CBSE Class 10, 12 Practical Exams 2026: Board Issues Strict Guidelines

Published: Sunday, January 4, 2026, 13:17 [IST]

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued strict and detailed guidelines for the conduct of Class 10 and Class 12 practical examinations, projects, and internal assessments for the 2025-26 academic session. The official notice has been released on the CBSE website, cbse.gov.in, and is applicable to all CBSE-affiliated schools across India and abroad.

CBSE Class 10, 12 Practical Exams 2026: Guidelines

CBSE Class 10, 12 Practical Exams 2026: Board Issues Strict Guidelines

The board has emphasized that fairness, transparency, and uniformity must be maintained during the evaluation process. Schools have been instructed to strictly follow the prescribed procedures, failing which disciplinary action may be taken against institutions or examiners found violating the norms.

Key Highlights of CBSE Practical Exam Guidelines 2026

According to the official notice, practical examinations and internal assessments must be conducted only during the scheduled period notified by CBSE. Schools are not permitted to conduct exams either before or after the approved dates without written permission from the board.

CBSE has made it clear that marks must be awarded strictly as per the marking scheme provided by the board. No examiner or teacher is allowed to award grace marks or modify scores under any circumstances.

Appointment of External Examiners

For Class 12 practical examinations, CBSE will appoint external examiners for most subjects. Schools are required to cooperate fully with the examiners and ensure proper arrangements such as laboratories, equipment, and student records.

Schools have also been instructed to ensure that no teacher from the same school evaluates their own students where an external examiner is mandatory. Any deviation from this rule will be treated as a serious violation.

Attendance and Documentation

CBSE has directed schools to maintain proper attendance records of students appearing for practical exams and project assessments. These records must be uploaded on the CBSE portal within the specified timeline.

Schools must also keep photographic or digital records, wherever required, as proof that practical examinations were conducted as per guidelines. All documents related to internal assessments should be preserved for future verification or audits.

Guidelines for Internal Assessment and Projects

For subjects involving projects, CBSE has reiterated that students must submit original work. Copying from the internet or submission of identical projects by multiple students is strictly prohibited.

Teachers must evaluate projects based on parameters such as:

Concept clarity
Originality
Practical application
Viva-voce performance

The board has warned against inflating marks and stated that random moderation may be conducted.

Instructions for Students

Students are advised to:

Carry their school ID card during practical exams
Reach the examination venue on time
Follow lab safety rules and examiner instructions
Prepare for viva-voce and practical demonstrations thoroughly

Any use of unfair means during practical exams will lead to cancellation of marks and further disciplinary action.

CBSE's Warning to Schools

CBSE has clearly stated that schools found indulging in malpractice, manipulation of marks, or non-compliance with guidelines may face penalties including:

Withdrawal of affiliation
Reduction of subject permissions
Legal or administrative action

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 10 and 12 Practical Exam Guidelines 2026 aim to ensure a standardized and transparent evaluation system across all affiliated schools. Students, teachers, and school authorities are advised to carefully read the official notice and strictly adhere to the instructions to avoid complications during the board examination process.