CBSE Class 10, 12 Practical exams 2026: Board issues strict guidelines; check notice
CBSE has issued strict guidelines for Class 10 and 12 practical exams from January 1-14, 2026. Schools must ensure adequate resources, inform students, and use only Board-appointed examiners. Special arrangements are mandated for students with special needs. Marks must be uploaded daily and accurately, with no exemptions for sports participation. Non-compliance risks exam cancellation.
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: