The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released detailed guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for conducting practical examinations, projects, and internal assessments for Classes X and XII in the academic session 2024–25. These measures aim to maintain uniformity and efficiency across CBSE-affiliated schools, ensuring error-free results.
Examination Schedule and Deadlines
CBSE has divided the practical examination schedule into two phases based on the type of school:
| School Type | Practical Exam Dates |
|---|---|
| Winter-Bound Schools | November 5, 2024, to December 5, 2024 |
| Regular Session Schools | January 1, 2025, to February 14, 2025 |
Key Points:
- Schools must upload marks for practicals and projects during their respective exam periods.
- The final mark submission must align with the last date of the respective examination phase. Extensions will not be granted.
Guidelines for Conducting Practical Exams
CBSE’s updated SOPs outline a comprehensive approach to conducting practical exams, ensuring fairness and consistency:
Laboratory Preparation
- Laboratories must be fully equipped with necessary apparatus, chemicals, and other materials.
- An external examiner will inspect the facilities at least one day prior to the examinations.
Student Batch Management
- Students will be divided into batches of 30 for efficient management.
- Each batch can be further divided into sub-groups of 15 for optimal lab and written work execution.
- The practical exams for a single batch must be completed in one day, and their marks uploaded collectively.
Examiner Roles and Responsibilities
For Class XII:
- External examiners appointed by CBSE will collaborate with internal examiners for assessments.
- Schools must provide accurate details of examiners, including their teacher ID and bank account information, for seamless payment processing.
For Class X:
- Practical examinations and projects will be conducted internally without the involvement of external examiners.
- Schools must locally arrange practical answer books as CBSE will not supply them.
Observers:
- CBSE may appoint observers to oversee the examination process, ensuring compliance with guidelines.
Marking Protocols and Upload Guidelines
To ensure accuracy and uniformity in marks:
- Components of Marks: Examiners must allocate marks for lab records, viva voce, projects, and practical work.
- Integer Marks Only: Fractional marks are not allowed and must be rounded up.
- Same-Day Uploads: Examiners must preview and finalise marks on the examination day. Once uploaded, corrections are not permitted.
Digital Records: Schools must scan signed award lists and securely store them for at least one year after the declaration of results.
Ensuring Transparency with Photographic Evidence
A geotagged and time-stamped group photograph of each batch, including all students, internal and external examiners, and observers, must be uploaded via the CBSE app-link. This measure ensures transparency and compliance.
Strict Actions Against Non-Compliance
CBSE has issued a stern warning against violations of the guidelines:
- Unfair Means: Attempts to influence examiners or alter marks post-upload will be treated as unfair means (UFM) cases.
- Penalties: Non-compliance may result in the cancellation of examinations, and CBSE reserves the right to reschedule them under strict supervision.
Integrated Payment System (IPS)
To streamline payments for examiners and support staff, CBSE has introduced an Integrated Payment System (IPS):
- Schools must collect bank account details of all personnel involved in advance.
- Payments will be processed efficiently through the IPS.
Emphasizing Integrity and Accuracy
CBSE’s updated SOPs for practical examinations and internal assessments reflect its commitment to maintaining high standards in school-level assessments. By implementing stringent guidelines and leveraging technology, CBSE aims to deliver a transparent and accurate examination process. Schools are urged to follow these directives meticulously to ensure a seamless experience for all stakeholders.
For more information, visit the CBSE Academic Website or CBSE Main Website.
