New Delhi, February 17, 2026 – The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a crucial notice for private candidates appearing in Class 10 and Class 12 practical examinations for the 2025-26 academic session. The announcement comes just before the commencement of the board theory exams from February 17, 2026, affecting thousands of students aiming to complete their board requirements.
This comprehensive article breaks down the practical exam schedule, important instructions from CBSE, eligibility criteria, and what private candidates need to prepare ahead of time.
🔑 1. Practical Exam Schedule for Private Candidates
- 📅 Start Date: February 23, 2026
- 📅 End Date: March 17, 2026
- 📌 Exams will be conducted at the same centres assigned for the theory Board exams.
- This schedule applies specifically to Class 10 and Class 12 private candidates who have pending practical assessments.
👉 The practicals are scheduled after the theory exam cycle begins, allowing candidates to complete practical assessments without overlap. Students should confirm exact timings and venues with their allotted centres.
📌 2. Who Must Appear for Practical Exams?
CBSE’s notice clarifies that practical exams are required for:
- Private students whose practical marks weren’t awarded earlier due to absence.
- Students needing Repeat Practical (RP) or Repeat Both (RB) assessments for Class 10 or 12 subjects with practical components.
- Candidates from earlier years (e.g., 2023 or before) who registered as full-subject private candidates and have not yet completed practical assessments.
⚠️ Practical exams are only for subjects that include a practical component. For theory-only subjects, no practical assessment is required.
🧑🎓 3. Exam Centres & Conduct Instructions
- ➤ Practical exams will be held at the same examination centres allocated for students’ theory board exams — there is no separate venue.
- ➤ Students must bring their CBSE admit card, valid ID, and any required documentation, including previous mark sheets where applicable.
- ➤ Private candidates should confirm the exact date and time of their practical test with centre officials well in advance.
CBSE has also reiterated that external examiners appointed by the Board will conduct assessments, and improper conduct or use of unofficial examiners could lead to invalidation of practical scores. Schools must coordinate with regional offices for appointments and logistics.
🧠 4. Important Guidelines & Compliance Requirements
📌 Marking and Uploading
- Marks awarded for practicals must be uploaded on the CBSE portal on the same day of the assessment.
- Once uploaded, CBSE does not permit changes later, so accuracy is critical.
- Principal and examiners must follow the Board’s official marking scheme strictly.
📌 Infrastructure & Support
- Schools must ensure adequate lab facilities and required practical equipment.
- Arrangements should be made for Children With Special Needs (CWSN) so that they can complete assessments without barriers.
📌 Documentation
- Practical answer books issued by CBSE must be used, and all entries must be completed carefully by both internal and external examiners.
