CBSE Exam 2026: CBSE Releases New Guidelines for 10th-12th Practical Exam, Know What Are the New Rules | Career

CBSE has clarified that the practical exams will be conducted from 1 January 2026 to 14 January 2026. Therefore, the board has issued several necessary instructions to the schools, so that the students do not face any inconvenience or technical problem and all the examinations are completed properly.

What schools should do before the practical exam

Schools have to ensure all preparations in advance.

Adequate quantity of practical answer sheets should be available before the examination.

If there is any problem with any material or equipment then immediately inform the regional office.

Students and parents should be given clear information about the examination schedule and all the instructions of CBSE.

Infrastructure and Laboratories

CBSE has said that schools should ensure that laboratories are complete with all necessary equipment, materials and basic facilities.

Students get enough space and facilities to experiment.

External examiners appointed by the board should be contacted in time for conducting the examination.

Only external examiners appointed by CBSE can conduct the practical examination.

Examination conducted by any unauthorized examiner will be considered invalid.

Provision for children with special needs

CBSE has directed to make easy and convenient arrangements for children with special needs (CWSN), so that they too can fully participate in practical examination, project and internal assessment.

Students will appear in the examination as per the prescribed schedule of the school.

Marks have to be uploaded on the day of assessment only.

Marks once uploaded cannot be changed later.

Results cannot be corrected later on uploading wrong marks.

Scoring Rules

Marks will be awarded only as per CBSE numbering scheme.

Marks should be based on student performance, arbitrary marks will not be awarded.

Principal and examiner will ensure that maximum marks are not wrongly awarded.

The practical answer sheets in the 2026 examination will contain an undertaking, stating that the maximum marks allotted have been checked and all rules have been followed.

No concession will be given to students participating in national or international sports.

CBSE Final Alert

The CBSE has warned that if a school does not comply with the board’s directions, the board reserves the right to cancel the practical examinations conducted in that school. The board has urged the schools to maintain academic integrity and ensure a fair, transparent and smooth examination process for all students.