The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced an adjusted schedule for practical examinations and internal assessments for Class 10 and 12 students enrolled in winter-bound schools. These crucial assessments for the 2025-26 academic session will now take place from November 6 to December 6, 2025 . This earlier timeline is a direct response to the expected closure of winter-bound schools throughout January 2026 due to severe cold weather conditions. For all other CBSE-affiliated schools, practicals and internal assessments will commence as originally planned, starting January 1, 2026 .
CBSE clarified its decision by referencing its Examination Bye-Laws and Scheme of Studies. These regulations typically mandate that practical examinations, project work, and internal assessments for all affiliated schools, both in India and abroad, begin on January 1. However, the board acknowledged the unique operational challenges faced by schools in regions experiencing harsh winters. By scheduling these exams in November and December, CBSE ensures that students in these areas can complete their mandatory assessments before their winter breaks begin, preventing disruptions to their academic year.
Assessment Components and Impact
The practical examinations, project submissions, and internal assessments are integral components of the final evaluation for both Class 10 and Class 12 students. These scores contribute significantly to a student’s overall board result. Specifically for Class 10, the internal assessment is a single-window process; schools must conduct this assessment and submit all marks for their candidates exclusively within the November 6 to December 6 timeframe. No subsequent opportunities for internal assessment mark submission will be provided for this batch of students.
Detailed Standard Operating Procedures Released
To guarantee uniformity and fairness across all participating institutions, CBSE has issued comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and detailed guidelines. These directives are mandatory for all schools conducting the practical exams. The SOPs cover a broad range of critical procedures, including the secure uploading of student marks, the process for appointing external examiners to maintain assessment integrity, clear protocols for addressing cases of unfair means during examinations, specific instructions for handling and securing practical exam answer books, and a detailed step-by-step guide for conducting the examinations efficiently and transparently.
Mandatory Instructions for Winter-Bound Schools
CBSE has outlined a series of mandatory actions for schools operating under winter-bound session schedules. These instructions are designed to facilitate the smooth and timely completion of all practical exams and internal assessments:
- Final Candidate List Verification: Schools must meticulously prepare and verify the final list of eligible candidates. It is imperative that no student whose name has not been officially submitted to the board through the online List of Candidates (LOC) system is allowed to appear for any practical examinations, project submissions, or internal assessments. Strict adherence prevents eligibility issues.
- Class 10 Internal Assessment Deadline: For Class 10, the internal assessment is a singular event. Schools must ensure that all internal assessment marks for every enrolled candidate are accurately compiled and submitted to CBSE within the designated examination period, from November 6 to December 6. This deadline is final for all submissions.
- External Examiner and Observer Appointment: To uphold examination standards and impartiality, schools are required to promptly contact their respective regional CBSE offices. This contact is necessary to arrange and confirm the appointment of external examiners and observers who will oversee the practical assessments.
- Timely Exam Completion and Document Dispatch: All practical examinations must be completed strictly within the stipulated schedule. Following the conclusion of these exams, schools are responsible for the immediate and secure dispatch of all practical exam answer books to their designated regional CBSE offices. Delayed dispatch can lead to processing complications.
These directives underscore CBSE’s commitment to accommodating regional variations while maintaining rigorous academic standards. Schools are urged to review and implement all instructions meticulously to ensure a compliant and successful examination period for their students.