CBSE Practical Exams 2025-26: New Guidelines & SOPs for Classes 10 & 12

CBSE Makes Changes to SOPs to Ensure Timely, Transparent, and Accurate Practical Evaluations

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released detailed updated guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the conduct of practical examinations, project evaluations, and internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 for the academic session 2025-26. These guidelines aim to ensure transparent, uniform, and timely evaluation processes across all affiliated schools.

Schools will be required to strictly adhere to each instruction, as practical and internal assessment marks cannot be modified once uploaded.

Practical Exam Schedule

CBSE has scheduled practical exam dates for various schools:

1. Regular Session Schools

• January 1 to February 14, 2026

2. Winter-Bound Schools

• November 6 to December 6, 2025

Schools must ensure that practical exams are completed within the stipulated timeframe and that marks are uploaded to the CBSE portal on the same day after evaluation.

Marks Entry Instructions

• Schools must enter the maximum marks specified in the CBSE instructions dated November 17, 2025.
• Corrections will not be permitted in case of incorrect entry of marks.
• Schools may change the exam date for students participating in national or international sports competitions, but no additional time will be granted beyond the stipulated timeframe.
• Students found using unfair means during the exam will be immediately reported and strict action will be taken against them.

Special Guidelines for Class 10

Some key points regarding Class 10 practical evaluation are as follows:

• External examiners will not be appointed for Class 10. Schools will conduct the entire process themselves.
• Schools will prepare and maintain practical answer sheets. They are not required to be submitted to CBSE regional offices.
• Schools will be responsible for maintaining records and documents.

Important Instructions for Class 12

Class 12 practical examinations will be more systematic and monitored, for which CBSE will make special arrangements:

• CBSE will appoint an external examiner for each school. Schools cannot appoint an alternative examiner locally.
• The presence of both external and internal examiners is mandatory during the practical process.
• Examiners will check the laboratory preparation a day before the exam to ensure the availability of equipment, chemicals, and other necessary materials.
• Practical exams will be conducted in batches of 30 students. If necessary, subgroups of 15 students each may be formed for laboratory and written work. Marks for all students should be entered together.
• Schools must upload group photographs of students, internal and external examiners, and supervisors present during evaluation on the portal.

Other Important Instructions

• The attendance register of each student taking the practical exam must be accurately recorded.
• Answer sheets and award lists must be signed by examiners, scanned securely, and preserved at the school for at least one year.
• If any SOP is found to be violated, the relevant practical exams may be cancelled and rescheduled under the direct supervision of the CBSE.

CBSE’s Clear Message: Transparency and accuracy are paramount

CBSE has emphasized that practicals, projects, and internal assessments are an important part of the overall evaluation of students. Therefore, schools must conduct the entire process with fairness, seriousness, and in accordance with the prescribed standards to maintain the credibility of Class 10 and 12 results.

Where to Find more Information?

Schools and teachers can view detailed guidelines, circulars, and SOPs on the official website of the CBSE Academic Branch: cbseacademic.nic.in

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