CBSE Internal Assessment Guide — How Internal Marks Work and How to Maximise Them
How CBSE internal assessment works in 2026-27: the four 5-mark parts in Class 10, practicals and projects in Class 12, and how to get full internal marks.
CBSE internal assessment is 20 marks per subject in Class 10, and 20 or 30 marks (project, internal assessment or practical) in Class 12. Much of it is in your control. Here is how it works under the 2026-27 scheme and how to get full marks.
How Internal Marks Work
Class 10 (and Class 9): 20 marks per subject
| Component | Marks | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Periodic Assessment | 5 | Pen-paper tests during the year |
| Multiple Assessment | 5 | Quizzes, projects, oral tests, debates, group work and other activities |
| Portfolio | 5 | Classwork, assignments, reflections and achievements |
| Subject Enrichment | 5 | Practical work in Science, lab activities in Maths, listening and speaking in languages, project work in Social Science |
In Class 9 Maths for 2026-27, CBSE lists pen-paper tests and multiple assessment (5 + 5), portfolio (5) and lab practical (5). There is no "notebook submission" component in the current scheme.
Class 12
- Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computer Science, Geography, Psychology and similar subjects: a 30-mark practical exam with an external examiner.
- Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science, Sociology: 20 marks of project work.
- Mathematics: 20 marks internal assessment (periodic tests and maths activities).
- English Core: 20 marks — listening 5, speaking 5, project 10.
How to Get Full Internal Marks
- Take every periodic test seriously — prepare for each one as a mini exam.
- Keep your portfolio complete — classwork, assignments and reflections, neat and up to date.
- Take part in activities — quizzes, projects and presentations count in Multiple Assessment.
- Do the practical and lab work properly — record observations neatly and on time.
- Choose a project you can finish well — a clear aim, method, findings and conclusion matter more than size.
Practical Exam Tips (Class 12)
- Know the experiment list — practise each experiment at least twice.
- Prepare for the viva — revise the theory behind each experiment from NCERT and the lab manual.
- Keep a neat record book — diagrams, observations and calculations must be tidy and complete.
- Know the scheme — in Physics (2026-27), for example, the 30 marks are two experiments 7 + 7, record 5, activity 3, project 3 and viva 5.
Prepare for everything
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Try it freeBased on the CBSE Secondary and Senior Secondary Curriculum 2026-27 and the subject syllabi on cbseacademic.nic.in.
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Start freeFrequently Asked Questions
Can schools give low internal marks?
Internal marks are awarded by your school under CBSE's guidelines, based on your tests, activities, portfolio and practical work through the year. Students who attend, submit work on time and take part in activities are in the best position to score well. If you think a mark is wrong, speak to your teacher before the school submits the marks.
Do internal marks matter for college admissions?
Internal marks are part of each subject's total, so they count wherever board marks count — for example, the 75% Class 12 condition for NITs and IIITs, or college admissions that use board marks. For entrance-based admissions (JEE, NEET, CUET), the entrance score decides once you meet the eligibility conditions.
Do I need to pass internal assessment separately?
For Class 10, CBSE relaxed the separate-pass rule in 2018, but its 2026-27 curriculum says 33% must be secured separately in external and internal components. Until CBSE clarifies, play safe: aim for at least 27/80 in theory and 7/20 in internal assessment. In Class 12 subjects with practicals, the theory and practical parts must each be passed.