Karnataka SSLC-PUC Exam: KSEAB may scrap 3rd attempt for SSLC, PUC exams from 2025–26

Karnataka May Scrap SSLC, PUC 3rd Exam from 2025–26

Major changes may be on the horizon for the 2025–26 SSLC and Second PUC examinations in Karnataka, as the Department of School Education considers revising the existing exam structure to improve academic quality and streamline the evaluation process.

According to sources, the government is likely to scrap the third attempt (Exam-3) system introduced two years ago for Class 10 (SSLC) and Class 12 (PUC) students. This system was initially designed to give students who failed in earlier attempts an additional chance to pass in the same academic year.

Decline in Need for Exam-3 Raises Questions

The Department has reportedly asked the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) to submit a detailed report on the relevance and necessity of the third exam. Based on preliminary feedback, the need for a third attempt is being questioned.

Reliable sources suggest that senior officials have verbally instructed the evaluation board to examine the pros and cons of continuing the third exam, which typically takes place in June or July—a time of heavy monsoon rainfall across many parts of the state, including the coastal and Malnad regions. This often makes travel to exam centers difficult for students and causes disruptions due to weather-related holidays.

Low Participation and Results Add to Concerns

This year too, Exam-3 faced logistical issues, and reports indicate that very few students appeared and even fewer managed to pass. The majority of candidates in this exam were repeaters or private candidates, rather than regular school students.

Despite offering a second chance, the low success rate and poor turnout have raised concerns over the practical utility of the third exam. While it may benefit a select group of students, the overall feedback points towards it being largely unnecessary, sources say.

Final Decision Pending Official Report

The KSEAB is currently preparing a comprehensive list highlighting the necessity and redundancy of Exam-3. A final decision will be taken by the state government after evaluating this report.

If the proposal is accepted, SSLC and PUC students will return to a two-exam system starting from the 2025–26 academic session, potentially simplifying the exam calendar and reducing administrative burden.