📌 Overview: Practical Exams for Class 10 & 12
The CBSE practical examinations for the 2026 board exam cycle have started across affiliated schools and examination centres after being scheduled earlier this year. These exams are a key component of the board evaluation process and carry significant marks in the overall score of both Class 10 and Class 12 students.
To ensure smooth, fair and standardized conduct of practical assessments, CBSE has issued a comprehensive set of guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that both students and schools must strictly follow.
📅 Exam Schedule & Conduct Rules
🗓 When Practicals Are Held
- CBSE practical exams are being conducted from January 1 to February 14, 2026 for regular candidates.
- For private candidates and repeat exams, practicals may be scheduled at specified centres depending on category and eligibility.
📍 Venue and Examiner Appointments
- Practical exams are usually held at the school of enrolment for regular students, and at designated centres for private/external candidates.
- CBSE requires external examiners (appointed by region directors) and internal examiners (appointed by school authorities) to be present so that evaluation remains impartial and standardized.
📊 Record of Performance
- Students must prepare and submit their practical records/lab notebooks as directed by teachers. These are part of the internal assessment and are checked by examiners.
- Attendance and participation in practical sessions are mandatory; marks may not be granted if a student fails to appear without valid reasons.
👩🎓 Important Guidelines for Students
CBSE’s student‑focused practical exam instructions cover conduct, documentation, behaviour during the exam, and coordination with school staff and examiners:
🧪 Arrive Prepared & On Time
- Students should report 15–30 minutes before their scheduled slot and ensure they bring all required lab manuals, stationery, and approved materials.
- Wearing the correct school uniform or lab apron (for science subjects) may be recommended for safety and decorum.
📋 Required Documents
Students must bring:
- Admit Card / Practical Call Letter
- School Identity Card
- Completed practical record files
Missing documents can lead to disqualification from the practical assessment for that session.
🚫 Prohibited Items
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, and wallet PLATFORM' target='_blank' title='digital-Latest Updates, Photos, Videos are a click away, CLICK NOW'>digital storage devices are not allowed inside the practical exam hall.
- Only transparent water bottles and necessary stationery are permitted.
📍 Special Rules for Private and Repeat Candidates
Students who are re‑appearing for practical exams or are appearing as private candidates (e.g., due to repeat, absence, or earlier failed attempts) must follow additional directives:
- Such students must report to the examination centre on time with previous mark sheets and admit cards.
- Practical exams for private/repeat candidates are often scheduled later than regular practical dates, and they must confirm the exact schedule with their centre well in advance.
In these cases, external and internal examiners will manage conduct and ensure students meet all practical requirements before marks are uploaded.
📝 Marks Upload & Certification
After conduction of practicals:
- School or centre officials must upload marks for all students on the official CBSE portal by the prescribed deadline, usually shortly after exam completion.
- Schools are reminded to cross‑verify all records and marks before uploading because once final, marks cannot be altered.
Centres must follow the board’s SOPs for submission of practical answer books and award lists, ensuring entries are complete and correct before scanning/uploading.
📚 Additional Student Instructions
Beyond the examination hall, students should keep in mind the following:
🧑🏫 Attendance & Internal Assessment
For board eligibility, students are also required to meet internal assessment and attendance criteria as stipulated by CBSE earlier. Classes and preparatory sessions outside practical exam days may still require attendance.
🛡️ Compliance with Safety and Fairness
Students are expected to follow all instructions from examiners and school authorities to ensure fairness. Any attempt to influence examiners or engage in unfair practices can lead to cancellation of marks or disciplinary action.
🧠 Summary — Key Takeaways
- CBSE has issued clear guidelines for practical exams for Classes 10 & 12, covering schedules, rules, and conduct.
- Students must attend practical exams with required documents and follow all exam protocols.
- External and internal examiners are appointed to ensure impartial evaluation.
- Marks uploading and record verification are strictly regulated, with no changes once finalised.
- Guidelines apply equally to regular, private, and repeat candidates to ensure fairness and standardization.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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