CBSE Unveils Practical Exam Schedule for Class 10 & 12 Winter-Bound Schools (2025-26)
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important circular detailing the schedule for Practical Examinations, Project Assessments, and Internal Assessments for Classes 10 and 12, specifically for schools located in winter-bound regions during the academic session 2025–26. While the general practical examination period for all affiliated schools across India and abroad typically commences on January 1, 2026, schools in areas experiencing winter closures in January will adhere to an adjusted timeline.
Practical Exams Set for November 6 to December 6
CBSE has officially mandated that the Practical Examinations, Project Assessments, and Internal Assessments for both Class 10 and Class 12 students attending winter-bound schools will be conducted from November 6, 2025, to December 6, 2025. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, the Board has also provided comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and clear guidelines for these examinations.
Essential Guidelines for Winter-Bound Schools
All winter-bound schools are required to follow these key instructions to comply with the newly announced schedule:
- Candidate List Confirmation: Schools must meticulously prepare the final list of eligible candidates. It is imperative that no student whose name has not been officially submitted in the online List of Candidates will be permitted to appear for the practical examinations, project assessments, or internal assessments.
- Class 10 Internal Assessment: The Internal Assessment for Class 10 will be a one-time process. Therefore, schools are required to upload the Internal Assessment marks for all candidates within the stipulated schedule.
- External Examiners: Schools should promptly contact their respective CBSE Regional Offices to arrange for the appointment of external examiners and observers necessary for conducting the practical examinations.
- Timely Completion & Dispatch: It is crucial for schools to ensure all Practical Examinations, Project Work, and Internal Assessments are completed on time. The practical examination answer books must be dispatched to the relevant Regional Offices without any delay.
Important Note for Regular Session Schools
CBSE has emphasized that these specific dates and instructions are exclusively for winter-bound schools. A separate and distinct circular will be released at a later date for schools that follow the regular (non-winter-bound) academic session. Students and institutions not categorized as winter-bound should await further announcements from the Board regarding their examination schedules.