According to new data for CBSE 2026, students now require fewer marks than before to secure an A1 grade in several subjects across the Science and Commerce streams. The most significant decline has been recorded in Physics and Accountancy.

The grade-mark range data for 2026, released by the CBSE, clearly indicates that students’ average performance in several subjects this year was slightly weaker compared to previous years. Specifically, the cut-off required to attain an A1 grade has dropped in the Science and Commerce streams. Conversely, no significant changes were observed in Humanities subjects. The report highlights subjects like Physics and Accountancy in particular, where the marks required to achieve an A1 grade have decreased substantially.

Greatest Impact in the Science Stream: Physics Sees the Biggest Drop

In the Science stream, the most notable decline this year was observed in Physics. While 84 marks were required to secure an A1 grade in 2024, this figure dropped to 79 in 2026. This clearly suggests that student performance in Physics was somewhat weaker this year. The cut-off for Mathematics has also declined for the third consecutive year; in 2024, the A1 grade range began at 88 marks, dropped to 86 in 2025, and has now settled at 85 marks in 2026. A similar trend was observed in Chemistry; previously requiring 92 marks for an A1 grade, the threshold has now dropped to 87. However, there was no significant change in Biology. Consistent with previous years, the A1 grade range in Biology remains approximately between 91 and 100 marks, indicating that student performance in this subject has remained stable.

Cut-offs Also Lowered in the Commerce Stream

In the Commerce stream as well, the marks required to secure an A1 grade have decreased this year. Previously, in Economics, an A1 grade began at 91 marks; however, in 2026, this threshold dropped to 89 marks. A slight decline was also recorded in Business Studies, where the A1 cut-off fell from 91 to 90.

The Most Significant Change Was Observed in Accountancy

In 2024, students required 93 marks to secure an A1 grade; however, in 2026, this cut-off had dropped to 89. This suggests that the Accountancy paper was somewhat challenging for students this time around.

Performance in Humanities Remained Largely Stable

The Humanities stream did not witness significant changes this time. In History, the A1 cut-off rose slightly from 86 to 87. Similarly, a minor shift was observed in Political Science, where the A1 range increased from 87 to 89. The subject of Geography remained relatively stable, with its cut-off hovering between 89 and 90—consistent with previous years. English Core proved to be the most stable subject, maintaining an A1 grade range of 92 to 100 over the past three years.