KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 Safe Score for OBC and SC/ST: PUC Admission Cutoff by Category

Students who passed KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 and belong to OBC (2A, 2B, 3A, 3B) categories should target 375 marks (60%) or above for Science PUC, while SC/ST students are in a safe zone at 313 marks (50%) out of 625 for the same stream.

The Karnataka School Examinations and Assessment Board (KSEAB) declared SSLC Exam-3 2026 results on June 30, 2026. This supplementary exam gives students a third chance to qualify or improve scores. OBC and SC/ST students benefit from reservation-based relaxation in PUC college admissions across Karnataka, making it essential to know what score is considered safe for each stream and category. Karnataka has also recently reduced the SSLC minimum pass mark to 33% from the earlier 35%, aligning with CBSE board standards.

• KSEAB SSLC 2026 is conducted out of 625 marks across six subjects.
• Karnataka has reduced the SSLC pass mark to 33% (approximately 206 marks out of 625).
• OBC categories in Karnataka include 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, each eligible for reservation relaxation in PUC admissions.
• SC/ST students receive the highest reservation relaxation; expected safe score for Science PUC starts at 313 marks (50%).
• PUC admission in Karnataka is college-level — individual government and aided colleges set their own category-wise cutoffs.

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KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 Key Details

KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 is the second supplementary or third chance examination for Karnataka Class 10 students. The exam carries the same subject structure as the main SSLC, with 625 total marks across six subjects. Karnataka has reduced the minimum pass mark to 33% per subject from the earlier 35%, in line with CBSE board standards. Students who clear Exam-3 are fully eligible for PUC (Class 11) admission across Karnataka.

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Safe Score for OBC Students for PUC Admission

OBC students in Karnataka fall under sub-categories 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B of the state reservation framework. All OBC sub-categories are eligible for a relaxed admission cutoff compared to the General (Unreserved) category in government and aided PUC colleges. Karnataka does not run a centralised PUC admission portal — each college sets its own category-wise merit list. The figures below are expected safe score bands based on 2024-25 Karnataka PUC admission trends.

• OBC students with 375 marks (60%) or above can confidently apply to Science PUC at most government colleges in Karnataka.
• For coveted PCM seats at premier government PUC colleges in Bengaluru or district headquarters, OBC students should aim for 438 marks (70%) or more.
• Commerce stream is accessible for OBC students scoring 313 marks (50%) and above across most districts.
• OBC students who pass but score below the safe band can still explore aided and unaided PUC colleges, which typically admit students at lower cutoffs.

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Safe Score for SC/ST Students for PUC Admission

SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) students receive the maximum reservation relaxation under Karnataka’s reservation policy. The minimum qualifying threshold for SC/ST students in PUC admission is significantly lower than the General and OBC categories, making Science and Commerce streams reachable for students who pass SSLC Exam-3. The table below shows the expected safe score for SC/ST students based on 2024-25 PUC admission data across Karnataka.

• SC/ST students who scored 313 marks (50%) or above are in a strong position to secure Science PUC admission at a government or aided college.
• For Arts PUC, SC/ST students who have simply passed Exam-3 (scoring 206 marks or above) will find seats at most district-level government PUC colleges.
• ST students in tribal-dominant regions may find even lower cutoffs at local government PUC colleges under special tribal provisions.
• SC/ST students can access post-matric scholarships and full fee waivers during PUC, making private aided PUC colleges financially viable as well.

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Category-wise PUC Admission Cutoff Trends

Since Karnataka does not have a centralised PUC admission system, cutoffs vary by college, district, and stream. The table below shows expected percentage ranges for 2026 PUC admission based on 2024-25 trends at government and aided PUC colleges across Karnataka. Actual cutoffs may vary at the college level.

Premier government PUC colleges in Bengaluru city tend to have cutoffs at the higher end of these bands. Colleges in rural districts and taluk-level towns typically admit students at the lower end. Morarji Desai and Kittur Rani Chennamma residential PUC colleges are specially reserved for SC/ST and Category 1 students and offer free residential education — Exam-3 students who qualify are encouraged to apply.

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Using Your SSLC Score for PUC Admission

After downloading your KSEAB SSLC Exam-3 2026 marks card, follow these steps to apply for PUC admission under your reservation category:

1. Collect your category certificate — Get a valid caste certificate from your local Tahsildar: OBC sub-category (2A, 2B, 3A, or 3B) or SC/ST certificate, as applicable.
2. Decide your PUC stream — Use the safe score band tables above to shortlist Science, Commerce, or Arts based on your total marks and career goals.
3. Identify target colleges — Government PUC colleges, aided PUC colleges, and residential colleges like Morarji Desai (SC/ST) or Kittur Rani Chennamma have separate reserved seats with lower cutoffs for Exam-3 students.
4. Apply to multiple colleges — Since Karnataka PUC admission is decentralised, apply to at least three to five colleges in your district to maximise your chances.
5. Attend admission in person — Carry the original SSLC marks card, category certificate, study certificate, transfer certificate, and two passport-size photographs on the admission date.