CBSE Practical Exam Date Sheet 2026 for Class 10 & 12: Dates, Guidelines, and Preparation Tips

In CBSE 10^th and 12^th board examinations, practical examinations are crucial because they clearly decide a line between good and excellent scores. Apart from the theoretical examinations, every year CBSE also conducts practical exams that test application, confidence, practical knowledge, and presentation skills. The CBSE practical exam date sheet 2026 for class 10th and 12th was announced by CBSE, where this year exams are conducted between January 1, 2026, and February 14, 2026.

The final board exams of CBSE 10^th and 12^th class students are closed, so students should be aware of the date sheet and guidelines to eliminate any scope for confusion or mistakes. So, this blog will conduct an in-depth analysis of the CBSE practical exam dates 2026, guidelines, and preparation tips to help students in the upcoming exam.

CBSE Practical Exam 2026 Dates for 10^th and 12^th Board

The 10^th and 12^th CBSE board examinations are mainly divided into two parts: theoretical examinations and practical examinations. Everyone is well aware of the theoretical exams, but students do not have 100% clarity regarding their practical examinations. The practical examinations of CBSE depend on the school through internal assessment, where the exam weightage is 20-30 out of 100 marks. These marks are based on factors like laboratory work, projects, and the viva exam conducted by schools.

The CBSE does not release a structure and date-wise timetable for 10^th and 12^th class practical exams; they release a general date range window for the schools, so they can conduct practical exams. For the 2025-26 session, the CBSE class 10^th and 12^th class practical examination window is as follows-

Particulars	Key Details
10th and 12th Board Examinations Regulatory Body	Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Name of Examination	CBSE Board Practical Examination 2026
Exam Dates	January 1- February 14, 2026
Exam Regulatory Body Website	https://www.cbse.gov.in/

• Note: The practical exam of CBSE 10^th and 12^th board students, who are from winter-bound schools were already conducted between 6 Nov- 6 Dec 2025.

The subject-wise detailed date sheet is released by schools, which is approved by Board-appointed external examiners, especially for the CBSE class 12th practical subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, and Accountancy.

CBSE 2026 practical exam guidelines for 10^th and 12^th Practical Board Exams 2026

The students need to understand all the important guidelines issued by the CBSE to avoid any confusion during the final exams. The CBSE announced all the necessary guidelines related to practical examinations to maintain clarity, fairness, and transparency. We prepared a list of the CBSE 2026 practical exam guidelines, which are mandatory for all students.

• It is important for the students to carry their CBSE admit card, exam-related items, and ID card of the school on the examination day. Entry without proper identification is strictly prohibited. You should arrive 15 to 30 minutes before the actual exam time because late entry is not allowed.
• The practical files of the board exams should be prepared before the final exam dates and must be complete, signed, and submitted on time. Incomplete or copied records may lead to mark deductions.
• The CBSE clearly announced that extension of exam dates is not allowed for students, where the exam should be only conducted between January 1 and February 14, 2026.
• Class 10^th board exams will be conducted under the supervision of an internal examiner, but 12^th board practical exams should be conducted under the supervision of an external examiner. The examiner is appointed by CBSE, so students should prepare themselves with a more formal, structured viva and a fair evaluation process during the examination.
• The CBSE also announced the specific batch size to avoid large combined practical exams, where schools are allowed to batch a maximum of 30 students in a group.
• Your practical marks will be rewarded by considering factors like viva marks, laboratory marks, and project work. So, it is important for the students to make good practical files and practice experiments to score well in the exam.
• CBSE does not allow the use of mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic gadgets inside laboratories. 
• The Class 12th board exam practical marks are finally verified by the CBSE, where any discrepancy in these marks may lead to re-evaluation or disciplinary action against the institution and students.
• In a case of medical emergency or other valid reason, the CBSE allows rescheduling for them, but only with proper documentation or prior approval.

How Students Can Effectively Prepare for CBSE 10^th and 12^th Practical Exams 2026?

It is important for the CBSE 10^th and 12^th board students to effectively prepare for practical exams to score well in the exam. So, experts at Matrix High School (MHS) will offer the following proven strategies that students must consider before the CBSE board exams of 2025-26:

• The students need to understand the scientific principle or logic behind each topic so that they can effectively explain it in front of the examiner during the viva examination.
• You should focus on covering the brief syllabus from CBSE and the practical manual carefully. During the syllabus coverage, you should practice with activities, projects, and experiments of different subjects.
• As a 10^th and 12^th board student, you should continuously practice with practical experiments in the school laboratory. A deep level of understanding of apparatus, procedures, and precautions improves confidence during the practical exams.
• You have to carry the necessary stationery, apron, notebook, and lab files to ensure that the exam goes smoothly without interruptions.
• Your practical lab file must be well-organised and neat in handwritten format. You have to make clear diagrams, abbreviations, and formulas to score maximum marks.
• You can also practice the viva exam in a real exam environment, which ultimately boosts your confidence during the final practical exam. For example, you can practice with your friend to answer the viva questions.
• You have to become an expert in practising exam experiments within the allotted time. Efficient time usage leaves room for corrections and examiner interaction.

By following these steps, students can excel in both CBSE Class 12th practical and CBSE Class 10th practical exams with ease.

Also read:

1. How to Score 95% in Class 10th Board Exams
2. How to Score Good Marks in Class 12th Board Exam Without Stress
3. CBSE Exam Pattern 2025–26 (Revised): New Class 10 & 12 Changes, Weightage & Full Structure

Conclusion

The final CBSE practical date sheet 2026 for 10^th and 12^th classes is conducted between January 1 and February 14, 2026. The CBSE only release a general timeline for the practical exams, but does not release specific exam dates. The schools are allowed to take practical examinations within this timeline by informing students, where it is recommended to follow the official CBSE practical exams 2026 dates and guidelines to eliminate any scope for confusion. The 10^th and 12^th board students may confidently secure high internal assessment scores and strengthen their overall board exam results.

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