CBSE releases guidelines for Class 10, 12 practical exams in winter-bound schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the schedule and detailed guidelines for practical examinations, project assessments, and internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 in winter-bound schools for the 2025-26 academic session.

According to the CBSE notification, the practical exams and internal assessments for winter-bound schools will be held from November 5 to December 6, 2025.

The board clarified that, as per its by-laws and scheme of studies, the 2025-26 academic session will commence from January 1 for all affiliated schools in India and abroad.

Since schools in winter-bound regions typically remain closed in January, the board has advanced the schedule to ensure smooth conduct of assessments before the winter break.

The CBSE has issued a detailed set of instructions to ensure transparency and the timely completion



of practical and internal assessments. Schools have been directed to prepare the final list of candidates and ensure that only those whose names have been submitted through the online List of Candidates (LOC) are permitted to appear for the practical examinations, project work, or internal assessments.

For Class 10, the internal assessment will be conducted only once during the academic session. Schools must therefore fill in and upload the internal assessment marks for all students within the prescribed time frame.

Additionally, schools are required to contact their respective regional offices for the appointment of external examiners and observers who will oversee the conduct of the practical examinations. Institutions must also ensure the timely completion of all practicals, project work, and internal assessments, followed by the prompt dispatch of answer books to the concerned regional offices.