Newzvia

Education | NBAS Revises Practical Weightage for Class 12 Science Board Exams 2026

Pankaj Mukherjee, Senior Technology Correspondent

Pankaj Mukherjee

Senior Technology Correspondent · AI, startups & MeitY policy

3 min read

Quick summary

The National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) issued a circular on February 9, 2026, detailing a modified weightage for practical components in Class 12 Science board examinations. This change, effective for the current exam cycle, aims to place a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding for students.

National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) Revises Class 12 Science Practical Weightage

The National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) issued a circular on , revising the weightage for practical components in Class 12 Science board exams to emphasize conceptual understanding. This significant change will impact all students appearing for the Class 12 Science board examinations in the current academic year, aiming to shift focus from rote memorisation to practical application of knowledge.

What's New

According to the circular issued by the National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) yesterday, a modified weightage distribution has been implemented for practical components in the upcoming Class 12 Science board examinations. This reform, effective for the current exam cycle, aims to place a greater emphasis on conceptual understanding over rote procedures, as stated in the official announcement by the board.

Who It Affects

This revised grading weightage directly affects all students preparing for the Class 12 Science board examinations under the purview of the National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) during the current academic year. It signals a shift in assessment priorities, encouraging students to focus more on understanding scientific principles and their applications rather than merely memorizing experimental steps for practical exams.

Key Dates / Deadlines

Specific dates for the Class 12 Science board examinations and detailed deadlines related to practical component submissions were not explicitly mentioned in the NBAS circular. However, the revised weightage is effective for the current exam cycle, meaning it applies to the upcoming examinations. Students and educators are advised to refer to subsequent official communications from NBAS for precise timelines and further details.

Official Guidance

The National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) has advised students and educators to align their preparation and teaching methodologies with the new emphasis on conceptual understanding. The official circular encourages a deeper engagement with scientific principles and their practical applications, moving away from a procedure-centric approach to practical examinations. Students should consult the official NBAS website for the full circular and any supplementary guidelines from the board.

Context / Background

This move by the National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) aligns with broader national educational reforms, including the National Education Policy (NEP), which advocates for a more holistic and skill-based learning approach. The shift towards conceptual understanding in practical assessments reflects a long-standing recommendation from the Ministry of Education to reduce reliance on rote learning across all levels of schooling in India. This reform aims to equip students with a more robust and applicable scientific foundation for future studies and careers.

Key Takeaways

  • The National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) issued a circular on .
  • The circular details a modified weightage distribution for practical components in Class 12 Science board exams.
  • The change emphasizes conceptual understanding over rote procedures.
  • It is effective for all students appearing in the current Class 12 Science board exam cycle.
  • This reform aligns with broader educational policies advocating for skill-based learning.

People Also Ask

What is the main change announced by NBAS?
The National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) has revised the weightage distribution for practical components in the Class 12 Science board examinations, aiming to prioritize conceptual understanding over rote memorization of procedures.
When is this new practical weightage effective?
The revised weightage for Class 12 Science practicals, announced by NBAS on , is effective for the current board examination cycle. Specific exam dates were not detailed in the circular.
Who will be affected by this new grading system?
This new grading weightage will affect all students appearing for the Class 12 Science board examinations under the National Board for Academic Standards (NBAS) in the current academic year, encouraging a deeper understanding of scientific concepts.
Why did NBAS make this change to practicals?
The change was implemented by NBAS to promote a deeper conceptual understanding among Class 12 Science students. It aims to shift the focus from mere memorization of experimental steps to a more comprehensive grasp of scientific principles and their practical applications.
Newzvia·4 Jun 2026

UK Universities See Record Applications, Big Surge from Abroad

UK universities just saw a record number of applications by their June deadline. This includes a big jump in interest from international students, which is important for Indian students planning to study abroad.
Read article
Newzvia·1 Jun 2026

NJET 2026 Results Out: Top Scorers Emerge, Admissions Ahead

The highly anticipated NJET 2026 results are officially out , impacting over 1.5 million students vying for top engineering and medical seats. Hopefuls must now prepare for exceptionally competitive university admissions across India.
Read article
Newzvia·30 May 2026

UGC-NET Phase 1 Results Declared, Counselling Dates Out

The National Testing Agency (NTA) announced Phase 1 results for UGC-NET 2026 today. This critical update includes detailed counselling schedules for those aiming for Assistant Professorships or Junior Research Fellowships in Indian universities.
Read article
Newzvia·27 May 2026

Unified University Portal for 2027 Admissions Announced

The National Higher Education Council has announced a new single application portal for all public university admissions. This aims to make applying easier for students starting from the 2027 academic year.
Read article
Newzvia·25 May 2026

Government Brings One New Exam for Public University Entry

The Ministry of Education has announced a new national standardized test for public university admissions. This move, starting in the 2027 academic year, aims to make the application process simpler and fairer for students across India.
Read article
Newzvia·23 May 2026

UC System Releases Final Undergraduate Offers for Fall 2026

The University of California (UC) system has announced its final undergraduate admission decisions for the Fall 2026 academic year. Over 150,000 students received offers to attend one of its ten campuses, a significant milestone for many applicants worldwide.
Read article

More from categories

Business

View all
Newzvia·4 Jun 2026

ECB Signals Stubborn Rates, Global Market Jitters Grow

European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde signalled today that interest rates in the Eurozone will stay high for longer due to stubborn inflation. This news adds to global worries about central banks keeping money expensive, hitting growth stocks and raising questions for Indian investors.
Read article
Newzvia·2 Jun 2026

Europe's Factory Output Hits 18-Month High, Boosting Sentiment

Europe's factories saw their best month in a year and a half in May, showing strong growth in production. This positive news from the Eurozone could signal better global demand, influencing Indian export businesses and investor sentiment here.
Read article
Newzvia·31 May 2026

GlobalTech's Q1: AI and Cloud Lift Earnings to Record Highs

GlobalTech Solutions reported a strong first quarter for 2026, with revenue jumping 15% to $75 billion, beating market predictions. This success highlights how global tech trends, especially in artificial intelligence and cloud computing, are influencing growth for companies and investors, including those in India.
Read article
Newzvia·29 May 2026

US Markets Hit New Highs, Tech Stocks Lead The Charge

America's key stock indices, including the S&P 500, touched all-time highs on Friday, driven by strong tech company performance and renewed investor confidence. This US rally brings a mixed bag of sentiment for Indian investors watching global trends, especially given other global market jitters.
Read article

Technology

View all

Sports

View all