DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026 – Minimum Marks, Grading System & Promotion Rules.

 Important Update 2026: As per the guidelines by the Delhi University School of Open Learning, the DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026 state that a student must secure a minimum of 40% in both Internal Assessment (IA) and Final Theory Examinations. If a student scores more than 40% in theory and less than 40% in IA — or vice versa — they will be deemed to have failed the subject. Read this guide completely before the examinations to know what you need to achieve.

If you are a DU SOL 2nd Semester student preparing for the exams to be held in May–June 2026, another important thing you need to know is the DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026. Every year, thousands of SOL students attend the semester examinations without a proper understanding of the passing criteria, and many of them are awarded the Essential Repeat (ER) status since they were unaware of the guidelines.

This guide aims to cover all the important aspects including: the minimum requirement to clear each subject, the division of marks in Internal Assessments and Theory, the DU SOL grading system, the consequences of failing a subject, the promotion criteria for the subsequent semester, and the computation of your final CGPA. Save this page and read it in detail before your exam.

Passing Marks for DU SOL 2nd Semester – 2026

The following shows the division of marks for each component of the final evaluation and the minimum marks needed to pass.

The Golden Rule – 40% Separately in Both IA and Theory

As per DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026, the most important rule says you need to score a minimum of 40% in IA and 40% in the Final Theory Exam to clear the subject. Since both IA and the Final Theory Exam are evaluated independently, a candidate is not allowed to balance a low IA score with a high theory score or vice versa.

For example, if a candidate scores 65 out of 75 in the theory exam (86%) and 8 out of 25 in the Internal Assessment (32%), a candidate is said to have failed in the subject. It is important to note that the combined total is of no relevance in case of failing in either component. This regulation is applicable to all programmes at DU SOL, be it BA, B.Com, BA Hons, B.Com Hons, MA, M.Com, etc.

 Critical Warning: There is a tendency among many students in the 2nd semester to neglect the Internal Assessment (IA) due to the perception that the weight of the Internal Assessment is less than the weight of the theory exam. This is a completely incorrect assumption. The Internal Assessment is worth 25 marks and a student needs at least 10 marks out of 25 to pass the subject. Students who miss the IA submission window (13th May – 19th May 2026) or score very low will be at a high risk of failing the subject, even if the performance in the theory exam is good. Check your IA status in the SOL portal without any delay.

Understanding the Marks Distribution – NEP vs CBCS

Currently, two different student systems exist at DU SOL based on two different systems of curriculum design — based on the new National Education Policy (NEP-UGCF 2022) and based on the older National Curriculum Framework (CBCS-LOCF). While there are some minor differences in marks distribution, the 40% passing criterion is consistent across both systems.

If you are unsure which system applies to you, please check your admit card or student dashboard. Your programme (NEP or CBCS) is distinctly mentioned in your academic documents. If you are still in doubt, you should confirm directly with the SOL helpline at 011-65213030.

What You Should Understand About the DU SOL Internal Assessment in 2026

The DU SOL 2nd Semester Internal Assessment in 2026 for UGCF-NEP students was an online, MCQ-based test, and was available from 13 May to 19 May 2026. The assessment was available for seven days, and DU SOL confirmed that there was no extension to this period. DU SOL also confirmed that every student was provided two attempts for every subject, and the attempt with the higher score was considered as the final IA score.

Each Internal Assessment in DU SOL is out of 25. Even though 25 marks may seem minor, they can have a significant impact on the result. Here is the rationale:

• In case you score high in IA (for instance, in the range of 20/25 = 80%), you have the chance to pass the subject with an average score in the theory paper.
• In case you score low in IA (in the range of less than 10/25), you will fail the subject, regardless of your theory paper score. This rule is in place to ensure that a large number of students are not taken by surprise every year.
• Good IA scores may enhance the total score and improve the grade from Pass (P) to C or even B, thereby enhancing the overall CGPA.

 Pro Tip: Ensure that before you enter the exam hall you check your IA scores on your DU SOL student dashboard at admission.sol.du.ac.in. Knowing your IA score helps you determine how many marks you will require in theory in order to pass or achieve a particular grade. For example, scoring 18 out of 25 in IA would mean you will need a minimum of 30 out of 75 in theory to pass. To achieve a B grade (55%), you will need a total of 55 marks, which would mean you would require 37 out of 75 in theory.

