The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has raised serious concerns over multiple cases of non-compliance with its practical examination guidelines for the 2026 board cycle. Following recent inspections and reports from schools, the board has announced that practical exams conducted without adhering to the prescribed norms may be cancelled. To prevent further violations, CBSE has released an updated set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that schools must follow strictly.

🔍 Why the Warning?

CBSE noted several irregularities during the first phase of the practical exam process, including:

• Examiners not appointed as per CBSE rules

• Practical exams being conducted without external examination

• Manipulation or inaccurate recording of marks

• Conducting exams before the official start date

• Poor documentation and missing practical files

These lapses have forced the board to issue a strong advisory, emphasising that non-compliant practicals will be declared invalid.

📜 Newly Issued SOPs by CBSE

To ensure uniformity and transparency, CBSE has instructed all schools to follow these rules:

✔ 1. Mandatory Appointment of Examiners

• Only CBSE-approved internal and external examiners are permitted.

• Schools cannot conduct practical exams in the absence of appointed external examiners.

✔ 2. Strict Adherence to Dates

• Practical exams must be held only during the officially allotted schedule.

• Schools conducting them earlier or without approval will face cancellation of marks.

✔ 3. Accurate Mark Uploading

• Marks must be uploaded on the CBSE portal immediately after the exam.

• Any discrepancy between uploaded marks and attendance will lead to scrutiny.

✔ 4. Maintenance of Evidence

Schools must keep:

• Attendance sheets

• Videography/photography (if mandated for certain subjects)

• Practical files and project records

• Signed certificates from internal & external examiners

✔ 5. Transparency in Evaluation

• Examiners must evaluate students strictly as per CBSE curriculum and guidelines.

• Any favoritism, inflated scoring, or manipulation will be treated as malpractice.

⚠ Consequences for Non-Compliance

CBSE has clearly stated:

“Practical examinations that do not meet the prescribed guidelines are liable to be cancelled.”

Depending on the severity of violation, schools may face:

• Cancellation of entire practical exam batch

• Fresh practical exams under board supervision

• Show-cause notices to school authorities

• Suspension of school examination centres

🏫 Message to Schools and Students

CBSE has urged school principals to ensure complete compliance, warning that negligence may impact students’ future. Students are also advised to prepare their practical files, projects, and lab work strictly according to the CBSE syllabus.