The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an important circular (No. CBSE/Coord/PRAC-REMINDER/2024, Dated: 31.12.2024) detailing the guidelines for the conduct of Practical Examinations, Projects, and Internal Assessments for Classes X and XII for the academic year 2024-25. The practical exams are scheduled to take place from 1st January 2025 to 14th February 2025.
This announcement is critical for all CBSE-affiliated schools, students, and parents. The circular outlines necessary actions and precautions to ensure the smooth and fair conduct of practical exams.
Key Highlights of the CBSE Guidelines
1. Adequate Preparation for Practical Exams
- Schools must confirm that they have received sufficient practical answer books. In case of any shortage, schools should immediately contact their respective Regional Office.
- Laboratories must be equipped with necessary materials and infrastructure to support the smooth conduct of practical exams.
2. Communication with Students and Parents
- Schools must inform parents and students well in advance about the schedule for practical examinations to ensure proper compliance with CBSE’s instructions.
3. Involvement of Appointed Examiners
- External examiners appointed by CBSE must be contacted well before the scheduled exams. Schools are not authorized to arrange substitute external examiners locally.
- Any practical exams conducted with unauthorized examiners will be deemed null and void.
4. Mark Uploading and Verification
- Schools are required to upload the practical marks on the same day of the examination.
- Principals and examiners must ensure the marks are accurate, as corrections will not be entertained once the results are uploaded.
5. Support for Children with Special Needs (CWSN)
- Schools must make special arrangements for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) to ensure their participation in practical exams without any difficulties.
6. Timeline Compliance
- All practical exams must be conducted strictly within the timeline from 1st January 2025 to 14th February 2025.
- Principals should follow up with teachers and coordinators regularly to ensure the exams are completed on time and the marks are uploaded without delay.
7. Policy for National-Level Sports Participants
- Students participating in national or international sports events are not exempt from appearing for practical exams. Separate arrangements for these students will not be made.
Additional Instructions for Schools
- Marks Verification: Internal and external examiners must ensure the marks assigned are aligned with the maximum marks for each subject.
- Fair Assessment: The marks awarded must solely reflect the student’s performance during the practical examination.
- Regular Follow-Ups: Principals are instructed to monitor the status of practical exams and ensure all CBSE directives are being followed.
In case of non-compliance with the guidelines, CBSE reserves the right to cancel the practical examinations conducted by the school.
Important Timeline
- Practical Exam Dates: 1st January 2025 to 14th February 2025
- Daily Mark Upload Deadline: Same day as the practical assessment
Schools are advised to regularly consult the CBSE portal and coordinate with their respective Regional Offices for any required clarifications or support.
CBSE’s comprehensive guidelines aim to ensure the smooth and standardized conduct of practical examinations across all affiliated schools. Schools are urged to follow the instructions diligently to avoid any disruptions in the assessment process. This step is critical in maintaining fairness and transparency while preparing students for the final board examinations.
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