A significant change in academics has become available to students and parents in Karachi. Have the Karachi Education Board raised passing marks? The answer to this question is a resounding yes.
An intensive grading system has also been introduced by increasing the minimum passing percentage in the upcoming matriculation examinations, with the Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) officially increasing the minimum passing percentage to 40 percent instead of the previously 33 percent. This transformation is a drastic change in the assessment standards of students in the city.
The following details the entire information of the new policy, the time of discussion, and the break-up of the subject marks to be obtained in various subjects.
— Board Of Intermediate Education Karachi (@BiekOfficial) March 5, 2026
Karachi Education Board New Passing Marks
| Total Marks | Old Passing Marks (33%) | New Passing Marks (40%) |
| 100 Marks (Theory) | 33 | 40 |
| 75 Marks (Theory) | 25 | 30 |
| 60 Marks (Theory) | 20 | 24 |
| 30 Marks (Theory) | 10 | 12 |
| 45 Marks (Practical) | 15 | 18 |
| 15 Marks (Practical) | 5 | 6 |
Why Did theKarachi Board Increase the Passing Marks?
As BSEK officials claim, this significant policy change was brought in because of two main reasons:
Increasing Academic Standards: The board is set to uplift the general level of the education and motivate the students to aim higher in terms of academic qualification and not to be content with the minimum level.
Provincial Alignment: The revision will be aimed at harmonising the grading system of Karachi with those of other provinces. For instance, many examination boards in Punjab already successfully follow a 40% passing requirement.
Will the 40% passing rule apply to Class 10 students in 2026?
No, the new 40% passing requirement will only apply to Class 9 students in 2026. For Class 10 students, the rule will be officially implemented in 2027.
How many marks do I need to pass a 75-mark paper in Karachi Board?
Under the new policy, students must secure at least 30 marks out of 75 to pass the subject. Previously, the requirement was 25 marks.
Have the passing marks for practical exams changed as well?
Yes. The passing criteria for practical examinations have also been raised to 40%. You will now need 18 marks (out of 45) and 6 marks (out of 15) to pass your practicals.
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