As the Central Board of Secondary Education prepares to introduce updates for the 2026 Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, students and parents have been seeking clarity on several academic concerns. Sanyam Bharadwaj , Controller of Examinations at CBSE, addressed key questions related to practical exams, improvement opportunities, and passing criteria.

If a Student Misses a Practical Examination

Missing a practical exam is not common. However, CBSE’s online system allows schools to either reschedule the assessment or record the student as absent, depending on the circumstances. Any further steps are taken by the school with prior approval from the Board, ensuring proper procedures are followed.

Improvement of Practical Marks

Students in both Class 10 and Class 12 are not permitted to improve their practical scores in subsequent attempts. The improvement option applies only to theory examinations.

In Class 10, internal assessment is conducted throughout the academic year. Schools upload student performance data to the CBSE portal between early January and mid-February.

In Class 12, practical exams are typically organized after the academic session concludes. Summer-bound schools usually conduct practicals from early January to mid-February, while winter-bound schools hold them between early November and mid-December.

Role of Practical Records in Class 10

Five marks are allocated for practical or laboratory work completed during the year. Students are required to maintain proper records of their activities. Since practical evaluation is continuous and based on prescribed syllabus work, submission of completed notebooks plays an important role in internal assessment marks.

Passing Criteria

For Class 10, students must secure at least 33% overall in each subject, combining theory and internal assessment/practical components, to pass.

For Class 12, students must obtain a minimum of 33% in each theory paper. In subjects that include practical components, candidates must score at least 33% separately in theory and practical, along with 33% in the overall aggregate, to qualify in that subject.