CBSE clarifies practical examination and internal assessment weightage for 2027

CBSE has released the subject-wise marks distribution for Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026-27, detailing theory, practical, project, and internal assessment weightage, examination duration, and practical examination requirements across subjects.CBSE releases practical exam, internal assessment marking format for Classes 10, 12 (Image courtesy: Getty Images)New Delhi,Nov 8, 2026 13:50 ISTThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the subject-wise marks distribution for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for the 2026-27 academic session. The notification outlines the maximum marks allocated to theory examinations, practical assessments, project work and internal assessments across different subjects.The document also specifies the duration of theory examinations, appointment of external practical examiners, and availability of practical answer books for individual subjects.FOR CLASS 10For Class 10, major subjects such as Mathematics (Standard and Basic), Science, Social Science and English Language and Literature carry 80 marks for theory examinations and 20 marks for internal assessment, taking the total to 100 marks.However, the assessment structure differs across subjects. Home Science carries 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for practical examinations, while Computer Applications has an equal distribution of 50 marks each for theory and practical assessments. Carnatic and Hindustani music subjects follow a 30:50:20 distribution, with 30 marks for theory, 50 for practical examinations and 20 for internal assessment. Painting also follows the same pattern.Meanwhile, vocational subjects such as Retail, Information Technology, Automotive, Agriculture and Beauty and Wellness carry 50 marks each for theory and practical examinations. Elements of Business, on the other hand, has 70 marks for theory and 30 for project work. Most Class 10 theory examinations have a duration of three hours, while several skill-based and music subjects have two-hour papers.FOR CLASS 12For Class 12, the marks distribution varies according to the subject and assessment requirements.Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology carry 70 marks for theory examinations and 30 marks for practical assessments. Psychology, Physical Education, Home Science, Computer Science and Informatics Practices also follow a 70:30 theory-practical distribution.In humanities and commerce, History, Political Science, Economics, Sociology, Business Studies and Accountancy carry 80 marks for theory examinations and 20 marks for project work. Entrepreneurship has 70 marks for theory and 30 marks for internal assessment.Geography follows a 70:30 theory-practical structure. Fine arts subjects, including Painting, Graphics and Sculpture, have 30 marks for theory and 70 for practical examinations.VOCATIONAL SUBJECTS AND PRACTICAL EXAMINATIONSFor Class 12 vocational subjects, including Retail, Information Technology, Automotive, Tourism, Agriculture and Healthcare, the board has allocated 60 marks for theory and 40 for practical assessments. Multimedia follows a 50:50 distribution.The notification also specifies that external practical examiners will be appointed for several Class 12 subjects, including Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Geography. Practical answer books will also be supplied for these examinations.Most Class 12 theory papers will be of three hours long, while certain music, dance, and fine arts examinations will have a duration of two hours.Students and schools can refer to the official notification for the complete subject-wise marks distribution and examination requirements.Click here to read the full notice.- Ends