The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the latest Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Practical Examinations, Projects, and Internal Assessments for the academic year 2025–26. These instructions apply to both Class 10 and Class 12 and are mandatory for every CBSE-affiliated school.
The Board has emphasised uniformity, accuracy of marks, and strict adherence to timelines, especially since CBSE exams will be conducted twice this year.
This blog summarises the complete circular into a simple, step-by-step guide for schools.
Practical Exam Dates for CBSE Board Exams 2025–26
| School Type | Practical Exam Schedule |
| Regular CBSE Schools | 1 January to 14 February, 2026 |
| Winter-Bound CBSE Schools | 6 November to 6 December, 2025 |
The final CBSE Board Exams Datesheets 2026 are already out, so schools now have a clear runway to plan their practical exams smoothly. Both sets of schools, regular and winter-bound, have defined timelines. Every practical must be completed within these exact windows.
Note: No extension will be granted under any circumstances.
CBSE 2026 Practical Board Exams Mark Upload Timeline
To make the process hassle-free, here’s how the mark uploading has been structured:
- Uploading starts from the day of the practical exam itself.
- Marks must be uploaded the same day the assessment is conducted.
- Marks cannot be changed after uploading and finalisation.
Key Instructions for CBSE 2026 Practical Board Exams
Before schools begin conducting practicals, it’s important to be aligned on the rules. These are the core instructions CBSE expects every institution to adhere to:
- Follow the SOP without deviation
- Any violation may lead to cancellation of practical exams or action against the school/examiner.
- Correctness of marks is critical
- Check maximum marks before awarding/uploading.
- Practical answer books include a mandatory undertaking by both examiners confirming correct mark entry.
- Rescheduling for sport participants only. Students participating in National/International sports events can be rescheduled within the same schedule only. Not beyond.
No Disclosure of Marks
Marks of practical exams have the same confidentiality as theory exam marks and must not be shared with students or parents.
When a Student is Absent
| Case | Status |
| Student absent without re-exam plan | Mark as Absent |
| Student absent but exam to be taken later within schedule | Mark as Re-Scheduled |
Note: No exam beyond the official schedule will be allowed.
CBSE Practical Exam Rules for Class 10 (2025–26)
| Parameter | Rule |
| External Examiner | Not appointed for Class 10 |
| Conducted by | School internally |
| Practical Answer Books | Not supplied by CBSE, schools must arrange |
| Assessment Upload | Through Excel sheet on portal |
| Storage of Award Lists | Keep sealed copy for 1 year; do not send to Regional Office |
CBSE Practical Exam Rules for Class 12 (2025–26)
| Parameter | Rule |
| External Examiner | Appointed by CBSE |
| Internal Examiner | To be appointed by school |
| Observer | May be appointed by CBSE |
| Lab Readiness | Must be checked in advance by External Examiner |
| Batch Size | 30 students per batch |
Additional Mandatory Actions for CBSE Class 12
| Task | Requirement |
| Group Photograph | Must include students + internal + external examiners + observer |
| Photo Requirements | Clear faces, in lab setting, geotagged + time-tagged |
| Attendance | Must be filled in official CBSE format |
| Answer Books | Supplied by CBSE, must be used |
| Mark Upload | By both internal and external examiners together |
| Storage | Sealed Award List copy must be stored safely for 1 year |
Conduct of CBSE Board Examination and Viva for Class 12
- External and internal examiners must jointly finalise experiments and viva questions.
- Projects showing originality and effort must receive rightful high marking.
- Routine or templated projects should receive only average marks.
- No fractional marks. For example, 25.5 becomes 26.
CBSE Board Exams Unfair Means and Code of Conduct
Any attempt to influence examiners or manipulate marks by students, parents, and school staff will be considered Unfair Means (UFM) and will invite strict action.
CBSE’s Right to Cancel Practical Exams
CBSE also may cancel and re-conduct practical exams under its supervision if:
- SOPs are not followed
- Examiners are changed without approval
- Lab/equipment is inadequate
- Marks are mishandled
Conclusion
In summary, CBSE’s updated guidelines and SOPs for Practical Exams 2025–26 ensure a fair, transparent, and uniform assessment process for both Class 10 and Class 12. Schools must strictly follow timelines, maintain confidentiality, and ensure accuracy in marking. Adhering to these rules will help smooth execution of practical exams while safeguarding the integrity of the evaluation process.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 01 December, 2025: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
