CBSE Faces Challenges Amid Declining Class 12 Results

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is grappling with significant challenges this year, highlighted by a record low in Class 12 exam results. With an overall pass percentage of just 85.20%, the board faces scrutiny over its new online evaluation system and the implications for student admissions to Delhi University. Historically, CBSE students have dominated DU admissions, but this year's results may lead to a decline in their numbers. The introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has further complicated the admissions landscape, raising questions about the future of CBSE students in higher education. This article delves into the factors contributing to these challenges and their potential impact on students.

By Ambika Singh Jun 5, 2026, 12:49 IST

CBSE's Troubling Year

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has encountered a challenging year, marked by significant setbacks. The board recently experienced a major embarrassment when the Class 12 exam results reached a seven-year low. This was compounded by concerns regarding the On-Screen Marking (OSM) system, leading to a series of allegations that overwhelmed the board with the need for clarifications. Additionally, students faced issues retrieving their Class 12 answer sheets, with some mistakenly receiving sheets belonging to other candidates, which drew harsh criticism.

Declining Pass Rates

The troubles for CBSE began on May 13, 2026, when the Class 12 exam results were announced. The overall pass rate was recorded at 85.20%, the lowest in seven years, raising questions about the underlying causes of such disappointing results. The introduction of online evaluation was highlighted as a significant factor contributing to the drop in scores. This year marked the first implementation of online evaluation by CBSE, where teachers were responsible for scanning answer scripts to promote transparency and accuracy. Unfortunately, this initiative has led to complications for the board.

Potential Impact on Delhi University Admissions

Due to the disappointing results, there is speculation that fewer CBSE students may gain admission to Delhi University (DU). Although this is not guaranteed—since admissions are primarily determined by the CUET exam—students may still be admitted based on their Class 12 scores if there are unfilled seats.

CBSE Students' Historical Dominance at DU

Historically, CBSE students have made up a significant portion of admissions at Delhi University (DU), accounting for approximately 50–60% of total enrollments. Recent data indicates that more than half of the applications for undergraduate programs at DU come from CBSE students.

The Role of CUET in Admissions

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET), introduced in 2022, was established by the Ministry of Education and the NTA to standardize the entrance examination process for undergraduate admissions across various universities. Prior to CUET, admissions were based solely on Class 12 marks, which is why CBSE students historically dominated DU admissions.

Admissions from Other Boards

In addition to CBSE, students from other educational boards, such as Haryana (HBSE), Kerala, and Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP), have also secured significant numbers of admissions to Delhi University, as these boards have begun awarding higher marks to their students.

The Competition Among Boards

Similar to CBSE, other state boards are also engaged in a competition to award higher marks. Experts suggest that this trend is driven by the need to maintain student morale and the competitive nature of college admissions, especially since many institutions still rely on Class 12 scores for admission decisions. With cut-off marks for prestigious colleges often soaring, boards are incentivized to provide generous marks to ensure their students remain competitive.

Implications for Engineering Aspirants

Another motivation for awarding higher marks is to ensure that students aiming for engineering programs at institutions like IITs, NITs, and IIITs meet the minimum requirement of 75% in Class 12, which is crucial for admission to these top-tier colleges.