The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has unveiled the practical examination schedule for winter-bound schools for the 2024-25 academic year, marking an important development in education news. Given the winter season closures in January, these exams are scheduled from November 5 to December 5, 2024. This early schedule ensures the timely completion of practical exams for Class X and XII students in colder regions.
CBSE has outlined detailed instructions for these schools to streamline the process. Schools are required to finalize their student lists, coordinate with regional CBSE offices to appoint external examiners, and ensure all completed practical assessments are dispatched to regional centers promptly. The board emphasized strict adherence to these guidelines to maintain exam integrity and timely submission of results.
This circular is exclusive to winter-bound schools, while regular session schools will conduct their practical exams from January 1, 2025. CBSE has assured that a separate announcement will address the schedule and guidelines for regular-session schools.
Key Guidelines for Practical Exams Dates
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released additional updates regarding the practical exams for winter-bound schools, set to take place from November 5 to December 5, 2024, to ensure timely completion before winter closures in January. Here are the latest updates on the process and associated guidelines:
1. SOPs and Requirements: CBSE has reinforced its guidelines for winter-bound schools, emphasizing the need for schools to finalize candidate lists and appoint external examiners through coordination with regional offices. Schools are also mandated to dispatch completed answer books and practical assessment records promptly to regional CBSE centers by the deadline
2. Real-Time Submission of Marks: During the examination period, schools are required to upload students’ practical marks, project scores, and internal assessment results onto the CBSE portal as each assessment is completed. This step aims to streamline the process, reduce logistical delays, and ensure that all data is submitted by the final exam date, December 5. The CBSE has explicitly stated that no extensions will be granted for late submissions
4. Theory Exams Timeline: Following the practical exams, CBSE’s theory exams for Class 10 and 12 are scheduled to commence on February 15, 2025. While the full theory exam date sheet is expected to be released shortly, the early announcement allows students to align their preparation for both practical and theory components effectively
6. Additional Support for Schools: CBSE is offering guidance to schools through regional offices to facilitate a smooth examination process. This includes potential workshops or informational sessions on how to handle the assessments and manage exam logistics according to the updated SOPs for the 2024-25 academic year.
Regular Session Schools
Regular session schools will conduct their practical exams from January 1, 2025. The CBSE has assured that a separate announcement will address regular-session school schedules and guidelines.
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
The CBSE has issued specific SOPs for winter-bound schools conducting practical exams for the 2024-25 session. These SOPs aim to facilitate a smooth exam process amid winter closures ³ ⁴[5).
By announcing the practical exam schedule and guidelines, the CBSE aims to ensure a seamless examination process for winter-bound schools. With clear instructions and timelines, schools can now prepare for the exams, and students can focus on their studies without worrying about the exam schedule.
Conclusion
The CBSE’s proactive approach in announcing early practical exam dates for winter-bound schools underlines its commitment to a streamlined, efficient examination process for the 2024-25 academic session. By scheduling practical exams from November 5 to December 5, 2024, the board ensures that students and educators in colder regions can complete their assessments ahead of winter closures.
With strict guidelines on real-time submission of marks, coordination with regional offices, and clear standard operating procedures, the CBSE aims to minimize disruptions and maintain exam integrity.
Additionally, the synchronized scheduling for regular schools starting January 1, 2025, provides ample preparation time for students across the board, contributing to a fair and consistent assessment experience. This structured approach highlights CBSE’s dedication to educational quality and operational efficiency, allowing students and schools to focus on academic success throughout the year.