Central Board of Secondary Education, CBSE has started the practical and internal examinations for Classes 12 and 10 respectively. As per the notice issued, schools affiliated to the board have been asked to schedule the practical examinations from January 1, 2026. Many schools have already rolled out the date sheet while some will do so in the next few days.
With the two board examination this year, many are curious as to the internal evaluation for Class 10 students. Class 12 students who are preparing for various entrance examinations are also concerned about the schedule of the practical examination. Here is a quick look at the basic questions pertaining to appearing for the practical exams.
Before we begin, let us clarify that both internal examination and external practical exams are mandatory. Students of Class 10 and 12 are required to appear for the practical examination, without fail.
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CBSE Class 10 Internal Examinations: Impact of two exams
Students and parents may please note that only the theory part of the Class 10 board examination will be conducted twice. Class 10 students will not get another chance to improve their internal examination marks awarded.
As parents and students may be aware, the marks are divided into two heads – internal and theory examination. The internal evaluation for most subjects is 20 marks. Students are required to pass the internal examination as well. The exam for Class 10 will be conducted internally by the school and marks uploaded to the CBSE portal. Once uploaded, these marks cannot be changed.
Internal marks is a framework that assesses students on project work and other internal criteria. Students are advised to follow the schedule shared by the school for the internal evaluation and appear for the same without fail.
It is repeated again, internal marks will not be changed. Only the marks obtained by the student in the theory examination can be improved by appearing in the second exam scheduled in May.
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CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams – Mandatory, Absenteeism is Fail
Many Class 12 students end up missing their practical examination. This will, without doubt, lead to the child getting a compartment in that subject.
Class 12 marks are also divided into two parts – practical and theory. The practical examination is conducted in the presence of an external examiner at the student’s school. Different subjects have different marks denoted to practical examination – ranging from 20 to 70 marks.
Students are mandatorily required to appear for the practical examination at the scheduled date announced by the school. Since the exam is conducted by an external examiner, the dates cannot be changed. Students are hence required to appear for the exam as per the dates shared by the school.
In case the student misses the examination, he will be marked Absent and student will be given a compartment in the subject. This is because students of class 12 are required to pass the practical as well as theory part of the subject individually.
While Class 10 students will be given a pass if the combined score is 33 percent, for a Class 12 student, the passing criteria includes securing 33 percent in both theory as well as practical exams.
CBSE Guidelines Issued
In line with the above, CBSE has issued guidelines for the school. It has also clarified that no student participating in sports at National/international level will be given exemption from appearing in Practical examination. CBSE has further reiterated that no separate practical exam will be conducted or arranged for such students.
This is also applicable for any circumstances that might arise. In case there is a scheduling issue or an examination that the student is appearing for that might clash, it would be advisable to reach out to their respective schools before the dates are shared by the school. Informing the school beforehand may help the school schedule the practical examination in a manner that does not impact the child adversely.
Please note, schools have the full autonomy on the scheduling of the internal examination and practical examinations. Schools may or may not agree to re-scheduling requests based on the individual circumstances. The final decision rests solely with the school. Hence, all students and parents are advised to adhere to the dates provided without fail.