Karnataka SSLC (Class 10): Subjects, Exam Pattern & What to Expect

The Karnataka SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) is the Class 10 public examination run by the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB). It covers core subjects — Kannada (or another first language), a second language, English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science — plus optional third-language and NSQF vocational subjects. The exam attracts over 8 lakh candidates each year across nearly 3,000 exam centres statewide.

The main SSLC exam (Exam 1) runs in March–April each year, with Exam 2 (May) and Exam 3 (June) available for students who were absent, did not pass, or wish to improve. This three-exam scheme replaces the older "supplementary exam" language, though many students still search for both terms. For 2026, the total marks aggregate for the pass certificate moved to 525 marks, excluding the third language from the aggregate — verify this on the official KSEAB portal, as the rule changed recently.

SSLC at a glance (2025–26 cycle)

ItemDetail
Conducting bodyKSEAB — Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board
Class / levelClass 10 (SSLC)
Main exam (Exam 1)March–April (2026: 18 Mar – 2 Apr)
Exam 1 resultLate April (2026: 23 Apr; 94.10% pass rate)
Exam 2May (2026: 18–25 May)
Exam 3June–July
Total marks (aggregate)525 (third language excluded) — verify on official portal
GradingA+, A, B, C bands — published with each result cycle
Hall ticketAvailable on KSEAB portal and sslc.karnataka.gov.in, Feb–Mar before Exam 1
Results portalkarresults.nic.in

Dates and rules are from the 2025–26 cycle and change every year. Confirm the latest on the official KSEAB portal.

SSLC exam year — what to do and when

  1. Oct–Nov: Watch for model question papers and blueprint — KSEAB typically releases the subject-wise blueprint and model question papers for the current cycle around November. Use the blueprint to plan your chapter-wise revision priorities.
  2. Dec–Jan: Download timetable and prepare — The final exam timetable is usually confirmed by December. Use it to build a subject-wise revision schedule. Preparatory exams at district level also happen in January.
  3. Feb–Mar: Get your hall ticket — SSLC hall tickets are released around February–March. Download from the official KSEAB or SSLC portal and check your name, subjects, centre, and exam dates carefully.
  4. Mar–Apr: Exam 1 and key answers — Exam 1 runs in March–April. KSEAB releases provisional key answers soon after each paper — use these to self-check, and follow the objection window if you disagree with an answer.
  5. Apr–May: Result and next steps — Exam 1 results are usually declared in late April. Check on karresults.nic.in. If you need revaluation, retotalling, or a scanned copy, apply within the official window. If needed, prepare for Exam 2.

Confirm the 525-mark rule before exam season: The SSLC total-marks aggregate changed in 2026 (from 625 to 525, excluding third language). Reports from different sources conflict on the exact implementation — always read the current official circular on the KSEAB portal before planning your pass-mark target.

Free Karnataka Board exam-help guides