CBSE Issues New Guidelines for 2025 Board Exam Practical Assessments

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a fresh set of guidelines for the 2025 Board Exam practical assessments, aiming to make the evaluation process more transparent, standardized, and skill-oriented for Class 10 and Class 12 students across the NCR.

According to the circular, schools must adhere to a stricter framework for conducting practicals, including mandatory video documentation of select experiments, digital record-keeping of internal marks, and stricter verification of laboratory equipment before assessments. The board has also emphasized that external examiners must be appointed through the official CBSE portal only, ensuring no unauthorized personnel participate in the process.

One of the major updates includes increased weightage for hands-on skills and real-life application in subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Computer Science. Students will be evaluated not only on performing experiments but also on their ability to explain concepts, interpret data, and apply results to practical scenarios.

CBSE has also advised schools to schedule mock practicals in December and January to familiarize students with the revised format. Internal examiners have been instructed to maintain impartial evaluation records, and discrepancies may result in strict administrative action.

Schools in NCR have already begun preparations by updating lab manuals, organizing pre-practical workshops, and training teachers on the new assessment structure. Students have welcomed the guidelines, saying the emphasis on practical learning makes the exam process more meaningful.

The board will release additional clarifications on viva patterns and internal assessment rubrics in the coming weeks.