Karnataka Board Exam 1 / Exam 2 / Exam 3 Explained (Supplementary)
Karnataka Board now provides three exam opportunities within the same academic year for both SSLC (Class 10) and II PUC (Class 12). Exam 1 is the main public exam, Exam 2 follows a few weeks after Exam 1 results, and Exam 3 follows in June–July. This scheme replaced the older "supplementary exam" terminology — both terms still circulate in searches and conversations.
Students who were absent, did not pass, or want to improve marks in failed subjects can appear in Exam 2 or Exam 3. Eligibility rules for each exam window, and whether improvement of passed subjects is allowed, may vary — confirm on the official KSEAB portal for the current cycle.
The three-exam scheme at a glance
| Exam | Who it is for | Typical period (SSLC) | Typical period (II PUC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exam 1 | All registered students — main public exam | March–April | February–March |
| Exam 2 | Absentees from Exam 1; students who failed subjects; eligible improvement candidates | May | Late April–May |
| Exam 3 | Remaining absentees / failed students after Exam 2 | June–July | June |
Eligibility for Exam 2 and Exam 3 is governed by current KSEAB rules. Confirm exact eligibility, dates, and fee on the official KSEAB portal.
Confirm exact dates on the official board portal: Exam 2 and Exam 3 timetables are released after Exam 1 results — they are not fixed in advance. Always confirm the exact exam window, eligibility, and fee on the official KSEAB portal before planning.
Frequently asked questions
Is "supplementary exam" the same as Exam 2 or Exam 3?
Yes — what used to be called the "supplementary exam" is now officially Exam 2 (and Exam 3 for a further opportunity). Many students and teachers still use both terms. On this site, both vocabularies are covered so you can find information regardless of which term you use.
Can I improve a subject I passed in Exam 1 by appearing in Exam 2?
Eligibility rules for improvement in Exam 2 and Exam 3 change by cycle. Confirm the current rule on the official KSEAB portal before planning an improvement attempt.