CBSE Allows Re-evaluation of Theory Marks, Not Practicals: Controller Sanyam Bharadwaj Explains

As the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) rolls out changes to board examinations in 2026, students and parents are still looking for clear answers.

Questions around improvement exams, eligibility criteria, re-attempts after passing Class 12, and whether the two-board exam system will expand to Class 12 are all doing the rounds. CBSE Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bharadwaj addresses some of the most common questions below.

What Happens if a Student misses a Practical Exam?

Missing a practical exam is rare, but CBSE has a system in place for it. Schools can either reschedule the exam or mark the student absent, depending on the situation. After that, the school takes further action with the Board's permission to sort things out.

Can Practical Marks be Improved in the Second Attempt?

No, they can't. For both Class 10 and Class 12, there's no option to improve practical marks. If a student wants to improve their score, it's only possible for theory papers.

How does CBSE Decide Practical Examination Dates?

For Class 10, internal assessment runs throughout the year as a continuous process. Once the session ends, schools upload the student's performance on the CBSE portal. This uploading window opens on January 1st and stays open until mid-February.

For Class 12, practical exams are held after the session ends. In summer-bound schools, they're usually held in December, with the exam window running from January 1st to mid-February. In winter-bound schools, practicals are held in October, running from November 1st to mid-December.

Does Notebook Submission Affect Internal Assessment Marks in Class 10?

Yes, it does. Five marks are set aside for practical or laboratory work done throughout the year, and students are expected to keep a proper record of it. Since practical assessment is continuous, all practical work listed in the syllabus needs to be completed. So yes, your notebook submission counts.

How is the Internal Assessment Weightage Calculated in the Final Result?

For Class 10, students need to score at least 33 per cent overall — combining both theory and practical or internal assessment marks — to pass a subject.

For Class 12, the passing mark for external exams is 33 per cent. But for subjects that include practical work, students must score at least 33 per cent in theory and 33 per cent in practicals separately, along with 33 per cent in aggregate, to clear that subject.

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👉 CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

CBSE Class 12 study material includes latest syllabus, sample papers, NCERT books and solutions, previous year question papers, chapter-wise important questions, case study questions, assertion-reason questions, and competency-based questions — all updated as per the latest CBSE board exam pattern.