.png&w=1920&q=75)
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.
Table of Contents
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Karnataka SSLC Class 10 Exam
1. When will Karnataka SSLC 2026 main exams be held?
Exam-1 from March 18 to April 2, 2026; Exam-2 from May 18-25, 2026.
2. What is the passing marks for Karnataka SSLC 2026?
35% in each subject and overall; minimum 219 out of 625 total.
3. How many attempts are allowed in Karnataka SSLC 2026?
Two main attempts (Exam-1 and Exam-2); best score considered.
4. Are preparatory exams compulsory?
No, but highly recommended; conducted in three phases for practice.
5. Where to download Karnataka SSLC model papers 2026?
From official site kseab.karnataka.gov.in under Model Question Papers section.
6. Is there negative marking in SSLC exams?
No negative marking.
7. What is the exam duration for SSLC subjects?
3 hours 15 minutes including reading time.
8. How to prepare for competency-based questions?
Practice application-type problems from model papers and NCERT exemplars.
9. Can I appear for Exam-2 if I pass Exam-1?
Yes, to improve scores; optional.
10. What books to use for Karnataka SSLC preparation?
KSEAB/NCERT textbooks primary; supplements like Oswaal or Arihant for practice.
11. How are internal marks calculated?
Through school assessments, practicals, projects (20 marks for core subjects).
12. When will SSLC 2026 results be announced?
Exam-1 in May 2026; Exam-2 later.
.png&w=1920&q=75)