DU SOL Grading System 2026 – Grade Points, Marks Range & Division

As per University of Delhi guidelines, DU SOL, like other University of Delhi departments, uses a 10-point grading system based on the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). Your marks are not directly computed for final performance. Instead, they are first converted to letter grades, and fixed grade points are assigned for those letter grades. The grading of DU SOL is provided in the following table:

In order to pass a subject, a student must obtain at least 40% to 49%, which is grade P (Pass). Students must obtain grade P in both the Internal Assessment and Theory components in order to pass a subject. SGPA (Semester Grade Point Average) is calculated as follows: SGPA = ∑ (Grade Point × Credits) / Total Credits.

How to Interpret Your DU SOL CGPA as Percentage

Once the results are announced, individual semester SGPA as well as cumulative CGPA will be displayed in the marksheet. Cumulative CGPA is converted to percentage in accordance with the following official conversion methods at DU:

• For CBCS: Percentage = CGPA × 9.5
• For NEP: Percentage = CGPA × 10

As an illustration, if the CGPA in CBCS is 6.5, the percentage is estimated to be 6.5 × 9.5 = 61.75% (First Division). Under NEP, a CGPA of 6.5 would result in a percentage of 65% (First Division).

Criteria for Division – First, Second & Pass

Understanding the Promotion Policy – What Happens to Your 3rd Semester

The most frequently asked question by 2nd semester students is: "Will I lose an entire year if I fail one subject?" The answer is: "No", and this is what the DU SOL policy is based on — a subject-wise failure (not a year-wise failure) system:

• Failing 1 subject means you get an Essential Repeat (ER) grade. You will be promoted to the 3rd semester and have the option to clear the subject in the consecutive exam cycle.
• Promotion to 3rd Semester: A student is required to clear a minimum of 50% of the total number of papers of Semester I and Semester II combined for promotion to the 2nd year (Semester III and IV).
• Backlog Subject: If you do not pass a subject, it will be considered a backlog and will remain on your transcript until you clear it. You will have the opportunity to clear the backlog in the subsequent examinations.
• Span Period: You are required to complete the course within N+2 years (N is the number of years of the normal duration of the course). For a BA/B.Com course of 3 years, the span period will be 5 years.

 ER (Essential Repeat) Alert: For promotion to the 3rd Semester, students must not have failed more than 50% of the total number of papers of Semester I and Semester II combined. You are required to clear those papers in the next examination cycle. To prevent getting yourself in this position, ensure that you at least make a passing attempt in the majority of your subjects. You are required to attend the Internal Assessment and the Final Theory Exam as you will get an ER if you are absent from either of the two exams.

No Grace Marks in DU SOL – Here Is What That Means For You

DU SOL does not offer grace marks. While some state universities give students additional marks (usually between 1 and 5) to help them pass, DU SOL has a strict no grace marks policy. For example, scoring 29 out of 75 (or 1 mark short) in a theory paper will mean failing the subject with an ER status. There is also no provision in the system for adding even one grace mark.

Since DU SOL does not offer grace marks, the "just pass" mentality will not help you at DU SOL. It is important that you score at least 35 to 40 out of 75 in theory to have a buffer. It is also safe to score at least 15 to 18 out of 25 in Internal Assessment to cater to the buffer.

 Pro Tip – Passing Marks Subject-Wise Calculation: You can also do a buffer calculation before each exam to know required marks in the theory paper to pass if your IA paper has a confirmed score. Just subtract your IA score from the required passing total.

Formula: Marks needed in Theory = 40 – (Your IA marks)

Example: IA = 16/25 → You need just 24 more marks out of 75 in theory to pass (40 – 16 = 24). To score 50% total for C grade, you need 34 more marks in theory (50 – 16 = 34). Set realistic targets using this formula for each subject prior to the exam.

What After the 2nd Semester Result?

The 2nd Semester Result of DU SOL 2026 will be available a few weeks after the May–June Exams. After the result declaration, students can check their marks by visiting admission.sol.du.ac.in/marksheet and entering their SOL Roll No, Exam Roll No, and Date of Birth.

