The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CBSE Class 12 Practical Date Sheet 2026, marking the beginning of the board exam season for lakhs of students across the country. Practical examinations are among the most crucial components of the Class 12 assessment system, as they not only evaluate a student’s conceptual understanding but also test their real-world application and hands-on skills.
The CBSE practical exams for Class 12 play a significant role in shaping the final board results. Therefore, knowing the complete schedule, guidelines, subject-wise dates, and preparation strategy is essential for every student appearing in the 2026 board exams.
It covers everything you need to know about the CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026 in detail and must check CBSE Class 12th Final Date Sheet 2026.
CBSE Class 12 Practical Exam Dates 2026: Overview
CBSE has announced that the practical exams for Class 12 will be conducted from 1 January 2026 to 15 February 2026 for all schools affiliated with the board. Schools must complete the following:
- Practical Exams
- Project Assessments
- Internal Assessments
- Uploading of Marks on the CBSE Portal
within the given timeline.
The dates may slightly vary from school to school depending on the availability of external examiners and laboratory schedule, but all must strictly follow the CBSE official window.
CBSE Class 12 Practical Date Sheet 2026
Since CBSE allows schools some flexibility in conducting practicals, below is the expected and commonly followed schedule:
| Subject | Practical Exam Date (Tentative) | Marks |
| Physics | 5 January – 12 January 2026 | 30 |
| Chemistry | 8 January – 15 January 2026 | 30 |
| Biology | 10 January – 18 January 2026 | 30 |
| Computer Science | 12 January – 20 January 2026 | 30 |
| Informatics Practices | 12 January – 20 January 2026 | 30 |
| Accountancy | 15 January – 25 January 2026 | 20 |
| Business Studies | 20 January – 30 January 2026 | 20 |
| Economics | 20 January – 30 January 2026 | 20 |
| Geography | 12 January – 22 January 2026 | 30 |
| Psychology | 10 January – 20 January 2026 | 30 |
| Physical Education | 6 January – 16 January 2026 | 30 |
| Home Science | 8 January – 18 January 2026 | 30 |
| Fine Arts | 1 January – 15 January 2026 | 70 |
Note: Students must check the final schedule issued by their respective schools because the exact dates depend on the presence of external examiners and lab availability.
CBSE Class 12 Practical Components & Marking Scheme 2026
Each practical exam includes the following components:
1. Experiment / Practical Work (15–20 Marks)
Students perform experiments based on the subject syllabus.
2. Viva Voce (5–10 Marks)
Questions are asked by the external examiner to test understanding of:
- Principles
- Procedures
- Results
- Applications
3. Projects / Files / Lab Records (5–10 Marks)
Neatness, accuracy, and quality of work matter greatly.
4. Attendance & Performance
Based on the student’s consistency and classroom engagement.
CBSE Class 12th Final Date Sheet 2026Important CBSE Guidelines for Class 12 Practical Exams 2026
CBSE issues strict guidelines to ensure transparency and accuracy:
✔ Mandatory Presence of External Examiner
Science subjects and others involving practical evaluation require an external examiner appointed by CBSE.
✔ Students Must Carry the Following:
- School ID card
- Practical file (signed by the teacher)
- Lab coat (for science students)
- Proper stationery
- Required materials (if instructed by school)
✔ Students Must Reach the Lab Before Time
Late entry may result in disqualification.
✔ No Rough Files or Unchecked Projects Permitted
Only signed and verified files are accepted.
✔ Digital Marks Uploading
Schools must upload:
- Practical marks
- Project marks
- Internal assessment scores
on the official CBSE portal immediately after the exam.
How to Prepare for CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026
1. Revise All Class Notes & Lab Manuals
Every experiment taught in class may appear in the exam.
2. Complete Your Practical File Neatly
A clean and complete file can help you score full marks.
3. Practice Viva Questions Daily
Common viva topics include:
- Laws and formulas
- Instruments used
- Real-life applications
- Calculation methods
4. Understand Diagrams and Lab Setup
Diagrams in subjects like Physics, Biology, and Geography can fetch extra marks.
5. Perform Each Experiment Practically
Hands-on practice builds confidence.
