NIOS 10th Passing Marks 2026 – Subject-wise Pass Marks & Official Criteria

For students appearing in the NIOS Class 10 (Secondary) examination in 2026, understanding the NIOS 10th Passing Marks criteria is essential. Many learners prepare well academically but face confusion at result time due to incorrect or incomplete information about theory, practical, and TMA marks.

One way to look at NIOS is through how it checks student work - rules are written down officially. Even though there's room to adapt, certain steps need following just the same. What counts as passing in Class 10? That part here sticks strictly to what’s documented. Guesses or hearsay won’t show up anywhere near these lines.

1. How NIOS Evaluates Class 10 Subjects

NIOS Class 10 subjects are assessed through:

• Public Examination

  • Theory

  • Practical (only for subjects where prescribed)

• Tutor Marked Assignment (TMA) – internal assessment

Not all subjects include practicals, but public examination marks form the basis of the minimum passing requirement. TMAs play an important role in the final result but are treated differently under NIOS rules.

2. NIOS Passing Marks for Class 10 – Core Rule

According to official NIOS bye-laws for the Secondary Course:

A learner must secure a minimum of 33% aggregate marks in the Public Examination (theory + practical, where applicable) to pass a subject.

This is the foundation of NIOS 10th Passing Marks and applies uniformly across academic subjects.

3. Important Clarification: Aggregate Does Not Include TMA

One of the most common misunderstandings relates to how TMA marks are counted.

Official Position

• The 33% minimum passing requirement applies only to the Public Examination

• Public Examination = Theory + Practical

• TMA marks are internal assessment marks

• TMA marks do not count toward meeting the minimum 33% public exam requirement

This means:

• A student can pass a subject even if TMA marks are low, as long as the public exam aggregate is 33% or more

• However, TMA submission is compulsory and affects the final score and grade

4. NIOS 10th Passing Marks for Theory & Practical (Public Exam)

Theory Examination

• Conducted through Public Exams or On-Demand Exams (ODE)

• Forms a major portion of public exam marks

• No separate minimum percentage is officially prescribed for theory alone in Class 10

Practical Examination (Where Applicable)

Subjects such as:

• Science

• Computer Science

• Home Science

• Painting

• Certain vocational subjects

include practical exams.

Key points:

• Practical marks are combined with theory marks

• Practical attendance is mandatory

• Practical marks can compensate for low theory marks within the public exam aggregate

Key Rule to Remember

For Class 10, NIOS does NOT require 33% separately in theory and practical
Only the combined public exam score must reach 33%

This rule is different from Class 12, where separate passing is required.

NIOS Public Exams and ODE Class 10 and 12 Comparison:

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5. Difference Between Class 10 and Class 12 Passing Rules

Many websites confuse Secondary and Senior Secondary rules. Here is the correct distinction:

Class 10 (Secondary)

• 33% aggregate required in Public Examination (theory + practical)

• No separate pass requirement for theory or practical

• TMA is internal and not part of the minimum pass calculation

Class 12 (Senior Secondary)

• 33% required separately in:

  • Theory

  • Practical

• Plus 33% aggregate overall

Understanding this difference is critical when discussing NIOS Passing Marks.

6. Role of TMA in NIOS Class 10

Tutor Marked Assignments are compulsory for subjects where prescribed.

What TMA Does

• Helps improve final marks and grade

• Supports continuous assessment

• Is evaluated by the study centre

What TMA Does NOT Do

• It does not determine the minimum 33% passing eligibility

• It does not have a separate pass/fail percentage

Non-submission of TMA can still cause:

• Loss of marks

• Incomplete results

• Administrative issues

So while TMA is important, it should not be misunderstood as part of the public exam minimum pass rule.

NIOS Admission Without School Certificate:

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7. Subject-wise Passing Criteria (Correct Interpretation)

To pass a NIOS Class 10 subject, a learner must:

1. Secure 33% or more aggregate marks in the Public Examination

2. Appear in theory and practical exams where applicable

3. Submit TMA as required

4. Follow subject-specific guidelines issued by NIOS

Failure to achieve 33% in the public exam aggregate results in a subject-wise fail, regardless of TMA marks.

8. What If a Student Does Not Pass?

NIOS offers flexibility and multiple chances:

• Reappear in the failed subject during the next Public Exam

• Use On-Demand Examination (ODE) for eligible subjects

• Improve marks within the registration validity period

This flexibility allows students to continue their education without losing valuable time.

9. How MVS Foundation Supports NIOS Class 10 Students

At MVS Foundation, we ensure students receive correct, official, and up-to-date guidance so there is no confusion about exam rules or passing criteria.

We Provide

• Class 10 admission assistance

• Mentorship programs

• Subject-wise study notes

Our focus is on clarity, confidence, and correct preparation.

Get Support

10. Conclusion

Understanding the accurate NIOS 10th Passing Marks criteria for 2026 is essential for every Secondary Course learner. NIOS evaluates Class 10 students based on 33% aggregate marks in the Public Examination, while treating TMAs as internal assessments that influence final scores, not minimum eligibility.

With the right information, disciplined study, and proper guidance, success in NIOS becomes achievable. Supported by institutions like MVS Foundation, students can move forward confidently and complete their Class 10 education smoothly.