Result statuses and their meanings:

• Pass: Both IA and Theory marks are 40% or higher. You are promoted to the 3rd semester.
• ER (Essential Repeat): You failed in one or more subjects. You have to appear in those subjects in the next exam.
• RA (Result Awaited): Your marks for the paper/component have not been submitted. This is temporary.
• AB (Absent): You did not appear for the exam. This is a failing grade (Grade Point 0) until cleared.

If you think your grade is incorrect, you can apply for Re-evaluation (marking answer scripts again) or Rechecking (checking the addition of marks) after the publication of results, within the designated time frame. Please keep in mind that re-evaluation might not result in an increase in marks. The marks may increase, stay the same, or in some rare cases, even decrease. You should apply to these processes only if you think there is a serious discrepancy.

Frequently Asked Questions – DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026

Q1. What are the passing marks for DU SOL 2nd Semester 2026?

The minimum passing marks for DU SOL 2nd Semester 2026 are 30 out of 75 in Theory (40%) and 10 out of 25 in Internal Assessment (40%), with both requirements being mandatory. Failure in either component leads to an overall failure of the subject.

Q2. Can I pass if I score well in theory, but poor in Internal Assessment?

No. A minimum of 40% must be achieved in both components. A high theory score cannot make up for a low IA score. You need 40% in each component to be declared passed in that subject.

Q3. Does DU SOL provide grace marks in the 2nd Semester exam?

No. DU SOL does not offer grace marks. The 40% minimum is a strict requirement for both Internal Assessment and Theory. Since every mark has significance, never aim to pass the exam by the bare minimum.

Q4. Will I be promoted to the 3rd Semester if I fail one subject in the 2nd Semester?

You will still be promoted to the next semester if you fail one or two subjects, provided that you pass at least 50% of the total papers of both semesters combined. The failed subject(s) will be marked as ER, and you will have the opportunity to clear them in the subsequent examination.

Q5. What is the minimum CGPA required to pass DU SOL?

The minimum CGPA required to be a pass is 4.0 (equivalent to Grade P/Pass at 40%). A CGPA of 6.0 and above is required for the First Division and 5.0 and above for the Second Division.

Q6. How can I calculate my DU SOL CGPA as a percentage?

The percentage can be calculated as CGPA × 9.5 (for CBCS) or CGPA × 10 (for NEP). For example, a CBCS CGPA of 7.0 will be 66.5% (First Division).

Q7. What does ER status mean in DU SOL results?

ER status means you have to reappear for the subject in the next examination as you did not clear the particular subject. It does not affect your year as a whole.

Q8. What are the consequences of missing the Internal Assessment window?

The Internal Assessment window for the 2nd Semester NEP students ran from the 13th to the 19th of May 2026. If you missed this window, you will likely score 0 for Internal Assessment and your chances of failing the subject, irrespective of your performance in the theory exam, will significantly increase. Please reach out to the SOL helpline at 011-65213030 for an alternate course of action at the earliest.

 DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026 – Quick Reference

• Minimum Theory Marks: 30 out of 75 (40%)
• Minimum IA Marks: 10 out of 25 (40%)
• Both Components: Must be cleared separately at 40%
• Grace Marks: Not applicable — DU SOL does NOT provide grace marks
• Minimum Passing Grade: P (Grade Point 4 = 40%)
• First Division CGPA: 6.0+ (approx 60%)
• Second Division CGPA: 5.0 to 5.9 (approx 50–59%)
• CGPA to % Formula (CBCS): CGPA × 9.5
• CGPA to % Formula (NEP): CGPA × 10
• ER Status: Fail in a subject → reappear in next cycle
• Promotion Rule: Pass 50% of Sem I + II papers to move to Sem III
• SOL Helpline: 011-65213030

Final Notes

Exam strategy to maximize your chances of passing the DU SOL 2nd Semester Passing Marks 2026 involves knowing your targets. With the theory exam mark targets based on your Internal Assessment score, you can focus your exam efforts to hit that target, rather than aimlessly hoping for a pass.

Do not forget the golden rules: 40% in IA and 40% in Theory — both separately for each subject. The IA is not optional for passing. If there are any issues or doubts about your IA submission or if there are discrepancies with your marks after the results are out, please do not hesitate to contact the SOL helpline at 011-65213030.

Do not forget to keep checking dusolinfo.in for the most recent and up to date news and information about all things DU SOL, including result dates, admit cards, the locations of exam centres, and anything else that is important.