CBSE Introduces New Guidelines for Class 10 and 12 Practical Exams for 2025-26

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced new guidelines for practical exams, project work, and internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2025-26 academic year. Schools must adhere to strict deadlines for evaluation and mark submission, with no changes allowed post-upload. Special provisions are in place for athletes participating in significant competitions. Class 10 will have internal examiners only, while Class 12 will involve both internal and external examiners. The new rules aim to ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process for all students.

By Ambika Singh Dec 4, 2025, 17:48 IST

New CBSE Guidelines for Practical Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released updated protocols and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for practical assessments, project work, and internal examinations for students in Classes 10 and 12 for the academic year 2025-26. The board emphasizes that all educational institutions must comply with these guidelines rigorously. Evaluations are expected to be finalized within specified timeframes, with accurate marks uploaded, and no modifications permitted thereafter. This initiative aims to promote a transparent, equitable, and timely evaluation process, ensuring students receive precise results.

Key Deadlines and Mark Submission Rules

This year, the board will administer four examinations, leaving minimal room for delays. Schools are responsible for ensuring that marks are uploaded without exceeding the maximum allowed for each subject. Once marks are submitted, no alterations will be accepted.

Accommodations for Athletes

Students engaged in national or international sports events that coincide with their practical exams may have their exams rescheduled. However, such adjustments must align with the overall timetable established by CBSE.

Specific Regulations for Class 10

For Class 10 practical assessments, there will be no external examiners involved. All evaluations will be carried out by internal examiners designated by the school. Additionally, the board will not supply answer sheets for these practicals; schools are required to print and manage them independently. After grading, these answer sheets do not need to be sent to the CBSE regional office, but schools must securely maintain the records.

Class 12 Practical Exam Guidelines

Class 12 practical exams will involve both internal and external examiners. The experiments will be chosen collaboratively from the official syllabus, and examiners will refrain from asking general or out-of-syllabus questions. Projects that are original and well-executed will receive higher marks, while average projects will be graded accordingly.

Mark Submission Process

Marks for laboratory work, viva, projects, and the final practical exam will be recorded separately. Partial marks will not be uploaded; instead, they will be rounded up to the nearest whole number. It is essential that marks are uploaded collectively from the same school on the day of the practical exam. An external examiner will be appointed by the CBSE, and if they are unavailable, the school must promptly notify the regional office.

Eligibility for Practical Exams

The CBSE has specified that only students whose names are registered in the List of Candidates (LOC) will be permitted to take the practical exams. Schools must ensure that only eligible students participate.