Last Updated:March 12, 2026, 16:30 IST While SSLC and II PU exams are centralized public examinations, I PU papers are evaluated at the college level. The government aims to eliminate disparities between these stages. This move also brings the state board in line with national boards, such as the CBSE, creating a more uniform competition for students. Image: Canva The Karnataka government has officially reduced the minimum passing marks for First Pre-University (I PU) examinations. This decision, announced by the Department of School Education and Literacy, takes effect this academic year. It is set to impact approximately 6 lakh students who appear for these exams annually across the state. The primary goal of this revision is to establish uniformity within the state’s education system. By lowering the bar from 35 to 33, Karnataka aligns I PU (First Pre-University) criteria with the existing standards for SSLC and II PU. Officials noted that this move also brings the state board in line with national boards, such as the CBSE, creating a more uniform competition for students. Ensuring …