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CBSE Issues Guidelines for Class 12 Private Candidates’ Practical Exams 2026

CBSE releases guidelines for Class 12 private candidates’ practical exams 2026. Exams from Feb 23, venue, examiner rules, and marks upload details.

 CBSE Issues Guidelines for Class 12 Private Candidates’ Practical Exams 2026

New Delhi |  : The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued detailed guidelines for the conduct of practical examinations for Class 12 private candidates for the academic session 2025–26. The instructions have been shared with principals and heads of CBSE-affiliated schools through the official CBSE website.

Who Needs to Appear for Practical Exams?

As per the CBSE circular, practical examinations will be conducted for the following categories of private candidates:

  • Students of 2025 whose practical marks are unavailable due to Repeat in Practical (RP), Repeat in Theory & Practical (RB), or Absence
  • Students of 2024 with pending practical marks due to RP/RB/Absent
  • Students of 2023 and earlier who have applied for full subjects in the private category

No Project/Internal Assessment for Non-Practical Subjects

CBSE clarified that no Project Assessment or Internal Assessment will be conducted for subjects without a practical component.
In such cases, marks for Project/Internal Assessment will be calculated on a pro-rata basis, depending on the marks obtained in the theory examination 2026.

Practical Exam Dates and Venue

  • Practical Examination Dates:
  • From 23 February 2026 to March 2026

Venue:

  • The practical exams will be held at the same centres allotted for theory examinations.

Appointment of Examiners

  • External Examiners will be appointed by CBSE through its Regional Offices.
  • Internal Examiners will be appointed by the Centre Superintendent from their school teachers.
  • If subject teachers are not available, teachers from nearby schools may be appointed.
  • Centre Superintendents are strictly prohibited from appointing external examiners on their own.

Practical Answer Books and Uploading of Marks

CBSE stated that:

  • Only official practical answer books supplied by Regional Offices must be used.
  • All entries must be filled carefully and correctly by examiners.
  • Practical marks and award lists must be uploaded on the same day of the practical examination through the school’s login account.

Instructions for Students

Private candidates must:

  • Contact their examination centre with a copy of their previous mark sheet and Admit Card 2026
  • Note the date and time of the practical exam provided by the centre
  • Report to the centre on time without fail

Responsibilities of Examination Centres and Regional Offices

  • CBSE has directed examination centres and regional offices to:
  • Prepare subject-wise and class-wise lists of candidates
  • Coordinate early appointment of external examiners
  • Inform students well in advance about exam schedules
  • Ensure timely uploading of marks and submission of practical answer books

The Board has emphasised strict adherence to the guidelines to ensure smooth and timely completion of practical examinations for private candidates.

 

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