If you are a Class 10 or Class 12 student appearing for the CBSE Board Exams 2026, then this update is extremely important for you. Central Board of Secondary Education has officially released a very urgent circular regarding practical examinations, internal assessment, and exam conduct.
This article explains only the most important points from the circular in simple English, so you don’t get confused. These rules directly affect your marks, eligibility, and result, so read till the end carefully.
What Is This CBSE Circular About?
The circular is titled:
“Guidelines and SOPs for Practical Examinations 2026”
- Total PDF length: 27 pages
- Applies to:
- Class 10 students
- Class 12 students
- Regular students
- Private students
The document clearly explains:
- How practical exams will be conducted
- Important dates
- Rules for uploading marks
- Strict actions for unfair practices
Important Dates for Practical Examinations 2026
1. Regular Session Schools (Normal Climate Areas)
- Practical Exam Period:
1 January 2026 – 14 February 2026 - All practical exams must be completed within this time
- If a school fails to conduct practicals on time, students may get ZERO marks
📌 Action for students:
Confirm with your school that practicals will be completed before 14 February 2026.
2. Winter-Bound Schools (Cold Regions)
These include schools in areas like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Manali, etc.
- Practical Exam Period:
6 November 2025 – 6 December 2025
📌 If your school is in a winter-bound area and practicals were not conducted during this time, report immediately to school authorities.
Also Read: RBI Recruitment 2026 Without Exam – Big Opportunity | Apply Online for 93 Posts
Uploading of Practical Marks – Very Important
- As soon as a subject’s practical exam is completed, marks must be uploaded immediately
- Final deadline: 14 February 2026
- Once marks are uploaded to CBSE:
- ❌ No correction allowed
- ❌ No second chance
⚠️ Example:
If your practical is of 20 marks and the teacher mistakenly uploads 2 instead of 20, it cannot be corrected later.
📌 Student advice:
Politely remind your teachers to double-check marks before uploading.
Error-Free Uploading Rule
CBSE has clearly stated:
- Any mistake in uploaded marks is final
- CBSE will not reopen the portal
This makes internal assessment and practical marks extremely sensitive.
Strict Rules Against Unfair Practices
CBSE has zero tolerance for:
- Cheating during practical exams
- Trying to influence teachers
- Offering money or gifts
If a student is caught:
- The case may be reported to CBSE
- Strict disciplinary action will be taken
- Marks may be cancelled
📌 Bottom line:
Be honest. Don’t risk your board result.
CBSE’s Right to Cancel Practical Exams
If CBSE suspects:
- Mass cheating
- Unfair practices by a school
- Manipulation of marks
Then:
- Practical exams of that school can be cancelled
- CBSE may conduct fresh practical exams on its own
This rule applies to both Class 10 and Class 12.
Non-Disclosure of Practical Marks
- Teachers cannot tell students their practical marks
- Marks will be revealed only in the final result
So don’t panic or pressure teachers asking for marks.
Class 10 Practical Exam Guidelines (Good News)
No External Examiner for Class 10
- CBSE will not appoint external examiners
- Practical exams will be conducted by:
- School teachers
- Internal examiners
✅ This makes the process less stressful for Class 10 students.
Class 12 Practical Exam Guidelines (Be Careful)
External Examiner Mandatory
- CBSE will appoint external examiners
- They are:
- Very strict
- Neutral
- Fully board-appointed
⚠️ Warning for Class 12 students:
Do not attempt cheating or shortcuts. External examiners can cut marks directly.
Maximum Students Allowed in One Practical Session
- Only 30 students are allowed at a time
- Schools cannot conduct practicals for 100 students together
This ensures:
- Proper evaluation
- Fair examination
If You Miss Your Practical Exam (Absentee Rule)
If a student is absent due to:
- Illness
- Emergency
- Genuine reason
Then:
- Attendance sheet will show ABSENT
- Initially, zero marks will be marked
- CBSE will allow one more practical exam date
⚠️ Important:
If you miss the second chance, final marks = ZERO
Answer Sheets for Practical Exams
- Schools will provide:
- Practical answer sheets
- Writing material if required
- CBSE will not send answer books
Marks Distribution – Theory, Practical & Internal Assessment
Each subject is divided into:
- Theory
- Practical / Project
- Internal Assessment
Total = 100 marks
📌 Students must:
- Check their subject-wise marks breakup
- Try to score full marks in Internal Assessment
- Internal marks play a huge role in final results
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this CBSE circular compulsory for all students?
Yes, it applies to all Class 10 and 12 students appearing in 2026 exams.
2. Can CBSE change practical dates later?
Only under exceptional circumstances. Schools must follow the given timeline.
3. Are Class 10 practical exams easy now?
They are less stressful because no external examiner is appointed.
4. Are Class 12 external examiners strict?
Yes. They follow CBSE rules strictly and do not allow unfair means.
5. Can practical marks be rechecked?
No. Once uploaded, marks cannot be changed.
6. What should I focus on the most?
Internal assessment + practical performance + honesty.
