CBSE Class 10, 12 practical exams 2026 for winter-bound schools from November 6

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that practical exams and internal assessments for Classes 10, 12 in winter bound schools will be conducted from November 6 to December 6 as such schools will remain closed in January 2026. Internal exams for all other schools will be held from January 1.

“As per provisions of Examination Bye-Laws/Scheme of Studies of the Board, the Practical Examinations/Project/Internal Assessment for the session 2025-26 are scheduled from 1st January 2026 for all affiliated schools in India and abroad. However, the winter bound schools are expected to remain closed during January due to the winter season,” reasoned CBSE.

Accordingly, the practical examinations, project, internal assessment for the session 2025-26 for Classes 10 and 12 for winter-bound schools will be conducted from November 6, 2025 to December 6, 2026, CBSE added.

The board has issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and guidelines for all schools for conduct of practical exams including uploading of marks, appointment of external examiner, unfair means, answer book for practicals, procedure for conducting exams, and more.

CBSE Practical Exams 2026: Instructions for schools

The board asked schools following the winter bound sessions to take the following action for ensuring timely completion of practical exams:

• Prepare the final list of candidates and ensure that no student of the school whose name has not been submitted in the online LOC to the board is allowed to appear for these practical exams, projects, or internal assessment.
• For Class 10, internal assessment will only be conducted once, hence all schools should fill the IA marks for all candidates during the time schedule mentioned.
• Contact the regional office for appointment of external examiners and observers.
• Ensure timely completion of exams and dispatch practical exam answer books to the regional offices.