CBSE Board Exams 2026: Key Practical Exam Guidelines and Student Dos & Don’ts

The CBSE Practical Exams 2026 are scheduled to begin from January 1, 2026, for regular session schools and will conclude on February 14, 2026. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering examiner appointment, batch management, geo-tagged photography, mark uploading, and Unfair Means (UFM) rules.

These guidelines apply to Class 10 and Class 12 practical exams and internal assessments and are mandatory for all affiliated schools. Students are advised to understand these rules carefully to avoid last-minute confusion, rescheduling issues, or penalties.

CBSE Practical Exam Dates 2026 (Official Schedule)

CBSE has fixed a non-extendable exam window due to a tight academic calendar.

Practical Exam Schedule

• Regular Session Schools: January 1 to February 14, 2026

• Winter Bound Schools: Practical exams concluded on December 6, 2025

Important: CBSE has clearly stated that no extensions will be granted beyond the prescribed dates.

CBSE Practical Marks Uploading Rules 2026

• Practical marks must be uploaded on the same day the exam is conducted

• Marks once finalized on the CBSE portal cannot be edited

• Delayed or incorrect uploads may invite strict action against schools

Class 12 Practical Exams 2026: External Examiner Guidelines

Class 12 practical exams are centrally monitored by CBSE.

Examiner Appointment Rules

• CBSE appoints:

  • External Examiner

  • Observer (if required)

• School appoints:

  • One Internal Examiner with subject expertise

• Schools cannot appoint examiners on their own

Pre-Exam Lab Inspection

• External Examiner must inspect the lab at least one day before the exam

• Equipment, chemicals, and materials must be fully prepared

Relieving of Teachers

• Schools must relieve PGT teachers deputed as External Examiners

• Failure to comply may lead to penalties or disciplinary action

CBSE Batch Size & Mandatory Geo-Tagged Group Photo Rule

To ensure transparency, CBSE has introduced digital verification measures.

Batch Management

• Standard batch size: 30 students

• Batch may be split into two groups of 15

• Marks for all 30 students must be uploaded together

Group Photograph Guidelines

• One geo-tagged and time-stamped group photo per batch is mandatory

• Photo must be taken inside the laboratory

• Must include:

  • All students

  • External Examiner

  • Internal Examiner

  • Observer (if present)

CBSE Practical Marking Scheme & Viva-Voce Rules

CBSE follows a uniform national evaluation system.

Marking Rules:

• Internal and External Examiners must reach a consensus

• If a 1–2 mark difference persists, the average is awarded

• Fractional marks are not allowed

  • Example: 18.5 → 19

Viva-Voce Guidelines:

• Questions must be based on:

  • Student’s project

  • Experiments performed

• General or unrelated questions are discouraged

Project Assessment:

• Original and creative investigatory projects score higher

• Copied or stereotyped projects receive average marks

Class 10 Practical Exams & Internal Assessment Rules

• Practical exams conducted by internal school teachers

• No External Examiner appointed by CBSE

• Schools must:

  • Maintain answer books for one year after result declaration

  • Upload marks via Excel format on CBSE portal

• Records may be inspected if required

CBSE Attendance, Absentee & Unfair Means (UFM) Rules

Absence from Practical Exam

• Student marked as “Re-scheduled”

• Practical must be completed within Jan 1 – Feb 14, 2026

• No rescheduling allowed after the deadline

Unfair Means (UFM)

• Carrying unauthorized notes

• Using mobile phones

• Influencing examiners

All UFM cases are reported directly to CBSE Regional Office

Confidentiality of Marks

• Practical marks are confidential

• Schools cannot disclose marks before final CBSE results

CBSE Practical Exams 2026: Important Dos and Don’ts for Students

Dos

• Attend practicals on the scheduled date

• Carry original project files and lab records

• Prepare thoroughly for viva-voce

• Follow examiner instructions carefully

Don’ts

• Do not miss exams assuming rescheduling is easy

• Do not use unfair means or carry phones

• Do not submit copied projects

• Do not panic about fractional marks (CBSE rounds up)

Special Provisions for Sports Students & Medical Cases

Sports Participation

• Students representing India at National/International events must inform the Principal

• Rescheduling allowed only within the official window

Medical Absence

• Genuine illness cases are marked “Re-scheduled”

• Re-exam must be conducted before February 14, 2026

Can Students Check Their Practical Marks?

No.
As per CBSE SOP Rule 11, practical and internal assessment marks are strictly confidential and cannot be disclosed to students or parents before result declaration.

CBSE: Guidelines SOP Practical Examination

CBSE Practical Exams 2026: Final Advice for Students

The CBSE Practical Exams 2026 are designed to test not only subject knowledge but also discipline, originality, and integrity. Students who understand the rules in advance can avoid unnecessary stress and focus on performing their best.

Stay prepared. Stay informed. Follow the rules.