CBSE Class 12 Results 2026: Southern Regions Lead, Overall Pass Rate Dips to 85.20%
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the results for the Class 12 board examinations for the year 2026. This year, a substantial number of students across the nation participated in the examinations, which were conducted with extensive arrangements to ensure a smooth and efficient process for both testing and evaluation.
Examination Overview and Key Statistics
According to official data released by the board, a total of 17,80,365 students had registered for the Class 12 examinations this year. The tests were administered across 7,573 examination centers located throughout the country. In total, the board conducted examinations for 120 different subjects, covering a wide range of academic disciplines.
The examination period spanned from February 17, 2026, to April 10, 2026. Following the completion of the exams and the subsequent evaluation process, the results were officially announced on May 13, 2026.
This year, the board expanded its operational reach compared to the previous cycle. A total of 19,967 schools and 7,573 examination centers were involved in the conduct of the exams in 2026. This marks an increase from the 2025 figures, which saw participation from 19,299 schools and 7,330 centers.
Analysis of the Pass Percentage
The overall pass percentage for the Class 12 examinations in 2026 stands at 85.20%. Of the 17,80,365 registered candidates, 17,68,968 actually appeared for the exams. From this group, a total of 15,07,109 students were declared successful, clearing the board examinations.
This year’s results show a noticeable shift when compared to the previous year. In 2025, the pass percentage had been recorded at 88.39%. Therefore, the 2026 results reflect a decline of 3.19 percentage points, marking a significant change in the overall performance metrics for the board.
Top Performing Regions
An analysis of the regional data reveals that the southern parts of the country have delivered the most impressive performances. The Trivandrum region has emerged as the top performer, achieving an outstanding pass percentage of 95.62%. Following closely behind are the Chennai and Bengaluru regions, which have secured the second and third positions, respectively.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the top-performing regions and their respective pass percentages:
- Trivandrum: 95.62%
- Chennai: 93.84%
- Bengaluru: 93.19%
- Vijayawada: 92.77%
- Delhi West: 92.34%
- Delhi East: 91.73%
- Ahmedabad: 90.60%
- Gurugram: 88.45%
- Ludhiana: 87.92%
- Pune: 87.32%
- Ajmer: 86.78%
- Panchkula: 85.73%
- Ranchi: 85.01%
- Guwahati: 83.41%
- Lucknow: 82.21%
- Bhubaneswar: 81.71%
- Dehradun: 81.42%
- Raipur: 80.88%
- Bhopal: 79.43%
- Noida: 79.02%
- Patna: 74.45%
- Prayagraj: 72.43%
Institution-Wise Performance Highlights
When examining the results based on the type of institution, Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV) have demonstrated exceptional performance, leading the list with a remarkable pass percentage of 98.55%. Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV) have also performed admirably, securing the second spot with a pass rate of 98.47%.
The performance of other school categories is also noteworthy. Government schools have posted a pass percentage of 89.55%, while government-aided institutions have achieved a rate of 86.07%. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) have recorded an 85.55% pass rate, and independent or private schools have reported a pass percentage of 84.22%.
Here is the complete list of pass percentages by institution type:
- Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV): 98.55%
- Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV): 98.47%
- Government Schools (GOVT): 89.55%
- Government Aided Schools: 86.07%
- EMRS Schools: 85.55%
- Independent Schools: 84.22%
The CBSE has stated that the entire examination and evaluation process was completed with significant technological support and large-scale logistical planning. The board ensured that comprehensive preparations were in place to deliver the results to students in a timely and transparent manner, aiming to maintain the highest standards of accuracy and fairness in the assessment process.
