CBSE Issues Strict Guidelines for Class 10, 12 Practical Exams 2026: Mandatory Rules and Cancellation Warnings
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially commenced the practical examinations, internal assessments, and project evaluations for the 2025–26 academic session. In a recent high-priority “Reminder-1” circular, the Board has issued a set of CBSE Practical Exam Guidelines 2026 that schools must follow with zero deviation.
From mandatory same-day marks uploading to a complete ban on local examiners for Class 12, the Board has made it clear that any procedural lapse could lead to the immediate cancellation of practical exams for the defaulting institution.
CBSE Practical Exam Schedule 2026: Key Dates
The evaluation window for all regular CBSE-affiliated schools opened on January 1, 2026, and will conclude on February 14, 2026. School principals have been instructed to personally monitor the daily progress of these assessments starting February 1 to ensure that all tasks are completed before the theory exams begin on February 17, 2026.
Strict Norms for CBSE Practical Marks Upload 2026
One of the most critical updates in the 2026 guidelines is the same-day marks upload policy. Schools are no longer allowed to delay the entry of scores on the CBSE portal.
- No Corrections Allowed: Once the marks are uploaded and the link is locked, CBSE will not entertain any requests for changes or corrections.
- Infrastructure Readiness: Schools must ensure their science laboratories are fully equipped and that they have a sufficient stock of practical answer books before the external examiner arrives.
CBSE External Examiner Rules 2026 for Class 12
The Board has reiterated that for CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026, only external examiners appointed by the CBSE are authorized to conduct assessments.
- Cancellation Risk: Schools are strictly prohibited from appointing local teachers or alternate examiners. If a school is found using an unauthorized examiner, the practical exam will be declared null and void, and the board may order a re-conduct under its direct supervision.
- Geo-Tagged Photos: Schools must use the CBSE app-link to upload a group photograph of each batch. The photo must include the external examiner, internal examiner, and all students in the batch, and it must be geo-tagged and time-tagged.
No Exemptions for Sports and Olympiad Participants
In a move to maintain assessment uniformity, CBSE has clarified that students participating in national or international sports events or Olympiads will not receive any exemptions or separate dates for practical exams. These students must appear for their evaluations within the school’s fixed schedule (Jan 1 – Feb 14).
Support for CWSN Students and Originality of Projects
CBSE has issued a directive to all heads of institutions to provide specialized infrastructure and support for Children With Special Needs (CWSN). The Board aims to ensure that these candidates can complete their practicals and viva-voce in a stress-free environment.
Additionally, the Board has warned against “stereotyped” or copied project work. Viva-voce sessions will be strictly based on the student’s project to verify the originality of the work.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
The circular serves as a final warning to schools. Non-compliance with the CBSE official circular for practical exams January 2026 can result in:
- Cancellation of practical exam results.
- Withdrawal of the school’s affiliation.
- Administrative or legal action against the school management.
Students and parents are advised to stay in constant touch with school authorities to ensure they do not miss their allotted slots, as practical marks hold equal sanctity to theory marks in the final 2026 board results.
