CBSE Class 10, 12 Practical exams 2026: Board issues strict guidelines; check official notice here
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a detailed notice outlining strict instructions for the conduct of Practical Examinations/ projects/ internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2025-26 academic session.The notice applies to all CBSE-affiliated schools and is a continuation of the Board’s earlier circular on practical examinations. As per the notice, practical exams will begin from January 1 and end on January 14, 2026.
What schools must ensure before practical exams
CBSE has directed schools to make all arrangements well in advance to avoid last-minute issues. Schools must ensure that:
- A sufficient number of practical answer books are available before the scheduled exam date
- Any issue related to materials must be immediately reported to the concerned Regional Office
- Parents and students are informed clearly about the practical exam schedule and CBSE instructions
Infrastructure, labs and examiners
Schools are required to ensure that:
- Laboratories are properly equipped with necessary infrastructure, equipment and materials
- Facilities are adequate for students to perform experiments comfortably
- External Examiners appointed by CBSE are contacted well in advance for smooth conduct of exams
Note: CBSE has clearly stated that only Board-appointed external examiners are allowed. Any practical exam conducted using an unauthorised examiner will be treated as null and void.
Special arrangements for Children with special needs
The Board has instructed schools to make suitable arrangements for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) so that they can participate in practical examinations, projects and internal assessments comfortably.
Attendance, marks and daily uploading
According to the notice:
- Students will appear for practical exams as per the school’s schedule
- Marks must be uploaded on the same day the assessment is conducted
- Marks uploaded once cannot be changed later
CBSE has warned schools to be extremely careful while uploading marks. If marks are incorrectly uploaded, the result may not be rectified later.
Strict rules on marks awarding
The Board has laid down clear rules regarding evaluation:
- Marks must be awarded strictly as per CBSE marking scheme
- Marks awarded must be based solely on student performance
- The Principal and Examiners must ensure that maximum marks are not awarded casually
Practical answer books for the 2026 examination will include an undertaking stating that the maximum marks awarded have been checked and given after following all instructions.
No exemptions for sports participation
CBSE has clarified that students participating in sports at national or international level will not be exempted from appearing in practical, project or internal assessments. No separate practical exams will be conducted for them.
Practical exam window and monitoring
The Board has fixed the practical examination window from January 1 to February 14, 2026.
- Schools must update Vice Principals or Coordinators regularly on exam status
- Any clarification required must be taken from the concerned Regional Office
Revised remuneration for examiners
CBSE has also announced that it has enhanced remuneration rates for functionaries involved in practical examinations, effective from the 2025-26 session. The revised rates are provided in the official appendix of the circular.
Final reminder from CBSE
CBSE has cautioned that if schools fail to follow Board directions, it reserves the right to cancel practical examinations conducted at the school.The Board has urged schools to maintain academic integrity and ensure a fair, smooth and transparent practical examination process for all students.Schools and students are advised to read the complete notice here to avoid any issues during the practical examination process.
