New SOPs Announced to Strengthen Fairness, Transparency and Uniformity in Practical Assessments
CBSE Releases Updated SOPs for Practical Exams: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a detailed set of Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the conduct of Practical Examinations, Projects and Internal Assessments for Class 10 and 12 for the 2024–25 academic session.
The circular outlines clear instructions for schools, examiners, and students to ensure that practical assessments are carried out uniformly and transparently across all CBSE-affiliated institutions.
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The Board emphasised that the practical examination system is a crucial component of the assessment framework and must be conducted strictly according to prescribed rules.
Schools have been directed to maintain full readiness—both academic and infrastructural—to avoid any delay or deviation. CBSE has also reiterated that schools must upload all required marks, documents, attendance, and records within the prescribed timelines to ensure smooth evaluation and result processing.
The guidelines extensively cover the responsibilities of principals, internal and external examiners, laboratory arrangements, safety protocols, assessment procedures, and the verification of evidence. CBSE has stated that strict action will be taken against any school or examiner failing to adhere to the approved examination norms.
What Do the New Guidelines Emphasise?
According to the document, CBSE calls for a uniform, error-free conduct of practical exams and project assessments. Schools must ensure that laboratories and ICT facilities are fully functional, apparatus is adequate, and safety measures are in place for students.
The circular also underlines the importance of fair marking, proper documentation, and uploading evidence such as photographs, attendance sheets, and examiner details.
CBSE has also restricted schools from replacing appointed external examiners or making timetable changes without approval, stressing that the integrity of the practical examination system must be preserved.
How Must Schools Prepare for Practical Examinations?
Schools have been instructed to complete all syllabus-related practical work well in advance. They are required to ensure that students maintain their laboratory records, project files, and activity workbooks as prescribed. Principals must verify infrastructure readiness and coordinate efficiently with external examiners.
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The document notes that all laboratory readings, project demonstrations, and viva-voce assessments must be conducted in the physical presence of the appointed examiners. CBSE has asked schools to avoid conducting exams in haste, as quality and fairness are core expectations.
What Are the Responsibilities of External and Internal Examiners?
CBSE has laid out clear expectations for both categories:
Internal Examiners must ensure that all students have completed the required practical activities and maintain verified practical files.
External Examiners are responsible for conducting the viva-voce, assessing performance, and ensuring unbiased marking. They must also verify that the laboratory setting meets CBSE standards and that safety procedures are followed.
Both examiners must jointly finalise marks and complete the documentation on the same day as the practical examination.
How Will Evidence and Documentation Be Managed?
The circular mandates the uploading of:
- Attendance sheets
- Photographs of the examination in progress
- Signed mark sheets
- Details of examiners
- Students’ practical files or project evidence (where required)
CBSE stresses that incomplete uploads will lead to delays or non-acceptance of marks.
Read official CBSE Circular : Guidelines and SOPs for Practical Examination-2025, reg.
Guidelines-and-SOPs-for-Practical-Examination-2025Key Information at a Glance
| Category | Important Information |
|---|---|
| Examination Session | Practical Examinations 2025 (Class 10 & 12) |
| Issued By | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Purpose | Ensuring fair, transparent, and uniform practical assessment |
| Applies To | All CBSE-affiliated schools |
| Includes | Practical exams, projects, internal assessments |
| Mandatory Evidence | Attendance, photos, signatures, mark uploads |
| Examiners | Joint assessment by internal & external examiners |
| Compliance | Strict adherence required; deviations not permitted |
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of CBSE’s new practical exam guidelines?
The guidelines ensure fairness, uniformity, and transparency during practical assessments.
2. Are schools allowed to change the practical exam schedule on their own?
No, schedule changes require CBSE approval.
3. What evidence must schools upload after conducting practical exams?
Schools must upload photos, attendance records, and signed mark sheets.
4. How must practical exams be conducted?
They must be conducted jointly by internal and external examiners with proper lab readiness.
5. What happens if a school fails to follow the SOPs?
CBSE may take action, and marks may be withheld or rejected.
