CBSE releases 2026 assessment rules; Practical exams begin January 1

The Central Board of Secondary Education has released a detailed circular outlining the full assessment framework for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations 2026. The document breaks down the distribution of marks for theory papers, practicals, project work and internal assessments, offering schools and students a clear understanding of the evaluation model for the next academic cycle.

With the board examinations drawing closer, CBSE has advised all affiliated institutions to study the revised marking scheme carefully to ensure the examinations are conducted smoothly and without procedural errors.

The circular also contains an extensive annexure listing every subject for both classes, along with the maximum marks assigned to theory, practicals, project evaluation and internal assessment.

Further, it clarifies whether an external examiner will be appointed for specific subjects, the availability of board-issued practical answer books and the type of answer sheet that will be used during theory examinations.

CBSE has once again highlighted that each subject carries a total of 100 marks, divided across components according to the structure of the subject.

Practical exams scheduled from January 1 to February 14, 2026

In the notification issued on Tuesday, CBSE confirmed that practical examinations, project assessments and internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 will take place from January 1 to February 14, 2026.

Schools have been instructed to strictly follow the prescribed timeline and adhere to all guidelines issued by the board. CBSE has stressed that these assessments must be carried out with full accuracy and transparency.

The board has observed that schools frequently commit errors while uploading marks for practicals, project work and internal assessments, often resulting in last-minute correction requests. CBSE has made it clear that such requests will not be accepted this year.

Schools have been urged to read all instructions and annexures thoroughly to avoid mistakes and to ensure the smooth and error-free conduct of internal assessments as well as theory examinations.