CBSE releases 2026 practical exam dates for winter-bound schools from November 6

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the practical exam schedule for Classes 10 and 12 in winter-bound schools. As per the circular issued on October 16, the practical exams, projects, and internal assessments will be conducted between November 6 and December 6, 2025.

Typically, CBSE practical exams begin on January 1, but since winter-bound schools remain closed during that period, the Board has advanced the schedule to ensure exams are completed before the long winter break. For other schools across India and abroad, the practical and internal assessments will take place as usual, starting January 1, 2026.

The official CBSE notice states, “As per the provisions of the Examination Bye-Laws/Scheme of Studies of the Board, the



Practical Examinations/Project/Internal Assessment for the session 2025–26 are scheduled from January 1, 2026, for all affiliated schools. However, since winter-bound schools remain closed in January, their exams will be conducted from November 6 to December 6, 2025.”

To ensure smooth conduct of the practicals, CBSE has instructed schools to finalise their list of candidates and allow only those whose names appear in the online List of Candidates (LOC). For Class 10, internal assessments will be held only once, and marks must be uploaded within the prescribed timeline. Schools have also been asked to coordinate with their regional offices for the appointment of external examiners and observers.

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