CBSE Practical Exams & Internal Assessment: Dates, Marks & Rules
CBSE practical exams and internal assessment are a formal part of the board result for most Science and some other subjects. For Class 12, practical exams are held between December and January at your school — well before the main theory board exams in February–April.
Internal assessment typically covers periodic tests, notebooks, and subject-enrichment activities. These marks feed into your final subject result and cannot be made up after the exam season.
How marks are typically split (indicative)
| Subject type | Theory marks | Practical / Internal marks | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science subjects with practicals (e.g. Physics, Chemistry, Biology) | 70 | 30 | Must pass theory and practical separately |
| Science subjects with projects (e.g. Computer Science) | Varies | Varies | Confirm the split in the official syllabus PDF |
| Subjects with internal assessment only (e.g. English, Social Science) | Varies | 20 (internal) | No separate lab practical exam |
Indicative only. Confirm the exact marks split for your subject from the official CBSE syllabus PDF for your session.
How to handle practical season without stress
- Confirm practical dates with your school (December–January) — School-conducted practicals for Class 12 usually happen in December–January. Do not wait for an announcement — ask your teacher early.
- Complete your record/practical file properly — An incomplete practical file or missing notebook entries can lower your internal marks significantly. Submit everything before the assessment date.
- Revise standard experiments and identify high-frequency viva questions — Viva questions during practical exams typically focus on the experiment you just performed and the underlying theory.
- Treat internal assessment marks seriously from term 1 — Periodic test marks, subject enrichment, and portfolio work are often locked in early and cannot be improved after the final exam.
You must pass practical and theory components separately: For subjects with practicals, meeting the minimum marks in theory alone is not enough. You also need to meet the minimum in the practical component. A weak practical result can result in a compartment even with a good theory score.
Frequently asked questions
Who conducts CBSE practical exams for Class 12?
Class 12 practical exams are typically conducted at your school with an external examiner appointed by CBSE. The dates are usually set by your school in coordination with CBSE guidelines for December–January.
What if I miss a practical exam due to illness?
Contact your school immediately. CBSE has provisions for medical emergencies, but the school must be informed in advance. There is typically no "re-sit" option for practicals outside the official window.