CBSE Practical Exam 2026–27: Winter Bound Schools to Conduct Class 10, 12 Practicals from November 6; Check Guidelines

CBSE Practical Exam 2026-27: Winter-Bound Schools to Hold Classes 10,12 Practical from Nov 6

New Delhi:  The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced its schedule and operational guidelines for Practical examinations, project assessments and Internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12, 2026-27, for winter bound schools. Schools under the purview of the circular are required to carry out these assessments from 6th November, 2026 to 30th December, 2026.

On 5th November, 2026, the board issued a circular to principals of its affiliated winter bound schools to complete the assessments as per the schedule. This circular outlines instructions for exam arrangements, engagement of examiners, batch formation, attendance and uploading of marks. The schedule is specifically for winter bound schools that are expected to be closed during January due to extremely cold weather. Schools, therefore, following the regular academic calendar can refer to the other circulars of CBSE.

CBSE Winter-Bound School Practical Exam 2026-27: Important Dates

The practice exam and assessment schedule is as follows:

The Board has directed the schools to complete the assessment activities within the specified time frame. The board has clearly stated that the marks must be uploaded immediately after the practical exam. No extension will be given to schools for uploading the marks.  The circular has made special arrangements for the class 12 practical exams and class 10 practical exams.

Class 10: Regular students of winter bound schools will have their practical exams and assessments conducted by their respective schools. The school teachers will be responsible for the assessment and the board will not appoint external examiners for class 10.

The answer books for class 10 practical exams will be arranged by the respective schools. After the assessment, these answer books need not be sent to the regional office.

Class 12: Practical exams for regular students will be conducted by the respective schools. The board will appoint external examiners for class 12 assessments and the schools will appoint internal examiners for class 12 assessments according to the prescribed arrangements. Schools will not appoint alternate external examiners for class 12 assessments.

Practical Examination Batch Size and Assessment Arrangements

CBSE has recommended that practical assessments be conducted in batches for quality control. For this, schools can form batches of 30 students for each subject. If the number of students is more than 30, the batch should be divided into smaller groups of 15. Practical exams, project assessments and viva-voce should be conducted as per the batch arrangements.

The assessment schedule should be in accordance with the engagement of external examiners and observers. Schools should ensure that equipment and facilities for the practical examination are available and ready to be used. Schools should also ensure proper attendance of students.

Practical Examination Batch Format

The CBSE has provided some guidelines regarding how practical exams must be conducted in batches. Each subject will have batches of 30 students.

• The batch must be split into sub-batches of 15 candidates if there are more than 30 candidates.
• Practical exams, project evaluations and viva voce must be conducted as per the batches.
• The schedule must be planned keeping in mind the availability of external examiners/observers wherever applicable.
• Ensure that labs are ready with all required equipment in your school.

Schools must maintain proper attendance records as mentioned in the circular. Practical exams should not be postponed for students who are absent on the given date.

CBSE Practical Marks Upload Guidelines

One of the most important tasks to complete under these new guidelines is uploading marks. CBSE has specified that once practical exams and assessments have been completed, schools and examiners must upload the marks.

For Class 12, the external examiner must complete the process of uploading marks as per the guidelines using the CBSE system. Once assessment has taken place, an award list must be generated, verified and finalised.

For Class 10, schools must upload internal assessment and practical marks using the online system. Once marks have been finalised they cannot be changed so ensure that all information has been entered correctly.

Schools must also keep signed award lists and assessment records as per guidelines.

What Should Winter Bound CBSE Schools Do?

Principals should work with subject teachers, internal examiners and external examiners to complete assessments within the timeframe of 6th November to 30th December.

Ensure all candidate information is correct, practical batches have been created, lab facilities have been arranged, attendance records kept and marks uploaded correctly. If any issues arise with examiners being available or exams not being arranged, you must inform the relevant Regional Office.

The November circular clearly states that whilst it is important to complete the practical exam, it is also vital that all documentation is completed accurately and marks submitted on time to successfully complete the 2026-27 assessment cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When will CBSE practical examinations begin for winter-bound schools in 2026–27?

CBSE practical examinations for winter-bound schools will begin on November 6, 2026.

2. What is the last date for CBSE winter-bound school practical examinations?

Schools must complete practical examinations, project assessments and internal assessments by December 30, 2026.

3. Which classes are covered under the CBSE winter-bound practical examination circular?

The circular covers Classes 10 and 12 for the 2026–27 academic session.

4. Who will conduct CBSE Class 10 practical examinations?

Class 10 practical examinations and assessments will be conducted by the respective schools through their teachers. CBSE will not appoint external examiners for these assessments.

5. Who appoints external examiners for CBSE Class 12 practical examinations?

CBSE will appoint external examiners for Class 12 practical examinations and project assessments.

6. What is the prescribed CBSE practical examination batch size?

Schools can create batches of 30 students per subject. If the number exceeds 30, the batch must be divided into groups of 15.

Click Here for More Exams / Admission