Kerala to implement minimum pass marks for classes 5, 6 and 9; support classes and re-exams for students who fail

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Department of General Education plans to extend the minimum marks requirement currently implemented in Class 8 to Classes 5, 6, and 9. Students in these classes must score at least 30 percent to pass each subject. Those who do not achieve this will need to attend support classes during the vacation and reappear for the exam. Teachers will provide these support classes in their respective subjects.

From the 2026-27 academic year, this minimum marks policy will also be implemented in Classes 7 and 10, ensuring that all classes in the upper primary and high school categories follow the same standard.

The intention behind this policy is to provide additional support to students who do not meet the minimum requirement, rather than to fail them outright. Students who still do not achieve 30 percent after support and a re-exam will receive a bridge course in the first two weeks of the next academic year, covering subjects from the previous year.

Previously, students could pass by combining marks from continuous assessment and written exams. Now, they must score at least 30 percent in the written exam for each subject to be promoted.