The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released guidelines for the CBSE 10th, 12th practical exams 2026. CBSE practical exams 2026 will be conducted between January 1 and February 14, 2026. However, in the winter bound schools, practical exam dates are November 6 to December 6, 2025.
In a recent notice, the board has specified detailed ‘Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the conduct of Practical Examinations/ Project/ Internal Assessment’ for both class 10th and 12th. Students must check the official website, cbse.gov.in to check the SOPs related to CBSE board practical exams 2026 class 10, 12.
As per the CBSE guidelines, it is mandatory for the schools to upload the CBSE 10th, 12th practical exam marks on the same day the assessment has been conducted. The board will not entertain any change in the practical/ project/ internal assessment marks, once uploaded. CBSE 10th exams 2026 are scheduled from February 17 to March 10, 2026 while the CBSE Board 12th exams will be held from February 17 to April 9, 2026.
Also Check: CBSE Board Exam 2026: CBSE releases subject-wise marks distribution for Classes 10th and 12th
CBSE Board Practical Exam Dates 2026: Class 10th, 12th Schedule
The CBSE 10th and 12th practical exams dates were released by the board on its official website. Students appearing for the CBSE board exams, this year, can check the exam schedule below:
| Events | Dates |
| CBSE Board Practical Dates 2026 Class 10, 12 | January 1 to February 14, 2026 |
| CBSE 10th, 12th Practical Dates 2026(For Winter-bound Schools) | November 6 to December 6, 2025 |
Note – CBSE will not extend the practical exam dates and will not allot any additional time beyond schedule.
CBSE 10th Practical Exam 2026 SOPs
For the practicals of the CBSE 10th exam 2026, CBSE has specified following guidelines:
- There will not be any external examiner for CBSE Class 10 practical exam 2026.
- Schools have to make arrangements for the Class 10 Practical Answer Books as it will not be supplied by the board.
- The CBSE 10th practical exam marks should be uploaded on the website timely.
CBSE 12th Practical Exam 2026: Important Guidelines
As per the CBSE guidelines on practical/ project/ internal assessment of CBSE 12th exam 2026, schools must follow the following procedure:
- In the CBSE 12th practicals/ projects, an external examiner will be allotted by the CBSE for each school.
- The board will also appoint an observer for the practical examination to oversee the conduct of the examination
- The labs must be inspected by the external examiner before the examination day.
- Schools must maintain a batch size of 30 students for practical examination.
Additionally, the CBSE board has instructed the schools not to disclose the marks awarded in practicals, project or internal assessments to students or any other third-party. They must also ensure that there are no unfair means used in the CBSE 10th, 12th practical examination 2026.