Subject-Wise Preparation Tips
🔬 Physics Practical Tips
- Understand the working of devices like ammeters, voltmeters, lenses, and galvanometers.
- Practice graph-plotting.
- Revise all formulas and SI units.
🧪 Chemistry Practical Tips
- Practice titration technique.
- Revise salt analysis (if applicable).
- Learn color changes and reagents.
🧬 Biology Practical Tips
- Draw clean, labeled diagrams.
- Study slide identification.
- Prepare ecological experiments and dissections (as per rules).
💻 Computer Science & IP
- Practice Python/Java programs (as applicable).
- Revise database queries.
- Demonstrate project confidently.
Things to Carry on Practical Exam Day
- Admit card (if issued by school)
- School ID
- Stationery (pens, pencils, ruler, eraser)
- Practical file
- Calculator (if allowed)
- Lab coat, gloves, goggles (for science subjects)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting incomplete files
- Coming late to the lab
- Writing incorrect observations
- Not revising viva questions
- Carelessness with equipment
- Messy diagrams
Avoiding these mistakes can help you score 27–30 out of 30 marks easily.
FAQs – CBSE Class 12 Practical Date Sheet 2026
1. When will CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026 start?
CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026 will begin from 1 January 2026 and will continue until 15 February 2026 across all CBSE-affiliated schools.
2. Who decides the final practical exam dates for each school?
CBSE provides a date window, but individual schools prepare the final practical schedule based on lab availability and external examiner slots. Students must follow the school-issued timetable.
3. Is it compulsory to attend CBSE practical exams?
Yes, attendance is 100% mandatory. If a student misses the practical exam without valid medical or approved reasons, they may be marked ABSENT, which affects the final result.
4. How many marks are allotted for Class 12 practical exams?
Most CBSE Class 12 practical exams carry 20–30 marks, depending on the subject. Science subjects usually have 30 marks, while commerce and humanities subjects have 20 marks.
5. What is included in the CBSE practical marking scheme?
The marking scheme includes:
- Experiment/Practical Work
- Viva Voce
- Practical File/Project
- Internal Assessment
- Overall Lab Performance
6. Will an external examiner conduct CBSE Class 12 practical exams?
Yes. Subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography, and Psychology require an external examiner appointed by CBSE.
7. What documents should students carry for practical exams?
Students must carry:
- School ID card
- Practical file with teacher’s signature
- Lab coat (for science labs)
- Stationery
- Any material instructed by teachers
8. Can students score full marks in CBSE practical exams?
Absolutely yes. With complete files, clean diagrams, good viva preparation, and proper practical performance, students can easily score 28–30 marks out of 30.
9. When will the CBSE board upload the practical marks?
Schools upload marks immediately after the practical examination on the CBSE portal, along with supporting documents and attendance sheets.
10. Are viva questions difficult in CBSE Class 12 practical exams?
No, viva questions are usually based on basic concepts, steps of experiments, applications, and simple reasoning. Students who revise their practical notes can answer them easily.
11. Will the practical exam date be the same in all schools?
No. The date window is same, but the actual date varies school-wise depending on examiner availability.
12. Do internal assessments also count in CBSE Class 12 result?
Yes, internal assessment marks are added to the theory + practical marks and are included in the final CBSE Class 12 result.
13. What happens if a student makes a mistake during the practical exam?
Minor mistakes are acceptable, but students should show correct understanding. External examiners mainly look at concept clarity, not perfection.
14. How can I prepare for CBSE Class 12 practical exams effectively?
- Practice all experiments
- Complete your file neatly
- Revise viva questions
- Understand diagrams and procedures
- Follow safety rules in the lab
15. Where can I check the official CBSE practical date sheet?
Students can check the official notification on the DateSheet.info or CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) or through their school’s official communication.
CBSE Class 10th Final Date Sheet 2026Final Thoughts
CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams 2026 are more than just internal assessments—they are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their practical understanding, build confidence for real-life applications, and secure high marks that impact their overall CBSE result.
Start early, revise regularly, complete your files properly, and stay calm during the viva. With proper preparation, securing full marks in practicals is easily achievable.
