The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the comprehensive guidelines for the conduct of practical examinations for Private Candidates for the 2025–26 academic session. This update is critical for Class 12 students who fall under specific categories requiring practical assessments to complete their certification.
Who Needs to Appear for CBSE Practical Exams?
According to the official circular, practical examinations are mandatory for the following Class 12 private students:
- Students of 2025: Those whose marks are unavailable due to being ‘Absent,’ having a ‘Repeat in Practical’ (RP), or ‘Repeat in Theory and Practical Both’ (RB).
- Students of 2024: Candidates with missing marks due to RP, RB, or Absent status from the previous year.
- Students of 2023 and Earlier: Those who have applied for full subjects in the Private Category in subjects that include a practical component.
Key Highlights of the 2025–26 Guidelines
1. Pro-Rata Marks for Internal Assessment
For subjects that do not have a practical component, no separate Project or Internal Assessment will be conducted. Instead, marks for these sections will be computed on a pro-rata basis, calculated from the marks obtained in the theory examination of 2026.
2. Appointment of External Examiners
- Class 12: The Regional Offices will appoint External Examiners to conduct the practicals.
- Class 10: In rare cases where Class 10 students have a practical component, the Centre Superintendent will appoint the examiners.
3. Timely Communication
Examinees will be informed well in advance regarding the specific dates and times for their examinations. Regional Offices are tasked with notifying students of their pending practicals and ensuring all marks are uploaded to the Board's portal by the designated deadline.
Checklist for Private Candidates
- Verify Your Status: Check your previous results for codes like RP or RB to confirm if you need to take the practical exam.
- Stay in Touch: Maintain contact with your designated examination centre for the finalised date sheet.
- No Edits: CBSE has clarified that once marks are uploaded by the examiners, no further corrections will be allowed.
Final Verdict
These guidelines aim to streamline the assessment process for private candidates, ensuring parity with regular students. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for their viva and practical tasks as per the prescribed CBSE syllabus.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 16 February, 2026: 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.
Important Links
| CBSE Issues Final Urgent Reminder: Practical Exam Mark Upload Deadline | CBSE Introduces On-Screen Marking for Class 12 Board Exams: What It Means |
