The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released important updates about the Class 10 and Class 12 Board examinations for **2026**. Students, teachers, and parents should pay close attention to the new rules for marks, especially for practical exams, project work, and internal assessments. The board announced that practical exams will take place from **January 1, 2026, to February 14, 2026**.
Understanding the New Marks Distribution for 2026 Board Exams
CBSE has shared a detailed notice explaining how marks will be given across all subjects for the upcoming Board exams. This step aims to bring more clarity and ensure fair assessment for every student. For most subjects, the total marks for the final assessment will be **100**. These 100 marks are carefully divided into different parts:
| Component | Description | Importance for Students |
| Theory Examination | This is the main written exam, testing your understanding of the subject. | Forms a large part of your final score, requiring thorough study. |
| Practical Examination | These are hands-on tests, common in subjects like Science, Computer Science, and Home Science. They check your ability to apply knowledge. | Important for subjects requiring experiments or demonstrations, like lab work. |
| Project Assessment | Marks given for project work, which often involves research, building models, or creating presentations. | Rewards deep learning, research skills, and creative application of concepts. |
| Internal Assessment (IA) | These marks are given by your school teachers. They are based on your regular classroom performance, attendance, assignments, quizzes, and overall participation throughout the academic year. | Encourages consistent effort and engagement in daily school activities. |
The board's notice clearly lays out the maximum marks allotted for each of these four components for every subject. This clear breakdown helps students understand the weight of each part of their studies and how it contributes to their final grade.
Practical Exam Schedule and Assessment Process
A specific period has been set aside for practical examinations. All CBSE-affiliated schools must conduct these exams between **January 1, 2026**, and **February 14, 2026**. This timeline ensures that schools have enough time to complete all practical assessments before the main theory exams begin.
Who Will Check Your Practical and Internal Marks?
- For Class 10 Students: Your own school teachers will be responsible for checking and giving marks for your practical exams, project work, and internal assessments. This means your ongoing performance in class is very important.
- For Class 12 Students: To ensure fairness and a standard assessment across all schools, outside experts, known as external examiners, will visit your school. They will check your practical exams and project work. This system helps to maintain a high standard of evaluation for senior students.
Strict Instructions for Schools to Avoid Errors
CBSE has highlighted a serious concern: schools sometimes make mistakes when uploading students' marks for practicals, projects, and internal assessments. To stop this from happening in 2026, the board has strongly advised schools to be extremely careful and follow all guidelines strictly. The notice warns that requests to correct mistakes later will not be entertained if schools fail to comply with the instructions now.
The detailed circular sent to schools includes crucial information for every subject for both Class 10 and Class 12. This includes:
- The unique subject code and full name of each subject.
- The maximum marks for the main theory exam.
- The maximum marks allocated for the practical exam.
- The maximum marks set aside for project assessment.
- The maximum marks for the internal assessment (IA).
- Clear information on whether an external examiner will be appointed for a particular practical or project assessment.
- Details on whether CBSE will provide a special answer book specifically for practical examinations.
- Information about the type of answer book that will be used for the theory examinations.
How Students Can Access the Detailed Marking Scheme
Students and schools can find the complete rules for marks distribution for the 2026 Board exams. It is very important for all students to review these documents. You can usually find these details on the official CBSE website or by checking with your school's examination coordinator. Understanding how your marks will be divided and assessed can help you prepare better for each part of your examinations – be it theory, practical, project, or internal assessment.
The CBSE expects all schools to complete all practical exams, project submissions, and internal assessments within the given time frame. Completing these tasks on schedule is vital to prevent any difficulties or delays for students as they approach their final Board results.
