CBSE releases essential guidelines for the smooth conduct of Practical Exams 2024, emphasizing correct mark uploads and accommodations for students with special needs.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently issued crucial guidelines for the Annual Practical Examinations, Internal Assessment, and Projects for Class X and XII for the academic session 2023-24. These guidelines, outlined in Circular No. CBSE/COORD/PRACTICAL-SOPS/2023 dated 08.12.2023, aim to streamline the examination process, ensure fairness, and maintain the integrity of the assessment.
Link to Guideline: https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents/Conduct_Practical_Examinations_Reminder_1_23122023.pdf
One of the primary instructions from CBSE is to ensure that schools receive a sufficient number of practical answer books well before the scheduled date for the practical examination. This ensures that the examination process begins on time without any last-minute hassles.
To avoid any confusion, schools are advised to inform both parents and students about the schedule, format, and any specific requirements for the practical examinations. Clear communication helps in creating a conducive environment for the students to prepare and perform well.
Schools are directed to ensure that necessary arrangements such as infrastructure, equipment, and materials are available in the laboratories for conducting practical exams. Adequate setups in laboratories contribute to a smooth examination process, allowing students to perform experiments without any hindrance.
Contacting examiners well in advance is emphasized to ensure a smooth and timely conduct of the examination process on the scheduled date and time. This step is crucial for the efficient coordination between internal and external examiners, facilitating a fair assessment.
The guidelines stress the importance of identifying students with special needs or disabilities and making necessary arrangements to accommodate them during the practical exams. This ensures that all students, regardless of their unique requirements, can comfortably participate in the examination process.
Students are advised to appear for the practical examinations strictly as per the schedule provided. Additionally, the marks for all Practical Examinations, Projects, and Internal Assessments should be uploaded on the day of the assessment itself. This real-time uploading contributes to transparency in the evaluation process.
While uploading the marks, schools, internal examiners, and external examiners (if applicable) must ensure that the correct marks are uploaded. The guidelines highlight that no corrections will be allowed once the marks are uploaded. This underscores the need for accuracy in the assessment process.
For Class XII, the guidelines specify that schools are not authorized to make alternate arrangements for external examiners at the local level. The practical examination must be conducted by an external examiner appointed by the Board, ensuring a standardized evaluation process.
Once the marks are finalized and the process is completed, no changes in marks are allowed. Both internal and external examiners are urged to pay proper attention to ensure the correctness of uploaded marks.
In cases where schools fail to comply with the directions of the Board, the Board reserves the right to cancel the practical examination. This reinforces the importance of strict adherence to the guidelines laid out for a fair and standardized examination process.
The guidelines explicitly state that no extension of dates shall be considered by the Board. Schools are expected to adhere to the schedule provided to ensure the timely completion of the practical examinations.
In case any clarification is required, schools are encouraged to contact the concerned Regional office well in advance. This proactive communication ensures that queries are addressed promptly, avoiding any last-minute confusion.
The recently released guidelines by CBSE for the Practical Examinations 2024 underscore the importance of meticulous planning, effective communication, and strict adherence to the specified procedures. Schools, examiners, and students are urged to follow these guidelines diligently to ensure a smooth and fair examination process. By upholding these standards, CBSE aims to maintain the credibility of the assessment process and provide students with a conducive environment for showcasing their skills and knowledge.