Students preparing for the 9th class exams should understand the latest passing criteria to avoid confusion before exams. According to the currently followed system across Punjab Boards, students must obtain at least 33% marks in each subject to pass the examination.
Recently, many rumors have circulated claiming that passing marks will increase from 33% to 40%. However, there is still no officially confirmed notification from Punjab education boards regarding this change. Similar rumors have appeared during the past few years, but the traditional passing system remained unchanged.
9th Class Passing Marks in Pakistan (2026)
As per the currently implemented examination policy:
👉 Students must secure 33% marks in each subject to pass the 9th class examination.
Many students mistakenly believe that obtaining 33% overall marks is enough. This is incorrect. Students must pass every subject separately according to the required criteria.
Compulsory Subjects Passing Marks (9th Class 2026)
These subjects are compulsory for all students across Punjab Boards.
| Subject | Total Marks | Passing Marks (33%) |
|---|---|---|
| English | 75 | 25 |
| Urdu | 75 | 25 |
| Islamiat | 50 | 17 |
| Pakistan Studies | 50 | 17 |
Arts Subjects Passing Marks (9th Class 2026)
The following passing criteria apply to Arts group students.

| Subject | Total Marks | Passing Marks (33%) |
|---|---|---|
| Civics | 75 | 25 |
| Education | 75 | 25 |
| Economics | 75 | 25 |
| General Science | 75 | 25 |
| History | 75 | 25 |
| Geography | 75 | 25 |
| Computer Science | 75 | 25 |
Science Subjects Passing Marks (9th Class 2026)
Science students must pass both theory and practical separately where applicable.
| Subject | Type | Total Marks | Passing Marks (33%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physics | Theory | 60 | 20 |
| Physics | Practical | 15 | 5 |
| Chemistry | Theory | 60 | 20 |
| Chemistry | Practical | 15 | 5 |
| Biology | Theory | 60 | 20 |
| Biology | Practical | 15 | 5 |
| Mathematics | Theory | 75 | 25 |
| Computer Science | Theory | 50 | 17 |
| Computer Science | Practical | 25 | 8 |
Important Passing Rules for Students
- Students must pass every subject separately
- Science practical exams are compulsory
- Failing one subject means reappearing in that subject
- Overall marks do not matter if a student fails an individual paper
- Current passing requirement remains 33% for Punjab Boards
Rumors About Passing Marks Increasing to 40%
During recent months, social media posts and unofficial reports claimed that passing marks may increase from 33% to 40%.
However:
- ❗ No officially confirmed notification has been issued by Punjab Boards
- ❗ Most educational boards are still following the 33% policy
- ❗ Students should rely only on official board announcements
Until any official update is released, students should prepare according to the current 33% passing system.
Punjab Boards Following the 33% Passing Policy
The following Punjab Boards are currently following the same passing criteria:
- Bahawalpur Board
- D.G. Khan Board
- Faisalabad Board
- Gujranwala Board
- Lahore Board
- Multan Board
- Rawalpindi Board
- Sahiwal Board
- Sargodha Board
Conclusion
The 9th class passing marks in Pakistan for 2026 are still 33% in each subject under the currently followed system. Although rumors regarding an increase to 40% continue circulating every year, no official confirmation has been announced by Punjab Boards yet.
Students should focus on exam preparation, complete their syllabus properly, and stay updated through official board announcements only.