Maharashtra Board Passing Marks & Grace Marks Policy 2026
Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) requires students to score a minimum of 35% marks to clear the SSC (Class 10) and HSC (Class 12) examinations in 2026. This 35% threshold applies to both the individual subject totals and the overall aggregate. Understanding how theory, practicals, and internal assessments combine is crucial for every student in Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, and across the state to plan their preparation effectively.
Maharashtra Board Passing Marks & Grace Marks Policy 2026
Maharashtra Board Exam 2026: एक नज़र में (Quick Overview)
| Feature | SSC (Class 10th) Details | HSC (Class 12th) Details |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Passing Percentage | 35% in each subject | 35% in each subject |
| Passing Rule | Combined (Theory + Internal) | Combined (Theory + Practical) |
| Grace Marks (Condolence) | Up to 15 marks total | Up to 15 marks total |
| Sports/Extra-Curricular Marks | 10 to 25 marks (based on level) | 10 to 25 marks (based on level) |
| Best of Five Rule | Applicable | Not Applicable |
What are the Maharashtra Board Class 10th (SSC) Passing Marks for 2026?
For Class 10 students, the passing criteria are designed to be student-friendly by considering the combined score of the written examination and internal assessment. Most subjects are divided into an 80-mark theory paper and a 20-mark internal/oral assessment. To pass, you need a total of 35 marks out of 100.
The 35% rule means you do not necessarily need to score 35% in the theory paper alone. If a student scores 20 marks in theory and 15 marks in internal assessment, the total becomes 35, and the student is declared pass. This combined passing rule has significantly improved the passing percentage in Maharashtra over the last decade.
Subject-wise Marks Distribution for SSC
- Languages (Marathi, Hindi, English): 80 Marks Theory + 20 Marks Orals = 35 Passing
- Mathematics: 80 Marks (40 Algebra + 40 Geometry) + 20 Marks Internal = 35 Passing
- Science & Technology: 80 Marks (40 Part I + 40 Part II) + 20 Marks Practical = 35 Passing
- Social Sciences: 80 Marks (40 History + 40 Geography) + 20 Marks Internal = 35 Passing
What are the Maharashtra Board Class 12th (HSC) Passing Marks for 2026?
The HSC passing criteria differ slightly from SSC, especially for Science stream students. While the overall passing requirement remains 35%, the distribution between theory and practicals varies by stream. For 2026, the MSBSHSE continues the policy of combined passing for theory and practicals for most subjects.
In Science subjects like Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, the paper is usually 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practicals. A student needs 35 marks out of 100 in total. For Commerce and Arts, the 80-20 pattern (80 theory, 20 internal) is more common. It is vital to note that appearing for both theory and practical exams is mandatory; skipping one will result in a 'Fail' or 'Absent' status regardless of the marks in the other component.
HSC Passing Marks by Stream
| Subject Type | Theory Marks | Practical/Internal | Passing Marks (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science (Phy/Chem/Bio) | 70 | 30 | 35 |
| Commerce (BK/OCM/Eco) | 80 | 20 | 35 |
| 80 | 20 | 35 | |
| Mathematics (HSC) | 80 | 20 | 35 |
How does the Maharashtra Board Grace Marks Policy 2026 work?
Grace marks, technically known as 'Condolence Marks' under Ordinance 4, are provided to students who fall short of the 35% passing mark by a small margin. This policy ensures that a student's academic year is not wasted due to missing the passing mark by just 1 or 2 marks. In 2026, the maximum grace marks allowed is 15, which can be distributed across a maximum of three subjects.
There are strict conditions for the application of grace marks. If a student is failing in only one subject by up to 10% of the maximum marks (e.g., 10 marks in a 100-mark subject), they can be granted those marks to pass. If failing in two or three subjects, the 15-mark limit is divided. For example, if a student needs 4 marks in English and 5 marks in Maths to reach 35 in each, the board will grant 9 grace marks in total.
Key Rules for Grace Marks:
- Grace marks are only given if they help the student pass the entire examination.
- They cannot be used to improve scores or move from a Second Class to a First Class.
- The marks are indicated on the marksheet with a specific symbol (usually an asterisk *) next to the subject score.
- Students cannot claim grace marks as a right; they are at the discretion of the board's automated system.
Extra Marks for Sports, Arts, and Culture
Maharashtra Board is unique in offering significant incentives for students participating in sports, drawing, or classical arts. These are not 'grace marks' but 'incentive marks' added to the total score. For students who participate in International or National level sports, up to 25 marks (5%) can be added to their total aggregate.
