CBSE Tightens Oversight of Class 10 and 12 Practical Exams for 2025–26 Session
New Delhi, 3rd January 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a comprehensive set of mandatory guidelines for the conduct of Class 10 and Class 12 practical examinations, projects, and internal assessments for the 2025–26 academic year, underscoring strict compliance by all affiliated schools.
In an official circular issued to principals, the Board warned that any deviation from prescribed procedures could result in serious action, including the cancellation of practical examinations, which may directly affect students’ final board results. The move is aimed at ensuring standardisation, transparency, and timely execution of practical assessments across the country.
Mandatory Rules for Conducting Practical Exams
As per the CBSE directive, schools are required to adhere to the following instructions without exception:
-All laboratories must be fully prepared in advance, with adequate instruments, materials, and equipment necessary for practical examinations
-Schools must ensure the availability of sufficient practical answer books; any shortfall must be immediately reported to the respective CBSE Regional Office
-For Class 12, practical examinations must be conducted only by CBSE-appointed external examiners; assessments carried out by unauthorised personnel will be treated as invalid
-Practical examination marks must be uploaded on the same day as the assessment; post-submission modifications will not be permitted under any circumstances
-Marks awarded must accurately reflect students’ performance and remain within the maximum limits prescribed for each subject
-Appropriate arrangements must be made to support Children With Special Needs (CWSN) during practical examinations
–No special provisions or separate practical exams will be allowed for students participating in sports or extracurricular activities
-From February 1 onwards, school principals are required to personally supervise the daily conduct of practical examinations and ensure timely uploading of marks
CBSE has made it clear that non-compliance may lead to the annulment of practical examinations, which could adversely impact students’ academic outcomes.
The Board has also revised the remuneration structure for examiners and other personnel involved in conducting practical examinations for the upcoming session. Details of the updated payment norms have been outlined in the official notification.
Schools facing operational challenges or requiring clarifications have been instructed to contact their respective CBSE Regional Offices without delay.
Reiterating the critical role of practical assessments in board examinations, CBSE emphasized its zero-tolerance approach towards procedural lapses and urged school authorities, teachers, students, and parents to ensure full adherence to the guidelines to avoid disruptions during the examination process.
