CBSE Releases Guidelines for 2026 Practical Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has published the guidelines and SOPs for the 2026 practical exams. The practical assessments for winter-session schools will occur from November 6 to December 6, 2025, while regular-session schools will have their exams from January 1 to February 14, 2026. Students can access the guidelines on the official CBSE website. Notably, Class 10 will not receive practical answer books from the Board, and external examiners will only be appointed for Class 12. For further details, students are advised to check the official site.

By Ambika Singh Dec 2, 2025, 16:20 IST

Overview of CBSE Practical Exam Guidelines

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the practical examinations of the 2026 board exams. This information is now available on the official CBSE website. Let's delve into the essential details.

Key Dates for Practical Exams

According to the official announcement, practical exams for winter-session schools are scheduled from November 6 to December 6, 2025. For regular-session schools, these exams will take place from January 1 to February 14, 2026. The practical assessments for students in Classes 10 and 12 will be conducted based on their eligibility and bona fide status as per the LOC (List of Candidates).

Steps to Access Guidelines

How to Access the Guidelines

Begin by visiting the official CBSE website.

Click on the 'Main Website' tab located on the homepage.

Select the relevant link to access the guidelines.

The notice will be displayed on your screen.

Review the guidelines and SOPs, and download or print them for your reference.

Important Notes

Direct Link to Guidelines and SOPs

For Class 10, the Board will not supply practical answer books; schools must arrange these independently.

No external examiners will be appointed for Class 10 practical exams. However, Class 12 practical exams will have external examiners assigned by CBSE for conducting assessments in designated subjects.

Marks for practical exams/projects/internal assessments for private students will be awarded according to the Board's policies as outlined in the Examination By-Laws.

Schools are instructed to upload practical exam marks concurrently with the exam dates. It is crucial that the school, internal examiner, and external examiner ensure the accuracy of the uploaded marks, as no changes will be permitted post-upload.

Students will not be informed of their practical exam marks under any circumstances.

Further Information

For additional details, candidates are encouraged to visit the official CBSE website.