Is 90% Good in CBSE Class 10? (Honest Answer)
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Short Answer: Yes, 90% in CBSE Class 10 is an excellent score, but whether it's enough depends on your goals, stream choice, and the school or college you're targeting. Read on for the full picture.
Table of Contents
What Does 90% Mean in CBSE Class 10?
Scoring 90% in CBSE Class 10 means you answered correctly across theory papers, practicals, and internal assessments. It shows strong command over subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Science — subjects that are not easy to master.
In the CBSE grading system, 90% falls in the A1 grade band (91–100%) or just at the top of the A2 band (81–90%). Either way, it places you among the top performers in the country.
To put it simply: if you scored 90%, you did better than the majority of students who appeared for the CBSE Class 10 board exam.
Is 90% Good Enough, By Your Goal?
There is no single answer to this question. It depends entirely on what you want to do next. Here's a goal-by-goal breakdown:
If your goal is to choose any stream (Science, Commerce, Arts): 90% is more than enough. You will qualify comfortably for all three streams — Science with PCM or PCB, Commerce, or Humanities — in most schools across India.
If your goal is to get into a top Delhi or metro-city school for Class 11: 90% might be competitive but not guaranteed. Schools like DPS, Kendriya Vidyalaya, or prominent private schools in metro cities often see cut-offs of 92–95% or higher for Science stream. In smaller cities, 90% is excellent and will open most doors.
If your goal is to crack JEE or NEET later: Your Class 10 percentage matters less here. JEE and NEET are entirely separate competitive exams. However, scoring 90% shows you have a strong conceptual foundation — which is a great start for Class 11 and 12.
If your goal is to win scholarships: 90% unlocks several national and state-level scholarships. For example, the CBSE Single Girl Child (SGC) scholarship requires a minimum of 60%, so 90% makes you eligible. Other merit-based scholarships may require 85–90%+.
If your goal is to feel proud of yourself: Absolutely — 90% is a massive achievement that deserves recognition.
How Many Students Score 90%+ in CBSE?
This is where things get interesting. In recent years, the number of students scoring above 90% has grown significantly:
In the 2025 CBSE Class 10 results, nearly 2 lakh (1,99,944) students scored above 90%, and over 45,000 students scored above 95%. In 2024, even more students — over 2.12 lakh — crossed the 90% mark.
What does this mean for you? It means 90% is a respected score, but it's no longer rare. If you're targeting extremely competitive schools or programs, you may find yourself competing with many other 90%+ students.
The takeaway: 90% is excellent, but 95%+ is what stands out in highly competitive environments.
CBSE Grading System Explained
CBSE uses a grade-based system alongside percentage scores. Here's how it works:
Percentage Range | Grade | Grade Point | What It Means |
91–100% | A1 | 10.0 | Outstanding |
81–90% | A2 | 9.0 | Excellent |
71–80% | B1 | 8.0 | Very Good |
61–70% | B2 | 7.0 | Good |
51–60% | C1 | 6.0 | Average |
41–50% | C2 | 5.0 | Satisfactory |
33–40% | D | 4.0 | Pass |
Below 33% | E (Fail) | — | Needs Improvement |
Scoring exactly 90% lands you in the A2 grade (9.0 CGPA). Scoring 91% and above earns you the A1 grade (10.0 CGPA). Many students aim for A1 because it looks better on school records and scholarship applications.
Stream Admission: What Score Do You Need?
Here's a general guide to stream eligibility after Class 10 CBSE:
Science (PCM – for Engineering): Most schools ask for 85–95%+ with at least 75–80% in Maths and Science individually. Competitive schools in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, or Bangalore often set cut-offs at 92–95%.
Science (PCB – for Medical): Similar to PCM. You need strong marks in Science and English. 85%+ overall with good Science scores usually qualifies.
Commerce: Generally requires 70–85%+. 90% makes you a strong candidate for any commerce school.
Arts/Humanities: The most flexible stream, usually requiring 60–75%+. 90% makes you an outstanding candidate.
So at 90%, you have the freedom to choose any stream — and that's a real advantage.
Scholarship Eligibility at 90%
Scoring 90% makes you eligible for several scholarships in India:
CBSE Merit Scholarship (Single Girl Child):Â Minimum 60% required. 90% qualifies easily.
National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS):Â This is taken in Class 8, but your Class 10 score helps in renewals.
State Government Scholarships:Â Most states offer merit-based aid for students scoring 80%+. At 90%, you are well-positioned.
