The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued strict new guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the 2026 practical examinations. The board warns it reserves the right to cancel practical exams if schools fail to comply with these directives. Practical exams for the 2026 session will take place from January 1 to February 14, 2026 .
The new regulations aim to ensure fair and transparent assessment practices across all affiliated schools. This includes detailed instructions for uploading marks, defining unfair means, and specific protocols for both Class 10 and Class 12 exams.
Mark Submission and Verification
Schools must upload marks for all practical exams, projects, and internal assessments simultaneously. This process begins on the respective exam dates. Both internal and external examiners must ensure accurate data entry. They will also provide an undertaking on the practical answer book, confirming that correct data has been uploaded to the CBSE portal. Examiners must adhere to the maximum marks allotted for each assessment component.
Zero Tolerance for Unfair Means
CBSE defines unfair means as any attempt by students to communicate with or influence examiners for undue advantage during assessments. This includes using any undesirable methods. Examiners must immediately report such incidents, providing full details, supporting papers, or witness accounts to the relevant regional office. The board will take strict action against any stakeholder activity that compromises the assessment’s integrity.
Confidentiality of Internal Assessment Marks
Marks awarded in internal assessments hold the same importance as marks scored in theory exams. CBSE prohibits schools from disclosing these marks to students or any other person under any circumstances. This directive emphasizes the sanctity and confidentiality of assessment data.
Specific Guidelines for Class 10 Practical Exams
- CBSE will not appoint external examiners for Class 10 practicals.
- Schools must arrange their own practical answer books.
- Schools are not required to send these answer books to the regional office.
Specific Guidelines for Class 12 Practical Exams
Class 12 practical exams involve more stringent external oversight. CBSE will appoint external examiners for each school to conduct practical exams and project assessments. Schools are not authorized to arrange alternative external examiners locally.
Observer Appointments and Lab Readiness
- CBSE may appoint observers in schools to oversee practical examinations.
- Schools must appoint an experienced and expert internal examiner for all subjects.
- The school principal or head must ensure the laboratory is fully prepared for the practical exams.
- External examiners will visit the laboratory at least one day before the exam. They will verify the availability of proper apparatus, equipment, chemicals, and all other necessary arrangements.
Examination Conduct and Photography
Schools can create batches of 30 students per subject for practical exams. If the number of students exceeds 30, exams must be conducted in two or three sessions on the same day to ensure fair assessment.
Schools must upload photographs of the examination process. An app-link will be provided for schools to upload one group photograph of each batch. This photo must include all students in the batch or group, the external examiner, the internal examiner, and the observer. All faces must be clearly visible in the photograph.
Rescheduling Absent Students
Students absent from a practical exam due to any reason can have their exam rescheduled. However, this rescheduling must occur strictly within the notified practical examination dates. CBSE will not entertain any requests for special permission to conduct exams beyond the official schedule.