Published on October 30 , 2025
Contents
Delhi, India
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has rolled out a strategic framework to address the unique challenges faced by winter-bound schools ahead of the 2026 board examinations. This initiative ensures that practical examinations, project work, and internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 are completed well before the harsh winter closures, allowing a seamless transition into the new academic year starting January 1, 2026. By advancing the timeline, CBSE promotes fairness, transparency, and efficiency in evaluations, while introducing a stricter 75% attendance requirement from 2026 onward to qualify for board results.
Launch and Background
- Announcement Details: Issued via an official circular on October 30, 2025, targeting all CBSE-affiliated winter-bound schools in India and abroad, where January operations are often disrupted by extreme weather.
- Rationale: Winter-bound institutions typically halt activities in January, necessitating early assessments to align with the national academic calendar and avoid delays in the 2025-26 session.
- Scope: Applies exclusively to practicals, projects, and internals for Classes 10 and 12; theory exams remain on the standard schedule.
Key Guidelines for Practical Examinations
- Candidate Eligibility: Schools must finalize the List of Candidates (LOC) online; only listed students can participate. No additions or changes post-submission.
- Internal Assessments for Class 10: Conducted once per session with mandatory uploads of marks for all students within deadlines—no exemptions or repeats.
- Examiner and Observer Appointments: Schools to liaise with regional CBSE offices for external examiners and observers to maintain impartiality.
- Scheduling and Capacity: If student numbers exceed 30, divide into 2-3 daily sessions based on lab availability to ensure thorough, unhurried evaluations.
- Mark Verification and Submission: Principals and examiners must double-check uploads to the CBSE portal; final submissions are irrevocable to uphold integrity.
- Dispatch Protocols: Completed answer books and materials must be sent promptly to regional offices post-assessment.
Timeline and Scheduling
- Assessment Period: Practical exams, project evaluations, and internal assessments to run from November 5 to December 6, 2025, wrapping up before winter breaks.
- Academic Session Start: All CBSE schools resume on January 1, 2026, with winter-bound ones fully aligned post-assessments.
- Attendance Mandate: From 2026, students need at least 75% attendance across the session to be eligible for board exam results— a step up to emphasize consistent participation.
- Preparation Window: Schools urged to begin internal planning immediately, coordinating with regional offices by early November.
Impact on Schools and Students
- Benefits for Winter-Bound Institutions: Prevents weather-related disruptions, ensuring equitable access to evaluations and reducing stress during peak winter months.
- Broader Implications: Reinforces CBSE’s commitment to standardized processes across 27,000+ affiliates, fostering a culture of accountability and timely academic progress.
- Challenges and Support: Schools in hilly or cold regions (e.g., Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh) gain the most; CBSE provides regional guidance for logistics.
- Student Focus: Early completion allows more revision time for theory papers, while the attendance rule encourages proactive engagement.
Recommendations and Best Practices
- For Schools: Integrate guidelines into staff meetings, train on portal uploads, and simulate multi-session practicals for efficiency.
- For Parents and Students: Monitor school communications, track attendance diligently, and use the pre-winter window for focused practical prep.
- Monitoring and Compliance: CBSE will oversee adherence via regional audits; non-compliance risks delays in result processing.
