revision and mock practice. Expected 2026 trends: Higher competition for 625/625, focus on competency questions boosting analytical scores.

Year	Overall Pass %	Perfect Scorers (625/625)	Girls Pass %	Boys Pass %
2025	66.14	22	74	Lower than girls
Previous Years	62-85 range	1-4 typically	Higher	Lower
Expected 2026	70+	20+	Higher	Improved

Karnataka SSLC Previous Year/Model Question Papers

Practicing papers improves time management and familiarity with patterns. Official resources:

2025-26 Model Papers (Multiple Sets with Key Answers): Available at kseab.karnataka.gov.in/QP2026/SSLC2025-26MODEL_QP
Previous Exam Papers: Under Question Papers section on kseab.karnataka.gov.in
2025 Exam-1 Papers: Archived post-results

Solve all four model sets for comprehensive coverage.

Karnataka SSLC Preparation Tips 2026

Start early for best results:

Follow NCERT textbooks strictly; supplement with KSEAB guides.
Create daily timetable prioritizing weak subjects.
Practice diagrams in Science, derivations in Maths, maps in Social Science.
Solve model/previous papers timed weekly.
Revise formulas, dates, reactions regularly via flashcards.
Take all three preparatory exams seriously for self-assessment.
Focus on competency-based questions through application practice.
Maintain health: Sleep 7-8 hours, eat balanced, exercise.

Aim for 90%+ with consistent 4-6 months preparation.

Karnataka SSLC Passing Criteria and Grading

To pass: Minimum 35% per subject and overall (around 219/625 total). No grace marks in 2026. Grading:

563-625: A+ (90-100%)
500-562: A (80-89%)
Lower tiers down to C (35-49%)

Best of Exam-1 or Exam-2 considered for final certification.

When will Karnataka SSLC 2026 main exams be held?

Karnataka SSLC 2026 Exam-1 will be conducted from March 18 to April 2, 2026, while Exam-2 will be held from May 18 to May 25, 2026.

What is the passing marks for Karnataka SSLC 2026?

Students must score a minimum of 35% in each subject as well as overall. This translates to at least 219 marks out of a total of 625.

How many attempts are allowed in Karnataka SSLC 2026?

Two main attempts are allowed—Exam-1 and Exam-2—and the best score out of the two is considered for the final result.

Are preparatory exams compulsory?

No, preparatory exams are not compulsory. However, they are highly recommended and are usually conducted in three phases to help students practice.

Where can I download Karnataka SSLC model papers 2026?

Karnataka SSLC model question papers can be downloaded from the official website kseab.karnataka.gov.in under the “Model Question Papers” section.

Is there negative marking in SSLC exams?

No, there is no negative marking in Karnataka SSLC examinations.

What is the exam duration for SSLC subjects?

Each SSLC exam is conducted for 3 hours and 15 minutes, which includes reading time.

How can I prepare for competency-based questions?

Students should practice application-based questions from official model papers and NCERT exemplar problems to perform well in competency-based questions.