CBSE 2026 Board Exams: Full Date Sheet Released for Class 10 & 12

CBSE Announces 2026 Board Exam Dates: Class 10 & 12 Schedule Released

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the examination schedule for the 2026 board examinations for students of class 10 and class 12 across India. This announcement brings clarity to millions of students and parents, who are eagerly waiting for the dates for next year’s examinations.

CBSE, which is one of the largest school boards in India, has confirmed that the class 10 and class 12 exams will begin in February 2026 and will continue through March 2026. The board also released detailed dates for major subjects, practical examinations and other assessment components.

Class 10 Board Exam Schedule

CBSE Class 10 students will appear for core subjects first, followed by elective subjects. Key details include:

• Start Date: 1st February 2026
  
• End Date: 15th March 2026
  
• Major Subjects:
  • Mathematics: 3rd February 2026
    
  • Science: 5th February 2026
    
  • Social Science: 10th February 2026
    
  • English: 15th February 2026
    

Other subjects, including regional languages, arts, and vocational subjects, will have exams spread throughout February. The board has ensured no major overlap between exams of core subjects and electives, allowing students sufficient time to prepare.

Practical exams, where applicable, are scheduled from 20th January to 30th January 2026, giving students adequate time to complete hands-on assessments before the theory papers begin.

Class 12 Board Exam Schedule

Class 12 exams, which are considered a crucial milestone for students aiming for higher education, will begin on 1st February 2026 and continue till 20th March 2026. The schedule covers both Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams.

• Science Stream: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics papers will be conducted in the first two weeks of February.
  
• Commerce Stream: Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, and Mathematics exams are scheduled for mid-February.
  
• Humanities Stream: History, Political Science, Geography, Sociology, and Psychology exams are spread across February and early March.

Practical exams for Class 12 students will be conducted from 15th January to 31st January 2026, giving ample preparation time before the theory papers.

Key Highlights of the 2026 Exam Schedule

1. Staggered Exam Dates: CBSE has carefully scheduled exams to avoid clashes between major subjects.
   
2. Earlier Start for Science Practical Exams: Students will get extra days for revisions after practical assessments.
   
3. Adequate Gaps Between Papers: Students appearing for multiple subjects will have at least two days of gap between core exams to ensure proper preparation.
   
4. Regional Language Exams: Scheduled in a manner that does not coincide with core subject papers.
   
5. Online Availability of Timetable: The official timetable has been uploaded on the CBSE website (cbse.nic.in) and can be downloaded by students.

Students’ Reaction

The announcement has been made with relief and satisfaction among the students who were concerned about the preparation for the overlapping examination.

• Riya Sharma, Class 12 Science Student: “Knowing the exact dates helps me to make a proper study plan. I now feel more confident about the management of my amendment.”
• Ankit Verma, Class 10 Student: “I was concerned about the science and social science exam.

Parents have also welcomed the announcement, as it allows them to plan tuition, additional classes and travel arrangements for students.

CBSE advice for students

The board has issued guidelines to ensure the smooth conduct of examinations:

• Students should regularly check the official timetable on the CBSE website for any updates.
• Admit cards will be issued two weeks before the examination starts. Students must verify their details and report immediate discrepancies.
• All exams will be conducted in offline mode, where online examinations are clearly mentioned for specific business subjects.
• Students should follow the COVID-19 security protocol in case of any change in public health advice.

The board also emphasized the importance of time management, regular amendments and health precautions during the examination period.

Impact on Schools

CBSE-affiliated schools across India are already making arrangements for exam centers, seating plans, and invigilation. Schools are also focusing on:

• Mock exams and revision sessions in January 2026.
  
• Proper dissemination of exam instructions and guidelines to students.
  
• Coordination with local authorities to ensure safe and smooth examination conduct.

Importance of Board Exams

CBSE Board exams are considered one of the most critical academic milestones for students in India. Class 10 exams determine students’ stream selection in senior secondary education, while Class 12 results play a crucial role in college admissions, scholarships, and professional courses.

Given the competitive nature of higher education, students and coaching institutes have been eagerly anticipating the release of the 2026 exam timetable to align their preparation schedules.

Expert Advice for Students

Education experts advise students to:

• Start revising major subjects first and allocate more time to weak areas.
  
• Practice previous years’ question papers and sample papers for time management.
  
• Maintain a healthy daily routine with sufficient sleep, nutrition, and short breaks during revision.
  
• Avoid last-minute cramming and focus on conceptual clarity rather than rote memorization.

Official Statement from CBSE

In an official statement, CBSE Secretary highlighted:
“The board has taken utmost care to prepare a timetable that ensures adequate preparation time for students and smooth conduct of examinations across all centers. We urge students, parents, and schools to strictly follow the guidelines and exam schedule.”

CBSE also confirmed that any changes in exam dates, if required, will be communicated immediately through official channels.

 How to Access the 2026 Timetable

Students can download the official CBSE 2026 Board exam timetable from the CBSE website by following these steps:

1. Visit cbse. nic.in
   
2. Click on the “Examination” tab
   
3. Select “Board Exam Schedule 2026”
   
4. Download and save the PDF for reference

Schools are also instructed to display the timetable prominently and guide students in planning their preparation.

Conclusion

The release of the 2026 CBSE Board exam dates brings relief to millions of students and parents across India. With Class 10 and 12 exams commencing in February, students now have a clear roadmap for their preparation.

By planning their studies, revising effectively, and following board guidelines, students can approach the exams with confidence. The announcement marks the beginning of the final countdown to one of the most significant academic milestones in Indian education.