To avail these marks, students must submit their certificates to the board through their respective schools or colleges before the deadline (usually January or February). For the 2026 exams, students who have passed Intermediate Drawing Exams or have participated in state-level cultural competitions are eligible for 5 to 15 extra marks depending on their grade or rank. This can often push a student's percentage from a 70% to a 75%, which is critical for college admissions.
The 'Best of Five' Rule for SSC Students
The 'Best of Five' policy is applicable only to Class 10 (SSC) students in Maharashtra. Under this rule, the board considers the marks of only the five highest-scoring subjects out of the six main subjects to calculate the final percentage. However, it is mandatory to pass in all subjects to be declared 'Pass'.
If a student scores 90 in five subjects but only 40 in the sixth, the 40 will be excluded from the percentage calculation. This policy was introduced to reduce the stress of competitive scoring. For HSC students, this rule does not exist; all six subjects (or seven, depending on the stream) are counted toward the final percentage. For more guidance on choosing the right stream after 10th, check our /career-options-after-10th guide.
What happens if you fail in one or two subjects?
If a student fails to reach the 35% mark even after grace marks, the Maharashtra Board provides two immediate solutions: the Supplementary Exam and the ATKT (Allowed To Keep Term) facility. The supplementary exams are usually held in July or August 2026, allowing students to pass and secure admission in the same academic year without losing a full year.
The ATKT rule is specifically for SSC students. If a student fails in one or two subjects, they can still take admission in Class 11 (FYJC) provided they clear those failed subjects in the subsequent supplementary or March exams. However, they must clear these subjects before they can appear for the HSC (Class 12) exams. HSC students do not have the ATKT facility for degree college admissions; they must pass all subjects to join a degree course.
How to Verify Marks or Request Revaluation?
After the results are declared in May or June 2026, students who feel their marks do not reflect their performance can apply for 'Verification of Marks' or 'Photocopy of Answer Sheets'. Verification involves re-calculating the totals and checking if any answer was left uncorrected. It does not involve re-evaluating the quality of the answers.
If a student wants a teacher to re-grade their answers, they must first apply for a photocopy. After receiving the photocopy, they can apply for a full revaluation. This process requires a nominal fee per subject and must be completed within the stipulated 10-15 day window following the result declaration. Detailed steps for this can be found at /maharashtra-board-result-verification.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is there a separate passing for theory and practicals in HSC 2026?
No, for the 2026 exams, the Maharashtra Board follows a combined passing rule for most subjects. You need a total of 35 marks out of 100 (Theory + Practical/Internal) to pass. However, you must appear for both exams to be eligible.
How many grace marks can I get if I fail in three subjects?
The maximum total grace marks allowed is 15. These can be distributed across three subjects. For example, if you need 5 marks in each of the three subjects to reach the 35-mark passing limit, the board can grant you those 15 marks.
Does the 'Best of Five' rule apply to Class 12 (HSC)?
No, the Best of Five rule is strictly for SSC (Class 10) students only. For HSC, the marks of all subjects mentioned in your hall ticket are used to calculate your final percentage.
Can I get sports grace marks if I have a district-level certificate?
Yes, district-level participation usually grants you 5 to 10 extra marks. Higher levels like State, National, or International participation grant 15 to 25 marks. These must be verified by the District Sports Office (DSO).
What is the minimum mark required in an 80-mark theory paper?
There is no fixed minimum for the theory paper alone due to the combined passing rule. However, practically, if you get 20 marks in internal assessment, you only need 15 marks in the 80-mark theory paper to pass (15 + 20 = 35).
Final Action Plan for Students
The Maharashtra Board's 35% passing and grace marks policy is designed to support students, but it should not lead to complacency. Aiming for the bare minimum is risky because grace marks are not guaranteed if you fail in more than three subjects. Focus on scoring at least 25-30 marks in theory papers to stay in the safe zone, as internal marks are usually awarded generously by schools and colleges. For the latest updates on exam dates and hall tickets, keep checking the official MSBSHSE website at mahahsscboard.in or visit TrueJobs.co.in for simplified alerts. Prepare a subject-wise strategy and prioritize the subjects included in your 'Best of Five' to maximize your aggregate percentage.
TrueJobs Editorial Team
Career & Employment Expert at TrueJobs
The TrueJobs Editorial Team consists of certified career counsellors, HR professionals, and industry experts dedicated to helping job seekers in India succeed. We provide research-backed advice on job search strategies, resume writing, interview preparation, and career development.
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