CBSE Practical Exams 2027: Winter-Bound Schools to Hold Class 10, 12 Assessments from November 9
Published 6 Nov 20264 min read
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has scheduled Class 10 and Class 12 practical examinations, project assessments, and internal assessments for winter-bound schools from November 9 to December 19, 2026, according to a circular issued on November 5, 2026 . The early schedule addresses the likelihood that these schools will remain closed during January due to severe winter conditions .
Regular-session schools across India and abroad will follow a separate schedule, with practical examinations commencing January 1, 2027 .
Which Schools Does This Schedule Apply To?
This schedule applies only to schools located in winter-bound regions—areas where institutions typically close during peak winter months. CBSE has explicitly stated that schools following the regular academic session will receive a separate circular with their practical examination dates and guidelines . Students in regular-session schools should not treat the November 9–December 19 window as applicable to them.
CBSE Winter-Bound Practical Exam Schedule 2026-27
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable classes | Class 10 and Class 12 |
| Practical/Project/Internal Assessment dates | November 9 – December 19, 2026 |
| Circular issue date | November 5, 2026 |
| Applicable schools | Winter-bound schools only |
| Regular-session school practical start | January 1, 2027 (separate circular pending) |
Source: CBSE circular dated November 5, 2026, as reported by India Today, Indian Express, and DNA India .
Key Instructions for Schools: LOC, Internal Assessment, and Batch Sizes
CBSE has issued specific compliance requirements for winter-bound schools:
List of Candidates (LOC) verification: Only students whose names have been submitted through the online List of Candidates (LOC) will be permitted to appear for practical examinations, project assessments, and internal assessments. Schools must finalise their eligible candidate list before conducting any assessments .
Class 10 internal assessment—single opportunity: The Class 10 internal assessment will be conducted only once. Schools must complete the assessment and upload marks for all eligible candidates within the prescribed schedule. No extension will be considered .
Batch size and sessions: For schools with more than 30 students, practical examinations and project assessments must be conducted in two or three sessions per day, depending on available laboratory infrastructure .
External examiners and observers: Where required, schools must coordinate with their respective CBSE Regional Offices for the appointment of external examiners and observers .
Class 12 answer books: Practical examination answer books for Class 12 must be dispatched to the concerned Regional Offices as instructed .
New Requirement: Group Photograph Upload for Each Batch
CBSE has made it mandatory for schools to upload photographs documenting the conduct of practical examinations. Schools will receive an app link from CBSE through which they must submit one group photograph of each batch appearing for the practical examination . This requirement is intended to serve as documentation and support transparency in the assessment process.
What Regular-Session Schools Should Expect
Schools following the regular academic session should wait for a separate circular from CBSE. The board has clarified that the current schedule and instructions are exclusively for winter-bound schools. Regular-session practical examinations are scheduled to begin January 1, 2027, with detailed guidelines to follow in the separate circular .
What Students Should Do Now
Confirm your name in the LOC: Contact your school immediately to verify that your name has been submitted through the online List of Candidates. Students not on the LOC will not be allowed to appear .
Check your school's subject-wise schedule: CBSE has not released a public subject-wise date sheet for winter-bound schools. Your school will provide the specific dates and batch arrangements .
Prepare for an accelerated timeline: With exams starting November 9, there is minimal preparation time remaining. Confirm practical file/project submission requirements with subject teachers.
Regular-session students: Do not assume the November dates apply to you. Continue preparing for practicals starting January 1, 2027, and monitor cbse.gov.in for the separate circular.
Official Website and Circular
CBSE Official Website: cbse.gov.in
Circular reference: Dated November 5, 2026, regarding the conduct of Practical Examinations, Project Assessments, and Internal Assessments for 2026-27