The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released updated guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for conducting Class 10 and Class 12 Practical Exams, Project Work, and Internal Assessments for the academic session 2025-26. The latest circular, issued on December 1, 2025, aims to ensure complete transparency, uniformity, and timely evaluation across all CBSE-affiliated schools. 🏫📘
CBSE has emphasized that marks uploaded by schools cannot be edited or corrected later, making accurate assessment and immediate uploading essential. ✔️📊
🗓️ Practical Exam Schedule
🔹 Regular Schools
📅 1 January – 14 February 2026
🔹 Winter-Bound Schools
📅 6 November – 6 December 2025
Schools must strictly conduct practical exams within the allotted time frame.
📌 Key Instructions for Schools
- 🖥️ Marks must be uploaded on the same day as the assessment.
- 📘 Schools must follow the maximum marks structure provided in the circular dated November 17, 2025.
- 🏅 Students participating in national/international sports events may get adjusted exam dates, but no additional extension will be provided beyond the official schedule.
- 🚫 Any student found using unfair means must be reported immediately for strict disciplinary action.
🧪 Class 10 Practical Exam Guidelines
- No external examiner will be appointed; schools will conduct all assessments internally.
- Practical answer sheets must be maintained and stored by the school; no submission to regional offices is required.
- Schools must keep proper records of all assessments.
🔬 Class 12 Practical Exam Guidelines
- CBSE will appoint external examiners for all Class 12 practicals; schools cannot arrange local substitutes.
- Both external and internal examiners must be present during assessments.
- 🧪 The external examiner must verify laboratory readiness one day before the exam, ensuring all equipment, chemicals, and materials are available.
- Practical exams should be conducted in batches of 30 students, with sub-groups of 15 if required.
- 📸 Schools are required to upload a group photograph featuring students, internal and external examiners, and observers.
📁 Additional Guidelines
- 📝 Attendance sheets must be filled accurately for all participating students.
- 📂 Answer books and award lists must be signed, scanned, and securely stored for at least one year after the result declaration.
- ❗ Any deviation from CBSE’s SOPs may result in cancellation and re-conduct of practicals under board supervision.
🔗 Official Source
Detailed instructions, circulars, and SOP documents are available on the CBSE Academic website: cbseacademic.nic.in
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is based on the latest CBSE circulars and official announcements available at the time of publication. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, readers and schools are advised to verify all details from the official CBSE website (cbseacademic.nic.in). The website is not responsible for any errors, changes, or updates issued later by CBSE.
