Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026: Marks, Grades & Passing Criteria Explained
Faraz on 17 January, 2026 | No Comments
Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026: Marks, Grades & Passing Criteria Explained
If you are a Karnataka 2nd PUC student, parent, or teacher searching for a clear, updated, and reliable explanation, this guide on Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026: Marks, Grades & Passing Criteria Explained is exactly what you need.
Every year, thousands of students are confused about marks vs grades, passing rules, division criteria, and how results are calculated by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB). This article breaks everything down in simple English, with practical examples, tables, and FAQs.
By the end of this post, you will fully understand how the Karnataka 2nd PUC grading system 2026 works and how it impacts college admissions and future opportunities.

Table of Contents
What Is the Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026?
The Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026 is the official evaluation method used by KSEAB to assess student performance in the Pre-University Course (PUC) II examinations.
Unlike CBSE or ICSE, Karnataka PUC follows a marks-based system, not a CGPA system. However, grades and divisions are still used for classification and eligibility purposes.
Key Highlights of Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026
- Marks-based evaluation (out of 100 per subject)
- Minimum passing marks required in theory and practical
- Division system (Distinction, First Class, etc.)
- No CGPA or GPA conversion officially
- Important for university admissions and competitive exams
Marks vs Grades in Karnataka 2nd PUC 2026
Many students search for “grades in Karnataka 2nd PUC”, but the truth is:
Karnataka 2nd PUC primarily uses marks, not grades.
Grades are derived informally based on total percentage or division.
Marks-Based Evaluation
- Each subject: 100 marks
- Combination of:
- Theory exam
- Practical/Internal assessment (for applicable subjects)

Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026: Marks to Grade Conversion
Although official grade letters are not printed, colleges and institutions often classify performance using the following unofficial but widely accepted grading scale:
| Percentage Range | Grade | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|
| 85% – 100% | A+ | Outstanding |
| 70% – 84% | A | Excellent |
| 60% – 69% | B+ | Very Good |
| 50% – 59% | B | Good |
| 35% – 49% | C | Pass |
| Below 35% | F | Fail |
This table helps students understand their relative performance under the Karnataka 2nd PUC grading system 2026.
Karnataka 2nd PUC Passing Criteria 2026
Understanding the passing criteria is crucial for every student.
Minimum Passing Marks Per Subject
To pass the Karnataka 2nd PUC exam 2026, a student must score:
- 35% marks in each subject
- Minimum 35 marks out of 100
Theory + Practical Subjects
For subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science:
- Theory exam: Minimum 35% required
- Practical/Internal: Minimum passing marks required separately
Failing in either theory or practical results in failure in that subject.

Karnataka 2nd PUC Division System 2026 Explained
Divisions play a major role in college admissions and scholarships.
Division Classification
| Percentage | Division |
|---|---|
| 75% and above | Distinction |
| 60% – 74% | First Class |
| 50% – 59% | Second Class |
| 35% – 49% | Pass Class |
| Below 35% | Fail |
This division system is a core part of the Karnataka 2nd PUC grading system 2026.
Subject-Wise Marks Distribution (Science, Commerce, Arts)
Science Stream
- Physics: 70 Theory + 30 Practical
- Chemistry: 70 Theory + 30 Practical
- Mathematics: 100 Theory
- Biology: 70 Theory + 30 Practical
Commerce Stream
- Accountancy: 80 Theory + 20 Internal
- Business Studies: 80 Theory + 20 Internal
- Economics: 80 Theory + 20 Internal
- Statistics: 80 Theory + 20 Internal
Arts Stream
- History / Sociology / Political Science: 100 marks
- Geography: 70 Theory + 30 Practical
How Karnataka 2nd PUC Results Are Calculated
The final result is calculated by:
- Adding marks of all subjects
- Calculating total percentage
- Assigning division based on percentage
- Declaring Pass / Fail / Supplementary status
There is no relative grading or normalization in the Karnataka 2nd PUC grading system 2026.
Supplementary Exam Rules – Karnataka 2nd PUC 2026
Students who fail in one or more subjects can appear for:
- 2nd PUC Supplementary Examination
- Conducted a few months after main results
- Best marks are considered
Passing the supplementary exam allows students to continue higher education without losing an academic year.
Importance of Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026 for College Admissions
Your 2nd PUC marks and division are critical for:
- Engineering admissions (KCET, COMEDK)
- Medical admissions (NEET eligibility)
- Degree colleges (BSc, BCom, BA)
- Scholarships and fee concessions
Many colleges set cut-off percentages, not grades.
People Also Ask (PAA) – Answered Clearly
Is Karnataka 2nd PUC based on grading or marks?
Karnataka 2nd PUC is purely marks-based, with divisions used for classification.
What is the passing percentage in Karnataka 2nd PUC 2026?
The minimum passing percentage is 35% in each subject.
Is CGPA used in Karnataka 2nd PUC?
No. CGPA is not used in Karnataka PUC.
How many marks are required for distinction in 2nd PUC?
You need 75% or above to secure distinction.
Final Conclusion: Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026 Explained Simply
The Karnataka 2nd PUC Grading System 2026: Marks, Grades & Passing Criteria Explained clearly shows that Karnataka follows a transparent, marks-based evaluation system. Understanding the passing marks, division system, and result calculation helps students plan their studies better and reduce exam stress.
Whether you are aiming for distinction, preparing for competitive exams, or just want to pass confidently, knowing the Karnataka 2nd PUC grading system 2026 gives you a strong advantage.
If you found this guide helpful, bookmark it and share it with fellow students preparing for the Karnataka 2nd PUC examinations.
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