Most Urgent News: New CBSE Practical Exam Rules & 'No Correction' Policy Explained

If you are preparing for the Class 12 board exams, the pressure is already on. But for the 2025-26 session, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has just raised the stakes significantly.

The board has released a fresh set of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for practical exams scheduled to begin on January 1, 2026.

While strict guidelines are nothing new, there is one major update that has caught everyone’s attention: a zero-tolerance "No Correction" rule.

Here is a breakdown of what has changed, why it matters, and how to ensure you don’t lose marks due to a technicality.

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The 'No Correction' Rule: What It Means

In the past, schools could sometimes request changes if they made a mistake while uploading marks. That option is now gone.

Under the new rules, schools must upload practical marks to the CBSE portal on the same day the exam takes place. Once the marks are uploaded, the system locks them instantly.

• No Changes Allowed: Even if there is a typo or a clerical error, the marks cannot be changed later.
• Final Decision: The marks uploaded on the exam day will be treated as final for your board result.

This puts a lot of responsibility on schools and examiners to get it right the first time.

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Major Guidelines You Must Know

Apart from the mark uploading rule, CBSE has introduced several other strict measures to ensure exams are conducted fairly.

1. External Examiners are Mandatory

For Class 12, the practical exams must be conducted by an External Examiner appointed by CBSE. If a school conducts the exam without an external examiner, the exam will be cancelled, and students will be marked as "Absent."

2. Geo-Tagged Photos

To prove the exam is happening fairly and on time, schools must upload "Geo-tagged" photos. These are special photos that automatically record the location and time they were taken.

• Photos must clearly show the students, the internal examiner, and the external examiner.
• Faces must be clearly visible.

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3. Strict Batch Timings

Be punctual! Schools have been instructed to form batches of 20-30 students. You need to be in the lab before the scheduled time. Often, the external examiner will conduct a lab inspection before the exam starts, potentially as early as 10:30 AM.

4. The 'Undertaking'

Both the Internal and External examiners have to sign an official document (an undertaking). This certifies that the marks they are uploading are 100% correct and based on the student's actual performance.

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Quick Summary of New Rules

What Should Students Do?

Don't panic, but be prepared. Since your teachers cannot "fix" your marks later, make sure you perform your best on the actual day.

• Check your details: Ensure your name and Roll Number are correct on the attendance sheet before the exam starts.
• Be on time: Late entry might be denied strictly due to the new batch uploading protocols.
• Focus on the File: Ensure your practical file is complete and checked, as it’s immediate proof of your year-long work.

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👉 CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

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