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Pass Marks in CBSE 12 Practical Exam: Simply Explained

Written ByAnkita Singha
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Updated on09 Oct, 2025
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Pass Marks in CBSE 12 Practical

While entering class 12th learners have various questions related to preparation especially for cbse practical examinations . One question always confuse learners:

Minimum Pass Marks in CBSE Class 12 Practical Exam. 

The Central Board of Secondary Education organises both theoretical and practical exams for Class 12th to ensure students clear their higher secondary education

Learners before planning for the practical exam of class 12 must know passing marks, consequences of failing, etc. 

This blog will help you in understanding everything from minimum marks to what to do if a student fails in the practicals. 

What are CBSE Class 12 Practical Exams?

CBSE Class 12 practical exams are part of the curriculum assigned to students to enhance hands-on skills, real-life approach, and experiential learning from concepts from subjects. 

Also, explore, what is the passing marks out of 50 in CBSE

Practical exams include lab work, practical notebook and viva. Various subjects include practical exam are: 

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Computer Science or Informatics Practices
  • Psychology
  • Physical Education
  • Geography
  • Business Studies etc. 

The structure of practical examination for class 12th in CBSE consist of: 

1. Laboratory Work / Experimentation

Learners perform subject related experiment guided by facilitator. 

2. Project Work / File Submission

Project file writing and submission is one of the important parts of practical examination in CBSE. 

3. Viva Voce

Later, an oral exam taken by invigilator related to the subject, topic or experiment performed. 

4. Internal Assessment

In a few subjects marks are also given by school based on class performance throughout the year.

Explore who gives practical marks for class 12 cbse .

Pass Marks in CBSE Class 12 Practical Exam

One of the most asked questions of parents and students is what are the passing marks in CBSE class 12 practical exam. 

As per official CBSE website, it is mandatory for learners to pass both theory and practical exams separately. Given below is the minimum marks required to pass class 12th:

  • 33% is the minimum passing mark in both theory and practical separately. 
  • For some subjects practical marks is 30 marks in which minimum passing marks is 10.
  • And for other subjects practical marks is 20 marks in which minimum passing marks is 7.

Also, go through what is the passing marks out of 80 in CBSE  theory subjects. 

Subject-Wise Practical Marks Distribution 

Given below is a quick table of subject-wise practical marks distribution:

S No. SubjectsTotal MarksPractical MarksPass Marks
1.Physics1003010
2.Chemistry1003010
3.Biology1003010
4.Computer Science1003010
5.Accountancy100207
6.Business Studies100207
7.Psychology1003010

What Happens If You Fail a Practical Exam?

In CBSE class 12 examination passing in both theory and practical is compulsory for every student. Here’s CBSE practical examination guideline 2025 for confirmation. 

Given below are some steps one can go through if he or she failing in practical examination: 

1. Compartment Exam Rules

As per CBSE board rule, failing in one subject requires reappearance in the compartment exam . But, the rule also based on the subject student failed. 

  • In some cases, students who get enough marks in theory and less in practical need to reappear only in practical examinations. 
  • While in other subjects, students need to reappear in both theory and practical exams. The CBSE and school authorities inform all information in detail. 

2. Essential vs Non-Essential Subjects

The impact of failure is also based on essential vs non-essential subjects. Some essential subjects such as English, Physics, Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Accountancy etc should be passed to clear 12th class. 

On the other hand, Physical Education, Informatics Practices, etc are some non-essential subjects that have a different rule. 

If a student fails any non-core subject it can be replaced with your 6th subject (if the student passes it), and the student will still be considered “PASS.” To know in detail go through CBSE practical examination 2025 guidelines

3. Improvement Exam Option

CBSE board also offers improvement exam  options for students who fail or are dissatisfied with their practical exam marks by choosing “Improvement Exam”. However, this applies to theory papers.

For practical exams, repeating the practical component often requires re-enrollment or attending practical sessions again, which schools may or may not allow. This is applicable for private candidates or those repeating the exam.

In few cases, CBSE may conduct separate practicals for private or repeater students, and schools might need to re-submit internal assessment  marks.

Tips to Score Well in CBSE Practical Exams

Learners with proper planning and execution can easily score good marks. Given below are some proven tips to score well in CBSE practical exams:  

1. Maintain Lab Records/Project Files

Maintaining lab records/project files play a key role to get good marks in practical exams. So, make sure it is neatly written, accurately aligned, and complete during submission.

2. Confident During Viva Questions

Viva is all about questions and answers between student and invigilator. A confident student gets more marks which creates a big difference in result. 

One must prepare for answers related to concepts, experiments, subjects and don’t panic while answering. 

3. Revise Theory Concepts

Practical examinations also need theoretical preparation. Students must understand the principles of experiments, formulas, laws, definitions etc. 

Practical knowledge  will help students to become confident  during viva. 

4. Neat Presentation

Neat presentation is also important from right practical book alignment to wearing a clean uniform and punctuality showcase the dedication and excitement. 

Conclusion

Students who are in CBSE class 12th practical examinations help them to secure good marks. Learners who take it seriously can get better marks. 

As per CBSE official guidelines, a minimum of 33% in the practical examination is mandatory to clear the 12th grade. One must focus on both theory and practical equally. 

However, if someone fails the practical exam they can choose the above mentioned options to score well. Remember, practical exams are an ideal way of gaining real-life knowledge. 

With simple tips and planning students can see the big difference in CBSE Class 12 practical exams.

FAQs

Yes, students need a minimum 33% compulsory in both theory and practical examination. 

No, students who fail in practical but score high in theory can’t pass the class as it requires a minimum passing score in both the theory and practical separately. 

As per CBSE for class 12th Science, the practical exam generally assigns 5 marks for the viva out of a total of 30 practical marks.

While in commerce, 20 marks in total for the viva, divided into 12 marks for questions, 4 marks for the project file, and 4 marks for performance.

Practical exams are conducted at school while theory examinations are held in different CBSE centers. 

No, the internal marks will not save students if they fail in practical examinations. One needs a minimum passing score of 33% separately in theory and practical. 

No, 23 out of 70 is not a passing score in the CBSE examinations. Students need a minimum 33% to pass. This means he or she requires more than 23.1 marks out of 70.

Yes, if a student fails to secure a minimum of 33% marks in each subject in 12th 2025 CBSE can declare failure. However, they can reappear for the exam through supplementary exams in 1 or 2 subjects. 

The minimum passing score in the CBSE board exams for a subject is 33%. Learners must obtain it separately in theory and practical. 

No, the CBSE board gives marks for a wrong answer. However, students can get step markings or marks for right formula. 

Ankita Singha

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I, Ankita Singha is a passionate content writer at 21kschool with 1.5 years of experience in crafting engaging digital content in different domains. With a talent for storytelling and visual expression, I blend creativity and strategy seamlessly. Outside of work, I enjoy crafting new things, calligraphy, and dancing.

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