The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the updated SOPs and guidelines for Class 10 and Class 12 Practical Exams 2025-26 on its official website, cbse.gov.in. Schools, students, and external examiners must strictly follow these revised protocols to ensure transparency, uniformity, and smooth conduct of practical examinations across all affiliated institutions. As practical exams form a crucial part of board assessment, the updated instructions aim to maintain standard evaluation practices and avoid last-minute confusion.
The practical examinations for the 2025-26 academic year are expected to begin in January 2026, with schools required to complete internal assessments within the scheduled timeframe. CBSE has emphasized timely uploading of marks, mandatory attendance records, and adherence to safety norms.
Table of Contents
Key Highlights of CBSE Practical Exam Guidelines 2025-26
Updated SOPs released on cbse.gov.in
Applicable to Class 10 and Class 12
Mandatory presence of external examiner for Class 12 practicals
Compulsory lab readiness, apparatus checks, and safety compliance
Strict upload timelines for marks and attendance
Schools must retain internal documents for verification
The updated guidelines aim to bring uniformity and accountability in practical exam evaluation.
1. Appointment of External and Internal Examiners
Class 12 Practical Exams
CBSE will appoint external examiners from the panel submitted by schools.
An internal examiner must also be present during the exam.
Both examiners must jointly award marks based on performance, viva, and practical records.
Class 10 Internal Assessments
No external examiner is required.
Marks will be awarded by the internal teacher as per CBSE parameters.
2. Mandatory Lab Preparations Before Exams
Schools must ensure the following preparations before starting the practical exams:
Verification of functioning laboratory apparatus
Availability of chemicals, models, and equipment
Updated practical files, project work, and investigatory reports
Seating arrangements and student verification lists
Compliance with fire and electrical safety norms
CBSE has instructed schools to conduct a mock lab check to avoid disruptions on exam day.
3. Student Guidelines for Practical Exams 2025-26
Students must follow these instructions:
Carry admit card, lab manual, and practical file
Reach the exam venue 30 minutes early
Follow the instructions of the examiner without argument
Maintain discipline in the lab and avoid unsafe handling of apparatus
Appear for viva-voce, which carries significant weightage
CBSE has reiterated that students missing the practical exam without valid reason may not get another chance.
4. Marks Uploading and Documentation
Schools must upload marks on the CBSE portal within the specified schedule:
Marks must be uploaded on the same day of the exam
Attendance sheets must be signed by both examiners
Schools must retain:
Practical answer sheets
Assessment records
Internal exam documents
Student attendance registers
These may be inspected by CBSE officials at any time.
5. Special Instructions for Project Work
For both Class 10 and Class 12, CBSE has mandated:
Original project work prepared by the student
No acceptance of copied or AI-generated content
Viva must test conceptual understanding and practical relevance
Conclusion
The CBSE Updated SOPs and Guidelines for Practical Exams 2025-26 provide a structured framework to ensure fair and standardized evaluation across all schools. Both teachers and students must carefully follow the instructions to avoid errors during the exam process. With the release of these SOPs on cbse.gov.in, schools can now begin preparations and ensure timely, smooth, and rule-compliant conduct of the practical examinations.
