NIOS Practical Exam Date Sheet 2025: The National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) has empowered millions of learners across India and abroad to pursue flexible and self-paced education. Whether you are a Class 10 (Secondary) or Class 12 (Senior Secondary) student, one of the essential components of your examination journey is the practical exam.
Every academic session, NIOS conducts practical exams for selected subjects prior to the theory exams. These exams play a vital role in the final results, especially for science and vocational subjects. Therefore, understanding the NIOS Practical Exam Date Sheet 2025 is crucial for all students appearing in the April–May 2025 and October–November 2025 sessions.
What Is the NIOS Practical Exam?
The practical exam is a part of the final evaluation for subjects that involve hands-on activities, experimentation, or skill demonstration. This is especially true for:
- Science-based subjects
- Computer applications
- Vocational courses
- Home science and related areas
The practical exam is conducted at the Accredited Institute (AI) or Study Centre where the learner is registered.
Tentative NIOS Practical Exam Date Sheet 2025
NIOS typically conducts practical exams before the theory examinations. Based on past academic cycles, here is the expected schedule:
October–November 2025 Exam Session
| Event | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Practical Exam Start Date | 15th September 2025 |
| Practical Exam End Date | 30th September 2025 |
| Theory Exam Period | October 1st – Nov 15th |
Subjects That Have Practical Exams
Here’s a list of common subjects with practical components in Class 10 and 12.
Class 10 (Secondary Level)
| Subject Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 212 | Science and Technology |
| 229 | Data Entry Operations |
| 216 | Home Science |
| 250–260 | Vocational Subjects |
Class 12 (Senior Secondary Level)
| Subject Code | Subject Name |
|---|---|
| 312 | Physics |
| 313 | Chemistry |
| 314 | Biology |
| 315 | History (Project Work) |
| 316 | Geography (Project Work) |
| 328 | Data Entry Operations |
| 330 | Computer Science |
| 331 | Painting |
| 336 | Secretarial Practice |
| 339–370 | Vocational Subjects |
Practical subjects usually carry 20–30 marks, depending on the course. The remaining marks are based on the theory exam.
Where Are Practical Exams Conducted?
Practical exams are held at the AI/Study Centre (Accredited Institution) where the student has taken admission.
Key points:
- The center is assigned during the admission process.
- The NIOS regional center coordinates with the study centers for exam schedules.
- Students cannot request to change the exam center at the last minute.
How to Check and Download NIOS Practical Exam Date Sheet?
Here’s how learners can access their practical exam schedule:
Step-by-Step:
- Visit the official NIOS website:
https://www.nios.ac.in - Click on the “Examinations” tab or section.
- Select “Date Sheet – Practical Exam” under your level:
- Secondary (Class 10)
- Senior Secondary (Class 12)
- The PDF file will open showing subject-wise and center-wise schedules.
- Download or take a printout for future reference.
You can also check the schedule on your student dashboard after login.
Admit Card for Practical Exams
You must download the hall ticket from the official website before attending your practical exam.
Key points:
- Admit cards are typically released 7–10 days before the exam.
- Without a valid hall ticket, you will not be allowed to appear.
- Your subject-wise practical exam date, time, and venue will be listed on the hall ticket.
Important Instructions for NIOS Practical Exams 2025
- Arrive Early: Report at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.
- Carry Documents:
- Admit Card (Hall Ticket)
- ID Proof (Aadhaar, School ID, etc.)
- Dress Code: Simple and modest attire, no school uniform required.
- Bring Necessary Tools:
- Calculator (if permitted)
- Geometry box
- Lab coat (for science subjects)
- Project file (for subjects like History, Painting, etc.)
- Respect the Rules: No cheating, talking, or mobile phone usage is allowed.
- Follow Examiner Instructions: Pay close attention to lab assistant and examiner instructions.
How to Prepare for Practical Exams
1. Revise Your Practical File
- Ensure all experiments are completed, signed, and neatly written.
- Carry your file during the exam.
2. Understand Key Concepts
- Focus on core principles like reactions in chemistry or circuits in physics.
- Examiners often ask oral questions.
3. Practice at Home
- If the subject allows, rehearse data entry, painting, or charts.
4. Attend Pre-Practical Sessions
- Some centers conduct demo or revision sessions. Attend them for practice and doubts.
5. Use NIOS Study Material
- Practical books provided by NIOS are very helpful and cover the format.
Weightage of Practical Exams in Final Result
| Subject Type | Practical Weightage | Theory Weightage | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science Subjects | 30 marks | 70 marks | 100 |
| Computer/IT | 30 marks | 70 marks | 100 |
| Vocational Subjects | 20–40 marks | 60–80 marks | 100 |
You must pass both theory and practical separately. Failing either means the subject is marked as “Unsuccessful”.
What If You Miss the Practical Exam?
- NIOS does not allow re-exams for practicals unless there’s a valid medical/emergency reason.
- Submit an application with supporting documents to the regional center immediately.
- If missed without valid reason, you must reappear in the next session.
FAQ About NIOS Practical Exam Date Sheet 2025
What is the mode of NIOS practical exams?
All practical exams are conducted offline at the assigned study center or lab.
Do I need to pass both theory and practical exams?
Yes. You must pass both separately to clear the subject. Failing one requires a reattempt.
Are practical marks added to final result?
Yes. Practical marks are combined with theory to calculate the total subject marks.
How will I know my practical exam date?
You can:
Check your admit card
View your student dashboard
Contact your study center
Can I request to change the exam center?
No. Once assigned, exam centers cannot be changed except under exceptional circumstances approved by NIOS.
Are practical exams compulsory?
Yes. If your subject includes practicals, you must attend and pass the practical exam to clear the subject.
Is it okay if I submit an incomplete practical file?
No. It may affect your marks severely. Ensure the file is complete, signed, and well-organized.
Will my practical marks be shown in the result?
Only the total subject score is shown in the result. But NIOS internally evaluates theory and practical separately.
How soon are practical exams held before theory?
Practical exams are usually held 2–3 weeks before the first theory paper.
Can I appear for theory if I miss practical?
Yes, but your subject will be marked “Incomplete” until you complete the practical in the next session.
Conclusion
The NIOS Practical Exam Date Sheet 2025 is a vital part of the exam journey for all students taking science, computer, or vocational subjects. These exams test not just what you’ve memorized but what you’ve learned hands-on—whether it’s performing a chemical experiment, drawing a diagram, or executing a software task.
To ensure success:
- Keep track of your exam dates
- Prepare your files and tools
- Follow the official instructions carefully
- Attend your center’s mock or revision practicals
Remember, practical exams are not difficult if you’ve prepared well and understand the basics. Scoring high here can significantly boost your final marks.
For the most accurate and personalized details:
Always check your admit card
Visit your study center regularly
Log in to the official site: https://www.nios.ac.in