Karnataka State Board Rolls Out Stricter Attendance Requirements

Karnataka's Class 10 students with less than 75% attendance will be barred from appearing for the second and third SSLC examinations this year, as per a directive from the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB).  

A circular issued by KSEAB instructs school authorities that students failing to meet the attendance requirement must seek re-admission in the 2025-26 academic year. This marks a departure from last year when students with low attendance were allowed to sit for the exams under certain conditions.  

A senior KSEAB official confirmed that no exemptions will be granted this year. "As there is a provision for re-admission, we have decided not to allow students with less than 75% attendance to sit for the second and third exams. We are following government directives on this matter," the official stated.  

In 2024, over 15,000 students had attendance shortages. The board had then allowed those above 15 years of age to register as private candidates, leading to around 8,000 registrations and 2,000 successful candidates.  

KSEAB officials emphasized that all three SSLC exams are considered equivalent, with the best score being counted for the final results. "When this is the case, why should we allow students with attendance shortages to sit for the second and third exams?" a senior official questioned.  

Additionally, the circular instructs schools not to upload internal assessment (IA) scores for students with attendance below 75%. Attendance will be calculated up to the day before the first exam, and admission tickets will not be generated for ineligible students.  

The SSLC exams for 2025 are scheduled to take place between March 21 and April 4.