Private Institution Scholarships:Â Many coaching institutes (for JEE/NEET) offer fee waivers or partial scholarships to students scoring 90%+ in Class 10.
Always check the specific eligibility criteria for each scholarship, as requirements change every year.
Is 90% Enough for Top Schools in Class 11?
This varies by city and school. Here's a realistic picture:
In metro cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad): Top government and private schools in metros can have Science stream cut-offs ranging from 92% to 95%+. In Delhi specifically, KVS schools and elite private schools often fill seats quickly. At 90%, you may get Science stream but might not always get your preferred school in the most competitive zones.
In Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities: 90% is more than excellent. You will get your preferred stream in almost any school and likely be among the top students in your class.
Kendriya Vidyalayas (KV): KVs often prioritize KV students for Class 11 admission. Cut-offs vary by location, but 90% is generally strong enough for Science stream in most KV schools outside metro cities.
Private Coaching + School Combinations: If you plan to join a school-cum-coaching institute (common for JEE/NEET preparation), 90% often makes you eligible for scholarship batches.
90% vs 95% vs 85% (Quick Comparison)
Score | Grade | Stream Access | Top Metro Schools | Scholarships | Standing Among CBSE Students |
95%+ | A1 | All streams easily | High chance | Many options | Top 45,000 students (2025) |
90–94% | A1/A2 | All streams | Moderate | Several available | Top 2 lakh students (2025) |
85–89% | A2 | All streams (mostly) | Lower chance | Some available | Good standing |
80–84% | A2 | Commerce/Arts easily; Science selective | Unlikely | Limited | Decent |
The difference between 90% and 95% may not matter much in smaller cities, but it can matter a lot in highly competitive school admissions or elite programs.
Tips to Score 90%+ in CBSE Class 10
If you're preparing for boards and want to reach or cross 90%, here are the most effective strategies:
Master NCERT First: CBSE papers are based almost entirely on NCERT textbooks. Read every line, understand every concept, and solve every exercise. Don't skip the examples — they are frequently asked in exams.
Practice Previous Year Papers: Solving the last 5–10 years of CBSE Class 10 question papers is one of the most effective ways to prepare. You'll spot patterns and understand what kinds of answers are expected.
Focus on High-Scoring Subjects:Â English and Social Science are often easier to score 90%+ in compared to Maths and Science. Maximize your marks in these subjects to boost your overall percentage.
Time Your Mock Tests:Â Practice writing full papers within the 3-hour time limit. Time management during the exam is a skill that many students underestimate.
Don't Skip Diagrams and Steps:Â In Science and Maths, marks are given step-by-step. A correct diagram or a properly shown method earns partial marks even if your final answer is wrong.
Revise Regularly:Â Study in shorter sessions spread across weeks, not in one frantic cramming session before the exam. Spaced revision sticks much better.
Clear Your Doubts Early:Â If you're stuck on a concept in Maths or Science, address it early. Doubts left for later tend to pile up and cause anxiety before exams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is 90% in CBSE Class 10 enough to get Science stream?
A: In most schools across India, yes. However, in very competitive schools in metro cities, you may need 92–95%+ for PCM (Physics, Chemistry, Maths).
Q: Is 90% a good score for getting a scholarship?
A: Yes. 90% makes you eligible for multiple state and national level scholarships. Check the specific criteria for the scholarship you are targeting.
Q: Is 90% in CBSE Class 10 impressive on a resume or college application?
A: It is a solid score. However, most colleges focus more on Class 12 marks and entrance exams than Class 10 results. Think of Class 10 as a foundation, not the final verdict.
Q: Is 90% the same as an A1 grade in CBSE?
A: Not exactly. The A1 grade starts from 91%. Scoring exactly 90% gives you an A2 grade (CGPA of 9.0). The difference is minor in practical terms, but worth knowing.
Q: What is the average score in CBSE Class 10?
A: The national pass percentage in CBSE Class 10 is typically between 87–93%. Scores between 60–75% are most common. Scoring 90% places you comfortably above average.
Q: Should I be worried if my child scored 90% but not 95%?
A: Not at all. 90% is an excellent score. Focus on stream selection, Class 11 preparation, and long-term goals rather than the gap between 90% and 95%.
Q: Can I get admission in a good coaching institute for JEE/NEET with 90%?
A: Yes. Most reputed coaching institutes accept students with 90%+, and many offer merit-based fee discounts at this score.