CBSE 2027 Practical Exams: Winter-Bound Schools Start 9 November, Regular Schools From 1 January
Published 06/11/2026
In short: CBSE has set the dates for Class 10 and 12 practicals, project work and internal assessment for the 2027 board exams. Students in winter-bound schools begin on Monday, 9 November 2026, just three days away. Everyone else starts from 1 January 2027.
What happened
On 5 November 2026, CBSE issued two circulars.
The first, from the Controller of Examinations, is addressed to winter-bound schools: schools in very cold areas that close in January for the winter break. Because their students would not be in school when practicals normally happen, they will hold all practical exams, project assessment and internal assessment for both Class 10 and Class 12 from 9 November to 19 December 2026.
The second circular, on marks distribution, confirms the overall schedule:
- Winter-bound schools: 9 November to 19 December 2026.
- Regular session schools: from 1 January 2027. CBSE says a separate, detailed circular for these schools will follow.
That second circular also attaches a subject-by-subject list showing, for every Class 10 and 12 subject, how the 100 marks are split between the theory paper and practical, project and internal assessment, and whether an external examiner will come. Schools have it; students can ask their teachers which line applies to their subjects.
The 2027 theory exam date sheet had not been released when we checked on 6 November.
CBSE practicals for the 2027 exams
- NOV9Winter-bound schools begin practicals and internal assessment
- DEC19Last day for winter-bound schools, marks uploaded by then
- JAN1Regular schools begin (separate circular to come)
The rules that affect students
The guidelines attached to the winter-bound circular are written for schools, but several points land directly on students. Regular schools usually get similar rules, so these are worth knowing even if your exams are in January.
- Only students on the school's final list can appear. If your name was not sent to CBSE in the List of Candidates, you cannot take the practical.
- Class 12 practicals are taken with an external examiner appointed by CBSE. A practical done without that examiner can be cancelled by the Board.
- Class 10 internal assessment happens only once. The circular says the same marks will be used for students who also take the second board exam.
- Missed your day? If a student is absent for any reason, the school can mark them "re-scheduled" and hold the practical again, but only within the official dates. CBSE says it will not accept requests for special permission after the schedule ends.
- No contact with examiners. Trying to influence an examiner is treated as unfair means.
For students
- Find out your dates this week. Ask your teacher for your subject-wise practical days and batch.
- Finish your practical file and project now. In winter-bound schools there is no December cushion; the window closes on 19 December.
- Know your marks split. Ask which part of each subject is practical, project or internal assessment, so you know how much is already in your hands before the theory exam.
- Don't miss your batch. Illness happens, but tell the school at once so you can be re-scheduled while dates are still open.
CBSE practicals: students and parents
- Don't miss your batch day; a missed practical can only be redone within the schedule
- Class 10: internal assessment happens once and also counts for the second board exam
- Marks cannot be changed once uploaded
- Marks are not shared with students before results
For parents
Marks are final once uploaded. CBSE tells schools that no correction is allowed after practical marks are uploaded, and no change in schedule either. Schools upload marks as the practicals happen, finishing by the last date. If something looks wrong, raise it with the school during the practical period, not after.
You won't see the practical marks early. CBSE says these marks carry the same weight as the theory exam marks and must not be shown to students or anyone else. They come with the board result.
Plan travel around the dates. For winter-bound families, this means no long trips between 9 November and 19 December. For regular schools, practicals start on 1 January, so plan New Year travel carefully.
There is no extra fee. The circulars do not mention any charge to students for practicals.
Key dates
| Date | What |
|---|---|
| 9 Nov 2026 (Mon) | Winter-bound schools: practicals, projects and internal assessment begin |
| 19 Dec 2026 (Sat) | Winter-bound schools: last day; marks uploaded by then |
| From 1 Jan 2027 | Regular schools: practicals begin (detailed circular awaited) |
Sources
- Central Board of Secondary Education, circular on practical examinations for winter-bound schools, session 2026–27, with SOPs, dated 5 November 2026. Checked 6 Nov 2026.
- Central Board of Secondary Education, circular on subject-wise marks distribution, Class X/XII 2026–27, dated 5 November 2026. Checked 6 Nov 2026.
- CBSE official website, latest announcements. Checked 6 Nov 2026.
If the board year needs a calmer plan, more on easyapply.in when useful.
Dates can change. Confirm on the official website before you pay or apply.