CBSE Board Exam 2026: Practical Exam Schedule Released for Winter-Bound Schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the practical exam schedule for winter-bound schools for the 2026 Board Exams. Starting on November 6, 2025, these exams will conclude by December 14, 2025. The Board has issued strict guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency during the examination process. Schools must adhere to these guidelines, which include deadlines for mark submissions and record-keeping requirements. This update is crucial for students and educators preparing for the upcoming exams.

By Ambika Singh Oct 21, 2025, 12:11 IST

Important Update for CBSE Board Exams 2026

CBSE Board Exam 2026: Students gearing up for the CBSE Board Exams 2026 should note that the Central Board of Secondary Education has unveiled the practical exam timetable specifically for winter-bound schools. These institutions, which close during the winter months, will conduct their exams earlier than others. The practical assessments for classes 10 and 12 are set to commence on November 6th, allowing students and schools to align their preparations accordingly.

Schools situated in regions such as Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Meghalaya, and Darjeeling typically observe a long winter break. Consequently, practical exams for these schools will take place from November 6th to December 14th, 2025. The Board has established several stringent guidelines to uphold transparency and fairness throughout the examination process, which all students, educators, and school administrators must adhere to.

CBSE Guidelines for Winter-Bound Schools

The CBSE Board has outlined crucial guidelines for winter-bound institutions:

1. Practical Exam Schedule

Start Date: Practical exams will kick off on November 6, 2025.

End Date: All practical assessments must conclude by December 14, 2025. Schools are responsible for ensuring that all practical and internal evaluations are completed within this timeframe.

2. Mark Submission Process

Marks for practical and internal assessments must be uploaded online by December 15, 2025. The uploading process will begin on November 6, 2025, to prevent any delays in mark submission post-exams. The Board has emphasized that late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

3. Examination Supervision

The practical exams will be overseen by an external examiner appointed by the Board, while subject teachers will serve as internal examiners. This measure aims to eliminate any potential irregularities in the evaluation process and maintain fairness throughout.

4. Record Keeping and Certificates

Schools are required to maintain all records related to practical examinations, including evaluation sheets, attendance records, and other pertinent documents, to verify student identities. The Board has specified that all relevant records, including group photographs taken during the exams, must be retained until the main examination results are announced in January 2026. These records may be requested for verification at any time.

5. Guidelines for Absent Students

Students who miss a practical exam will be marked as Absent. If a student is deemed ineligible to participate, they will be marked as Not Eligible. It is crucial not to leave any fields blank when submitting marks.