CBSE Practical Exams 2026 – Must-Know Guidelines, Tips & Schedule for Class 10 & 12

CBSE Board Practical Exam Dates 2026

Students preparing for the CBSE 10th and CBSE 12th practical exams can check out the important dates below to learn more.

Must-Know Points for CBSE Board Practical Exams 2026

The Central Board Examination appearing candidates must go through the CBSE practical exam guidelines and follow them mandatorily. Check out the important must-know points mentioned below to learn more about the CBSE board practical exams.

1. Lab Practicals

Students must practice a few laboratory practicals before the final exam to have an idea about how the practical exam will be conducted for that particular subject. They need hands-on experience to master the subject.

• Candidates can ask their respective subject teachers in laboratory sessions to allow them to practice for the exam.

• Learn about the lab equipment and how to use it properly during an experiment.

• Practice all experiments in your school laboratory that are being conducted in every session.

• Try to minimise the errors in the final CBSE practical exam.

• After using the equipment, keep it safely where it belongs or hand it over to the lab assistant.

2. Revise the CBSE Practical Exam Syllabus

Candidates need to go through the entire CBSE syllabus 2025-26 for the practical examination to have an understanding of the experiments and requirements of the exam. Before you appear for the practicals, make sure you are familiar with the concepts of performing every experiment and its procedure.

• Go through the theoretical concepts, having practical exam information

• Thoroughly read the frequently asked viva questions.

• Go through all the important experiments.

3. Keep Practical Exam Things Ready

Students must keep all the required items for the CBSE board practical exams ready on the final exam day. Check out the following things -

• Stationery items such as pencils, erasers, pens, a scale, and other items with respect to the specific subject.

• Laboratory coat, if applicable, and additional items specified by the subject teacher.

4. Practical Projects, Files, and Assignments

The examiners go through the CBSE practical exam files, project assignments, etc., while providing the final practical marks. Make sure your projects are -

• Error-free, neatly written, up-to-date, and have enough information on the subject topics.

• Ensure your project file meets all the necessary specifications and guidelines, which will be reviewed by the subject teachers and external examiners.

• Make sure to draw the diagrams, tables, and graphs properly.

5. Cross-Check Before Submitting the Practicals

Verify the answers, recorded observations and practicals before submitting the files and answer sheets. Cross-check your work and ensure all answers are complete, accurate, neat, and organised. Review your work and correct mistakes, if any.

6. Viva-Voce Questions

Students may find the viva-voce during the practical exams challenging. They cannot answer the questions if they haven’t prepared the answers. They need to practice and prepare for the Q&A confidently and to the point. Some questions may include the steps used to experiment, the principle behind the practical exam, and how to apply the concept in real-life applications and formulas, etc.

Key Tips to Prepare for the CBSE Practical Exams 2026

Candidates often get confused regarding the CBSE Board 2026 practical exams and how to prepare for all subjects, specifically for science and non-science subjects. Check out the important tips below to learn more.

Tips for Non-Science Students

• Practice the core concepts and skills to gain proficiency and hands-on experience.

• Understand the marking criteria and passing scheme. Focus on the topics carrying heavy weightage like demonstration, creativity, and execution.

• Keep charts, assignments, and performance logs organised and in order during the practical examination.

• Review presentations and project assignments before submitting or presenting to the teachers.

• Ensure everything is up-to-date, neatly presented, and well-researched.

Tips for Science Students

• Understand the scientific concepts, and know the theory behind the experiment to be performed.

• Revise the key principles and go through the guidelines thoroughly.

• Ensure to practice the measuring techniques using pipettes, balances, and burettes.

• Focus on mastering the calculation of like values, observations, and concentrations.

• Adhere to the safety guidelines in the laboratory, including lab coat, gloves, goggles, handling chemicals, and equipment.