Every year, after the Kerala SSLC results are announced, thousands of students and parents stare at the mark sheet wondering — what exactly does this grade mean? Unlike traditional marks-based systems, Kerala uses a 9-point grading scale that replaces raw scores with letter grades. If you have been confused by terms like A+, D+, TGP, or EHS, this guide breaks it all down clearly.
A Quick Overview: What Is the Kerala SSLC Grading System?
The Kerala Board of Public Examinations (Pareeksha Bhavan) introduced the grading system in 2005 to replace the old percentage-based evaluation. Instead of showing individual marks for each subject, the SSLC mark sheet displays a letter grade for every subject. This system is designed to reduce exam stress and focus on a broader assessment of a student’s understanding.
The grading follows a 9-point scale, meaning there are 9 possible grades — from the highest (A+) to the lowest (E). Every grade corresponds to a range of marks and carries a specific grade point value used to calculate your overall percentage.
Kerala SSLC Grade Calculator
The Complete Kerala SSLC Grade Table (2026)
Here is the full grading table used by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan:
| Grade | Marks Range (%) | Grade Point | Performance Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| A+ | 90 – 100 | 9 | Outstanding |
| A | 80 – 89 | 8 | Excellent |
| B+ | 70 – 79 | 7 | Very Good |
| B | 60 – 69 | 6 | Good |
| C+ | 50 – 59 | 5 | Above Average |
| C | 40 – 49 | 4 | Average |
| D+ | 30 – 39 | 3 | Pass (Minimum) |
| D | 20 – 29 | 2 | Below Average (Fail) |
| E | Below 20 | 1 | Needs Improvement (Fail) |
Note: The mark sheet will not show individual subject scores — only the grade letter for each subject.
What Each Grade Actually Means
🏆 A+ — Outstanding (90% and above)
This is the highest grade in the Kerala SSLC system. A student scoring 90 or above in a subject earns an A+ with a grade point of 9. It reflects exceptional command over the subject and is a matter of great pride. In 2025, Kerala recorded a pass percentage of 99.5%, with a significant portion of students earning A+ grades.
⭐ A — Excellent (80% to 89%)
An A grade means the student has performed excellently and demonstrates strong subject knowledge. With a grade point of 8, this is still a very impressive result and easily qualifies students for sought-after Plus One streams in reputed schools.
✅ B+ — Very Good (70% to 79%)
B+ indicates very good performance. The student has a solid understanding of the subject. A grade point of 7 keeps the overall CGPA healthy and is considered a comfortable score for higher secondary admission.
✅ B — Good (60% to 69%)
A B grade means the student performed well above average. With a grade point of 6, this is a respectable score and shows reasonable mastery of the subject material.
📘 C+ — Above Average (50% to 59%)
C+ students have a working understanding of the subject and performed above the midpoint. A grade point of 5 puts the student solidly in the passing range with room to improve in higher classes.
📘 C — Average (40% to 49%)
A C grade means the student passed the subject with an average score. While this is a passing grade, students are encouraged to revisit weaker areas before moving to Plus One, where subjects become more demanding.
⚠️ D+ — Minimum Pass (30% to 39%)
D+ is the minimum grade required to pass the Kerala SSLC exam. A student who earns D+ or above in all subjects is declared Eligible for Higher Studies (EHS). This grade carries a grade point of 3. It is important to note that students must score a minimum of 30% in the Terminal Evaluation (written exam) alone — internal marks alone cannot substitute for this requirement.
❌ D — Below Average (20% to 29%)
A D grade means the student did not clear the passing threshold in that subject. Even though it is above E, a D grade results in a NHS (Not Eligible for Higher Studies) status. The student will need to appear for the SAY (Save A Year) exam to improve this grade.
❌ E — Needs Improvement (Below 20%)
E is the lowest grade in the Kerala SSLC system. It indicates very low performance in the subject. A student with an E grade must appear for the SAY supplementary examination to be considered for higher studies.
What Is EHS and NHS on Your Mark Sheet?
You will notice one of two status labels printed on your SSLC mark sheet:
- EHS (Eligible for Higher Studies) — The student has secured D+ or above in every subject. They can directly apply for Plus One admissions.
- NHS (Not Eligible for Higher Studies) — The student has scored D or below in one or more subjects. They must clear the SAY exam before proceeding to higher studies.
What Is the SAY Exam?
SAY stands for Save A Year. It is a supplementary examination conducted by the Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan for students who did not achieve the minimum D+ grade in one or more subjects. The SAY exam follows the same grading system and gives students a second chance to clear the year without losing an academic year. Students must score a minimum of 30% in the SAY exam to pass.
How to Calculate Your Percentage from SSLC Grades
The Kerala SSLC mark sheet does not directly show a percentage. Instead, you can calculate it using the Total Grade Point (TGP) method:
- Note down the grade points for each subject from your mark sheet.
- Add up all the grade points to get the Total Grade Point (TGP).
- Multiply TGP by 1.11 to get your overall percentage.
Formula: Percentage = TGP × 1.11
Example: If your TGP across subjects is 72, your percentage would be 72 × 1.11 = 79.92%
The multiplier 1.11 is used because the maximum possible TGP (when all grades are A+, i.e., 9 points × subjects) equals 90, which corresponds to 100% when scaled up.
How Is the Grade Calculated? (CE + TE)
The final grade for each subject is not based on the written exam alone. It is a combination of:
- Terminal Evaluation (TE) — The main written board examination (carries the majority of marks).
- Continuous Evaluation (CE) — Internal assessments, assignments, and class activities conducted throughout the year.
The total marks across all subjects add up to 640, of which 490 marks are for written exams, 130 marks are for internal assessment, and 20 marks are for IT practicals. The combined score determines the grade for each subject.
Crucially, even if a student performs well in CE, they must score a minimum of 30% in the Terminal Evaluation (written exam) to be considered for a passing grade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Kerala SSLC mark sheet show actual marks?
No. The SSLC mark sheet only displays the grade letter for each subject, not the raw marks. It also does not include any rank.
What is a good grade to get into top Plus One schools?
Generally, an A or A+ grade in most subjects is considered strong enough to apply for merit seats in reputed schools. An overall score equivalent to 80% and above is seen as competitive for most Plus One streams.
Can I apply for revaluation if I am unhappy with my grade?
Yes. The Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan allows students to apply for revaluation or re-totalling of their answer books for a fee of ₹400 per subject. Applications typically open within a few days of the result announcement. Revaluation results are usually released in June.
Is the same grading system used for the SAY exam?
Yes. The Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan follows the same 9-point grading system for both the regular SSLC exam and the SAY supplementary examination.
Final Thoughts
The Kerala SSLC grading system is thoughtfully designed to take the pressure off individual marks while still giving a clear picture of a student’s performance. Whether you scored an A+ or are planning for the SAY exam, understanding what each grade means helps you plan your next steps with confidence.
If you found this guide useful, share it with other students and parents who might be looking at their SSLC results right now. And if you have any questions about grade calculation or Plus One admissions, drop them in the comments below.