CBSE Class 10, 12 result: Marginal improvements in pass percentages, number of high-scorers take a slight dip

In a notable shift, all transgender students who appeared for the Class 12 exam this year passed—up from a 50% pass rate in 2024. Their pass rate in Class 10 also rose to 95%, compared to last year’s 91.3%. However, the board did not disclose how many transgender candidates took the exams.

The number of students scoring in the top brackets saw a slight drop. In Class 12, 1,11,544 students scored above 90% and 24,867 crossed the 95% threshold. Both numbers reflect a modest decline from 2024, when 1.16 lakh students scored above 90% and 24,068 secured more than 95%. Among them, 290 children with special needs (CSWN) scored above 90%, while 55 crossed 95%.

Class 10 also saw a similar trend: 1.99 lakh students scored over 90%—down from 2.12 lakh last year—and 45,516 students scored above 95%, slightly fewer than the 47,000 who achieved that mark in 2024. Of these, 411 were CSWN students with 66 surpassing 95%.

To discourage unhealthy competition, the CBSE has continued its policy of not publishing a merit list or awarding first, second, or third divisions based on scores.

The board examinations were conducted over 33 days, for Class 10 and 49 days for Class 12, beginning February 15. The number of students placed in the supplementary or compartment category saw a small increase this year, with over 1.41 lakh students in Class 10 and more than 1.29 lakh in Class 12 slated to reappear for one or more subjects.

Region-wise, southern and coastal cities dominated. In Class 10, Trivandrum and Vijayawada topped the charts with a pass percentage of 99.79%, while Guwahati recorded the lowest at 84.14%. In Class 12, Vijayawada led with 99.60%, followed by Trivandrum at 99.32%. Prayagraj posted the lowest pass rate in Class 12 at 79.53%.

Among institutions, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas once again emerged with the highest success rates across both levels.

Reacting to the results, Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared an encouraging message for students and posted on X: “To those who feel slightly dejected at their scores, I want to tell them: one exam can never define you. Your journey is much bigger and your strengths go far beyond the mark sheet.”

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan also congratulated the students and their families. “This is a moment to rejoice and cherish the fruits of hard work, dedication and perseverance,” he posted.