The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important circular regarding the conduct of Practical Examinations, Project Assessments and Internal Assessments for Classes 10 and 12 for the 2026–27 academic session. The circular, dated 5 November 2026, provides important information about the examination schedule, subject-wise marks distribution, theory examination duration, appointment of external examiners and answer-book requirements.
Through this circular, CBSE has also clarified the maximum marks allocated to theory, practical, project and Internal Assessment components for individual subjects. The Board has issued these instructions to help schools conduct assessments smoothly and prevent mistakes while uploading marks.
The circular includes separate subject-wise lists for Class 10 and Class 12, covering academic as well as skill-based subjects. Students, teachers, principals and school administrators should carefully go through the details to avoid any inconvenience during the examination process.
CBSE Practical Exam 2027: Important Dates
According to the CBSE circular dated 5 November 2026, Practical Examinations and Internal Assessments for Classes 10 and 12 will be conducted during the following periods:
| Category of Schools | Practical Exam / Internal Assessment Schedule |
|---|---|
| Winter-bound schools | 9 November 2026 to 19 December 2026 |
| Regular-session schools | 1 January 2027 to 13 February 2027 |
Schools should follow the schedule applicable to their category.
Why Has CBSE Issued This Circular?
CBSE has observed that schools sometimes make mistakes while uploading marks for Practical Examinations, Project Assessments and Internal Assessments. To assist schools in conducting these assessments smoothly and ensuring the proper conduct of theory examinations, the Board has provided detailed subject-wise information.
As explained in Section B of the circular, the information has been shared for the following six purposes:
1. Clarity Regarding Maximum Marks
Students and schools should be aware of the maximum marks assigned to the theory, practical, project and Internal Assessment components of each subject.
2. Awareness of Theory Examination Duration
Students should know the maximum time allotted for theory examinations in each subject. This will help them prepare accordingly and complete their examinations within the prescribed time.
3. Accurate Awarding and Uploading of Marks
Teachers working as internal or external examiners for Practical, Project and Internal Assessment components should be aware of the maximum marks assigned to each component. This will help ensure that marks are awarded and uploaded correctly. CBSE has also clarified that requests for changing uploaded marks should not arise due to mistakes.
4. Clarity Regarding Appointment of External Examiners
Schools should know whether CBSE will appoint external practical examiners or whether they need to conduct Practical, Project and Internal Assessment components by appointing their own teachers.
5. Arrangements for Answer Books
The information will help schools make the necessary arrangements for answer books required for Practical, Project and Internal Assessment components.
6. Prevention of Incorrect Answer-Book Distribution
The circular will also help schools avoid the wrong distribution of answer books during theory examinations conducted by CBSE.
CBSE has asked all concerned to take note of these details and take necessary action to avoid inconvenience to students at later stages.
CBSE Class 10 Practical Exam 2027: Subject-Wise Marks Distribution
The annexure of the circular provides subject-wise details of the maximum marks, theory examination duration, practical marks, project marks and Internal Assessment marks for Class 10 subjects.
For most academic subjects, the assessment is divided into 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for Internal Assessment. However, the distribution varies for certain subjects, including music, painting, computer applications and skill-based subjects.
The duration of theory examinations is generally three hours for major academic subjects. However, certain subjects have a shorter examination duration of two hours.
Students should check the complete subject-wise table in the official circular to know the exact marks distribution and examination duration for their respective subjects.
CBSE Class 12 Practical Exam 2027: Subject-Wise Marks Distribution
For Class 12, the circular provides detailed marks distribution for academic, elective and skill-based subjects.
The marks distribution differs depending on the subject. For example, Physics, Chemistry and Biology have 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical examinations. Subjects such as Mathematics, English Core and Accountancy have 80 marks for theory and 20 marks for project or Internal Assessment components, as applicable.
External Examiner Appointment for Practical Examinations
Another important detail mentioned in the circular is whether an external practical examiner will be appointed by CBSE for a particular subject.
The subject-wise tables clearly indicate whether an external practical examiner will be appointed and whether practical answer books will be supplied by CBSE.
This information will help schools understand their responsibilities while organising Practical Examinations, Project Assessments and Internal Assessments.
Schools should carefully check the relevant subject-wise entries before making examination arrangements.
Answer Book Requirements for CBSE Board Examinations 2027
The circular also specifies the type of answer books to be used for theory examinations and whether practical answer books will be supplied by CBSE.
For Class 10, most theory subjects require 32-page answer books, while certain subjects require 20-page answer books. Mathematics (Standard) and Mathematics (Basic) require 40-page graph answer books.
For Class 12, most theory subjects require 32-page answer books, while some subjects require 20-page answer books. Mathematics and Applied Mathematics require 40-page graph answer books.
For certain subjects, additional requirements such as drawing sheets are also mentioned.
Schools must carefully follow these specifications to avoid incorrect answer-book distribution during the board examinations.
Important Instructions for Schools, Teachers and Students
Based on the CBSE circular, the following points should be kept in mind:
- Schools should follow the prescribed schedule for Practical Examinations and Internal Assessments according to their category.
- Students should check the maximum marks and theory examination duration for each of their subjects.
- Teachers acting as internal or external examiners should carefully verify the maximum marks assigned to each assessment component.
- Schools should check whether CBSE will appoint external examiners or whether they need to appoint their own teachers.
- Schools should arrange the required answer books and other examination materials in accordance with the subject-wise specifications.
- Marks should be checked carefully before uploading them to avoid errors.
Important: CBSE has specifically warned that once marks for Practical, Project and Internal Assessment components have been uploaded, requests for changing the uploaded marks will not be entertained.
Download CBSE Practical Examination Circular 2026–27 PDF
Students, teachers and school administrators can refer to the official CBSE circular dated 5 November 2026 for complete details regarding Practical Examinations, Project Assessments and Internal Assessments for Classes 10 and 12.
The PDF contains the main circular and separate subject-wise annexures for Class 10 and Class 12.
Official Circular: CBSE/Coord/Marks Distribution/163685/2026–2027
Circular Date: 5 November 2026
Academic Session: 2026–27
Classes: 10 and 12
Download CBSE Practical Examination and Internal Assessment Circular 2026–27 (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will CBSE conduct practical examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 in 2027?
For winter-bound schools, Practical Examinations and Internal Assessments will be conducted from 9 November 2026 to 19 December 2026. For regular-session schools, the circular specifies the period from 1 January 2027 to 13 February 2027.
Does CBSE appoint external examiners for all practical subjects?
No. The subject-wise tables specify whether an external practical examiner will be appointed. Schools should check the relevant subject entries.
Can schools request changes to practical or internal assessment marks after uploading them?
CBSE has clarified that requests for changing uploaded marks will not be entertained. Schools and examiners should therefore verify marks carefully before uploading them.
Does CBSE provide practical answer books to schools?
The circular specifies subject-wise whether practical answer books will be supplied by CBSE. Schools should check the relevant annexure before making arrangements.
Conclusion
The CBSE circular dated 5 November 2026 is an important document for schools, teachers and students appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in 2027. It provides clarity on the assessment structure, subject-wise marks distribution, practical examination arrangements and answer-book requirements.
Students should check the marks distribution and theory examination duration for their respective subjects, while schools and teachers should carefully follow the instructions to ensure that all assessment-related activities are completed accurately and without inconvenience to students.
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