CBSE Grading System and Marking Scheme 2025: 10th & 12th

CBSE Grading System and Marking Scheme: Out of all the recognized boards of examination, ISCE and CBSE remain the most preferred ones in the country. With the constant changes made in boards of examination, the number of students enrolled under their academic supervision is much more than others. These changes may range from adding or subtracting chapters in the syllabus, variation in the marking scheme, or imparting new techniques for grading students. This blog aims to make the CBSE grading system and marking scheme easy to comprehend!

Understanding the CBSE Grading System and Marking Scheme

The Class 12 grading scheme implemented by CBSE aims to assess students holistically, shifting from the conventional marks-based evaluation method. On a nine-point grading system, A1 is the highest grade and E is the lowest (requires improvement). Every grade has a corresponding range of marks. For instance, grades between 91 and 100 are given an A1, 81 to 90 are given an A2, and so forth. With this approach, the emphasis is placed on the student’s overall comprehension and abilities rather than putting undue pressure on them.

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CBSE Grading System

Starting from the former section of the CBSE grading system and marking scheme, let’s get into how the respective ones for Class 10 and Class 12.

From the 2009-2010 academic year, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) implemented a grading system for students in classes 10 and 12. As a result, the grade will be assigned on a 5-point scale ranging from A to E. The CBSE grading system is determined by two variables: absolute and percentile marks.

Source: CBSE

CBSE Grading System 2025 For Class 10 & 12

From the academic year 2009 to 2010, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) implemented a grading system for students in classes 10 and 12. So, for the time being, students will be graded on a 5-point scale ranging from Grade A to Grade E.

The CBSE grading system is based on two parameters, which are:

• Absolute
• Percentile Marks

Furthermore, these criteria will vary depending on the issue. So, under the new CBSE marking system, no cumulative grade is given to the student; only subject-specific grades are given.

CBSE grade awarding for Class 10 and Class 12 is as below.

Grade	Qualification
A-1	Top 1/8th of the passed candidates
A-2	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-1	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
B-2	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-1	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
C-2	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-1	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
D-2	Next 1/8th of the passed candidates
E	Failed Candidates

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CBSE Grading System 2025 For Class 10

The new grading system will use a five-point scale, with kids receiving grades ranging from A to E. This grading system was created to prevent schools from displaying numerical scores on each student’s report card.

Marks Range	Grade	Grade Point
91-100	A1	10.0
81-90	A2	9.0
71-80	B1	8.0
61-70	B2	7.0
51-60	C1	6.0
41-50	C2	5.0
33-40	D	4.0
21-32	E1	Fail
00-20	E2	Fail

A student is also given a CGPA, which stands for cumulative grade point assessment and defines the average of grade points in all major disciplines.

CGPA = Sum of Grade points obtained in 5 main subjects/5

CBSE Grading System 2025 For Class 12

The grading systems are represented by alphabets, specifically A, B, C, D, and E. The class 12 grading system was developed under the stringent supervision of the Central Board of Secondary Education for Board Exams. The new CBSE grading system for academic achievements is listed below:

Marks Range	Grade	Grade Point
91-100	A1	10.0
81-90	A2	9.0
71-80	B1	8.0
61-70	B2	7.0
51-60	C1	6.0
41-50	C2	5.0
33-40	D	4.0
21-32	E1	C
00-20	E2	C

Benefits of the CBSE Grading System

There are various advantages to switching from a strictly numerical scoring system to a more sophisticated grading system:

• Stress Reduction: It makes the classroom less stressful by removing the pressure on pupils to achieve good grades.
• Equitable Assessment: The approach takes into account student’s talents in areas other than academics, like extracurricular activities and athletics.
• Consistency and Fairness: Because it takes into consideration variances in question paper difficulty, it offers a more consistent and equitable method of assessment.

CBSE Grading System: Points to Remember

Understanding key aspects of the CBSE grading system helps students and parents navigate academic assessments effectively. Here are a few key points to remember about the CBSE Grading System:

• In the event of a tie, all students with the same score will receive the same grade. If the number of students at a given score point must be separated into two groups, the smaller group will be combined with the bigger one.
• A different grading method will be applied in subjects with more than 500 candidates who passed.
• In topics where the total number of candidates passing is fewer than 500, grading will be based on the pattern of grading and distribution used in other similar subjects.

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CBSE Marking Scheme

Last year, CBSE issued a circular for a new marking scheme for board exams 2025. It aimed to focus more on Competency-Based Questions. CBSE seems to be giving more weight to these types of questions. The purpose of this implementation is to equip the students with key competencies that shall allow them to face the 21st-century world. Let’s analyse the weightage of competency-based questions below, for both Class 10 and Class 12.

CBSE Marking Scheme 2025 for Class 10

We have mentioned the weightage of different types of questions in the table below.

Questions	Weightage
Competency-Based Questions (MCQs, Case studies, Source-based integrated questions)	Minimum of 40%
Objective-type Questions	20%
Remaining short/long answers (per existing pattern)	40%

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CBSE Marking Scheme 2025 for Class 12

We have mentioned the weightage of different types of questions in the table below.

Questions	Weightage
Competency-Based Questions (MCQs, Case studies, Source-based integrated questions)	Minimum of 30%
Objective-type Questions	20%
Remaining short/long answers (per existing pattern)	50%

Benefits of the CBSE Grading System

The CBSE grading system offers several advantages, both for students and educators:

1. Reduces Academic Pressure

• By focusing on grades instead of marks, students are relieved of unnecessary stress.
• Helps parents and educators identify areas needing improvement without stigmatization.

2. Encourages Holistic Learning

• Balances academic and co-curricular activities.
• Encourages participation in arts, sports, and other non-academic pursuits.

3. Promotes Healthy Competition

• Grades create a level playing field, reducing comparisons based on marginal differences in marks.

Practical Tips to Excel in CBSE Grading System

1. Understand the Weightage

• Identify key topics with higher weightage in exams.
• Focus on application-based and HOTS questions.

2. Develop Consistent Study Habits

• Regular revisions and self-assessment can improve grades.
• Use NCERT books and CBSE sample papers for preparation.

3. Leverage Internal Assessments

• Actively participate in classroom activities and projects to secure good grades in internal assessments.

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