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COLLEGE SIMPLIFIED

HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise

  • 2 days ago
  • 4 min read


Minimalist horizontal illustration in a black, red, and white theme with the headline “HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise,” featuring subject cards for Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, and English showing theory, practical/internal marks, and “Pass 35” badges, along with science icons (atom, flask, DNA), a student writing in a notebook, and bold red and black geometric corner shapes on a plain white background.
35% is the minimum to pass—but for engineering aspirants, strong PCM scores and high practical marks make all the difference in 2026 admissions.



For every science student in 2026, the Maharashtra HSC results are more than just numbers—they are the final gateway to an engineering career. Whether you are aiming for a Computer Science seat in a top-tier Mumbai college or looking at mechanical engineering in Pune, understanding the HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise is crucial. In 2026, the board has reinforced the 35% passing rule, but for an engineering aspirant, "just passing" is rarely the goal.

With the 2026 board exams concluding in March, students are now analyzing their performance to ensure they meet the minimum criteria for the MHT-CET and JEE rounds. The total assessment for the HSC is 600 marks across six subjects, and every single mark counts toward your aggregate percentage and your future engineering eligibility.




HSC 2026 Passing Criteria: Science & Engineering Breakdown

To clear the HSC in 2026, you must secure at least 35% in each subject. This percentage is calculated by combining your theory score and your internal or practical assessment score.

Subject

Theory Marks

Practical/Oral Marks

Total Marks

Passing Marks (35%)

Physics

70

30

100

35

Chemistry

70

30

100

35

Biology

70

30

100

35

Mathematics & Stats

80

20

100

35

English

80

20

100

35

IT / Second Language

80 / 50

20 / 50

100

35





H2: Understanding the Math: HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise

The beauty—and the challenge—of the Maharashtra Board is the combined passing rule. Unlike some other boards, the HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise criteria allows you to bridge a slight gap in your theory marks with a strong performance in your practicals.



1. The Combined Passing Rule

For a 100-mark science subject like Physics or Chemistry, the total passing mark is 35. This means if you score 25 marks in theory (out of 70) and 10 marks in practicals (out of 30), you have technically passed. However, for engineering admissions (specifically in the open category), most colleges require a minimum of 45-50% aggregate in the PCM (Physics-Chemistry-Math) group.




2. The Theory Threshold

While the aggregate is 35%, in 2026, the board expects students to at least attempt and perform in the theory papers. A score of zero in theory with full marks in practicals might trigger a re-evaluation or an "Eligible for Re-exam" status. For 80-mark papers like Mathematics and English, the individual 35% threshold translates to roughly 28 marks.




H3: Strategic Tips for Engineering Eligibility in 2026

For students eyeing B.E. or B.Tech degrees, the HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise guide is just the baseline. To be "Engineering Ready," you need to look at the following:


  • The 50% PCM Goal: Most engineering counseling rounds in 2026 require a 50% aggregate in the PCM group for General category students and 45% for Reserved categories. Don't just aim for 35; aim for a minimum of 150/300 in the PCM total.


  • The Power of Practicals: Practicals account for 30% of your score in core science subjects. In 2026, these are evaluated strictly with external moderators. Treat your journals and vivas with high priority, as they are the easiest way to buffer your final percentage.


  • Language Scores for Aggregate: Many students ignore English or their second language. In 2026, where every decimal point in your percentage impacts your global ranking, scoring a 90+ in languages can significantly boost your overall GPA, making you more attractive to international engineering programs.




FAQ: HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise


  1. Do I need to pass theory and practicals separately in 2026? In the Maharashtra HSC Board, the HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise criteria usually consider the combined total of theory and practicals. As long as your total reaches 35 out of 100, you are declared passed in that subject.



  2. What happens if I fail in one subject but get 60% overall? Even if your aggregate is high, you must pass in every individual subject. If you fail even one, you will be marked as "Eligible for Re-exam" and will need to appear for the supplementary exam in July 2026.



  3. Are there grace marks in the 2026 HSC board? Yes, the board has a "Condonation Policy." If you are falling short of passing by 1 or 2 marks in a couple of subjects, the board can award up to 15 grace marks in total to help you clear the year.



  4. How are the marks rounded off? If your score is a fraction (e.g., 34.5), the board generally rounds it up to the next whole number (35) to favor the student's passing status.



  5. Is "Best of Five" applicable for the HSC Science stream? No. The "Best of Five" rule is strictly for SSC (Class 10). For your HSC (Class 12) results, all six subjects are counted toward your final percentage.




Conclusion: Beyond the 35% Mark

Knowing the HSC Board Passing Marks Subject-Wise is essential for peace of mind, but your engineering journey demands more. In the competitive landscape of 2026, these passing marks are your foundation, while your entrance exam scores are the walls of your career. Focus on clarity in concepts, perfection in practicals, and a balanced study plan to ensure you don't just pass, but excel.

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