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How many marks do you need to pass NIOS?
From the NIOS Academic Prospectus 2026-27 (Table 8):
- Class 10 (Secondary): at least 33% overall in the subject including the TMA, and at least 33% in the public exam (theory and practical together, where there is a practical), not counting the TMA marks.
- Class 12 (Senior Secondary): at least 33% overall including the TMA, and at least 33% separately in the theory and in the practical of the exam, not counting the TMA marks.
- To get the certificate: pass in 5 subjects, including at least one and at most two languages.
The TMA has no separate pass mark, but it counts in the overall total. Read our NIOS TMA guide.
When are NIOS exams, and how many chances do you get?
- Public exams are held twice a year: April–May and October–November (NIOS Evaluation page).
- Admission gives up to nine chances over five years, and passed subjects are kept as credit until your child clears them all.
- On-Demand Examination (ODE) lets a learner sit an exam outside the two sessions, at NIOS exam centres, in subjects they are admitted in.
Know the paper pattern
Each subject has its own question paper design, published by NIOS with the syllabus. For example, Science and Technology (212) at Class 10 is an 85-mark theory paper of 2½ hours with objective questions, short answers and long answers. Check the design for each of your child's subjects before planning revision.
Official past papers and sample papers
- Previous years' question papers: NIOS Question Paper of Previous Year Examination
- Syllabus and sample question papers, Class 10: Secondary
- Syllabus and sample question papers, Class 12: Senior Secondary
Are there NIOS mock tests?
NIOS doesn't run official mock tests. The best substitute is to take the official past and sample papers under exam timing: sit the full paper in one go, then mark it. Some learning centres run in-person mock exams; ask what papers they use before paying.
Practicals: what to know
- Subjects with a practical have five practical sessions at the study centre (AI) assigned to your child.
- Attendance in all five practical sessions is compulsory.
- They are held in February for Block I learners and in August for Block II learners.
- At Class 12, the practical must be passed separately (33%).
How to prepare
- Study from the NIOS study material first; question papers are set from it.
- Finish the TMAs early: they add up to 20% of the theory marks.
- Plan revision around each subject's paper design.
- Practise writing full answers by hand, in time, with the official papers.
- Don't miss any practical session.
Getting help
If your child needs help with a subject, answer writing or TMAs, you can find verified NIOS educators for Class 10 and 12 on HomeLearn, online or at home. Many offer a free trial.
Sources
- NIOS Academic Prospectus 2026-27, Table 8 (certification criteria) and practicals — nios.ac.in
- NIOS Evaluation page (exam sessions, credit accumulation, On-Demand Examination) — nios.ac.in
- NIOS question paper design, Science and Technology (212)