Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) – Overview, Exams, Syllabus & Resources

The Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) is the main state‐board that manages schooling for students in Karnataka, especially for Class 10 (SSLC) and Class 12 (2nd PUC).
If you are a student in Class 6-10, this page will help you understand what the board does, how your exams will be, what the syllabus is, and how you can use useful resources to prepare well.

1.0Quick Facts about the KSEAB

• Full Name: Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board (KSEAB) 
• Established Year: 1966 
• Headquarters: Bengaluru (Malleshwaram area) 
• Official Website: kseab.karnataka.gov.in (and related portals)
• Key Exams: SSLC (Class 10) & 2nd PUC (Class 12) 

2.0History & Background of KSEAB

The board was set up in 1966 (as the then Secondary Education Examination Board) to bring uniformity in secondary education in Karnataka.
Over time, tasks such as designing syllabus, conducting board exams, and recognising schools have been taken over by the board. It covers thousands of schools across Karnataka and plays a key role in the academic journey of students from Class 6 to Class 12.

3.0Latest Updates / Notifications

• The board has approved pass marks of 33% (down from earlier 35%) for SSLC and 2nd PUC exams from the 2025-26 academic year.
• Sample question papers, topper answer sheets and blueprint details are being made available to students online to aid preparation.

4.0Role & Functions of the KSEAB Board

• Prescribing the syllabus and curriculum for secondary (Class 10) and higher secondary (Class 12) classes. 
• Approving and publishing textbooks and study materials for affiliated schools. 
• Conducting the board examinations for SSLC (Class 10) and PUC (Class 12) and declaring results. 
• Recognising and affiliating schools under its jurisdiction in Karnataka. 
• Ensuring transparency, timely evaluation and academic standards in schools. 

5.0Major Examinations Conducted by KSEAB

The KSEAB primarily conducts 3 exams namely SSLC, PUC exams and Supplemenatry exams. The brief of the same is given below.

• SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) - Class 10: These SSLC exams are conducted thrice in an academic year namely Mid Term Exam, SSLC Exam 1 and SSLC Exam 2.
• 2nd PUC (Pre-University Course) - Class 12: Theseare conducted once a year and covers streams like Science, Commerce, Arts. 
• Supplementary/Improvement Exams: These exams are for students who don’t pass in the main exam conducted in the regular schedule. However, the KSEAB has now removed the concept of supplementary exams which has now been replaced with 3 exams conducted through out the academic year.

6.0KSEAB Syllabus & Textbooks

The board publishes syllabus for Classes 6–12 so that students and schools know what topics will be covered.
Textbooks approved by the board are available in different mediums (Kannada, English, etc.) depending on the school.
For example, in Class 10 you’ll study First Language, Second Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Science. Schools provide these textbooks based on your medium of instruction.

7.0Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme

The exams for until class 9 is conducted by the schools affiliated with the board as per the prescribed syllabus by the KSEAB. Class 10 students will have 3 annual exams conducted in the months September, March/April and May. The details of the same is given below:

8.0Eligibility & Application Process

• Regular students: If you are studying in a school affiliated to KSEAB, your school will register you for the SSLC or PUC exams.
• Private / Ex‐school candidates: If you are not in a regular school or wish to appear as a private student, you need to apply through the board’s process (form, fee, deadlines) – check the official portal.
• Make sure your details (name, roll number, school, medium) are correct, pay required fees and submit the form on time.

9.0Resources for Students

• Previous Year Question Papers: Practice earlier years’ papers to understand question style and improve speed. 
• Model Papers / Sample Papers: Designed as per board pattern — good for timed practice. 
• Answer Keys / Solutions: To check your work, learn from mistakes and improve.
• Study Tips / Preparation Strategy:
• • Create a study timetable covering all subjects.
  • Understand topics instead of memorising.
  • Solve full‐length papers under time limit.
  • Revise topics regularly, especially those you find tough.
  • Maintain good health and rest well during exam season.