The ISC Class XII practical examinations will have to be scheduled between April 1 and May 31, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations said in a circular to heads of schools.

The circular is meant for practical examinations in physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, Indian music (Hindustani), fashion designing, computer science and home science.

For physics, chemistry, biology, biotechnology, Indian music (Hindustani) and fashion designing, “the dates for the practical examination for a particular subject… would be finalised by the
visiting examiner in consultation with the head of the examination centre (the school principal) and the supervising examiner of the centre”, the chief executive and secretary of the CISCE, Gerry Arathoon, has said in the circular.

The visiting examiner will also set question papers for these exams based on documents provided by the council.

After the dates are finalised, the head of the examination centre will have to forward the information to the council and the respective conveners. The heads of examination centres will inform the candidates of the date of the practical examination at least 10 days before the scheduled date of the first practical.

Computer science and home science practicals have two components: planning and examination. The date for the planning session will be fixed by the council and that of the examination will be finalised by the visiting examiners in consultation with the head of the examination centre and the supervising examiner of the centre.

The council will set questions for these two subjects.

All the preparations for the conduct of practical examinations must be completed by March 19.

The last date for uploading marks awarded to candidates for practical examinations and project work is May 31.

For subjects where questions are set locally, the “head of the examination centre” will be provided with detailed instructions along with sample questions.