CBSE Board Exam Date Sheet 2026 Class 10 & Class 12 Released Fully

Introduction

The CBSE board exam date sheet 2026 for Class 12 and Class 10 has finally dropped, offering students and schools a much-needed roadmap. The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced that the main examinations will kick off on February 17, 2026, and wrap up by July 15, 2026, covering both classes and including supplementary phases. With approximately 45 lakh students expected to appear across India and abroad, this tentative schedule aims to give ample preparation time.

In this article, we break down what the new schedule means: main exam phases, the dual-phase pattern for Class 10, timing of exams, what this implies for students, and how it differs from past years. If you’re preparing for CBSE board exam date sheet 2026 class 12 or class 10 cbse board exam date sheet 2026, here’s everything you need to know to plan ahead.

Key Highlights of the Date Sheet

Main exam window & scope

Exams begin Feb 17, 2026.
The examinations run through July 15, 2026, spanning main exams, supplementary or second phase (for Class 10), and special arrangements.
About 45 lakh students will take part across India and 26 foreign countries.

Class 10: Two-Phase structure

Phase 1 for Class 10: February 17 to March 9, 2026.
Phase 2 / Supplementary / second exam: tentatively from May 15 to June 1, 2026. Students may choose Phase 2 to improve marks.
Phase 1 is mandatory for all students. Phase 2 is optional.

Class 12: Single main exam period

Class 12 exams will also begin on February 17, 2026.
Final exams for Class 12 are expected to conclude by April 9, 2026.
Unlike Class 10, there is no dual-phase option for Class 12; only one main exam window is scheduled.

Exam timing & evaluation

Most exam days will run from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM; certain subjects will have shorter durations (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM).
Evaluation of answer scripts to begin roughly 10 days after each exam and expected to be completed within 12 days.

Why These Changes Matter

Student planning & pressure

For students, the phased Class 10 exam provides flexibility-a chance to improve after Phase 1. But it also means managing two preparations. Schools and coaching institutions must adjust timetables, mock exam schedules, teaching plans.

Comparison with past years

Earlier CBSE exams generally followed one continuous period without split phases for Class 10.
CBSE’s new schedule aligns more with examination boards elsewhere that allow remedials or second attempt windows.
The compressed evaluation window (10-12 days) suggests an effort to deliver results faster.

Implications for stakeholders

Parents need to monitor changes carefully-Phase 2 may affect decision timelines (e.g. admissions).
Schools will have to ensure Phase 2 is well managed: exam logistics, invigilation, syllabus coverage.
CBSE administrators must finalize subject-wise time tables and communicate clearly, since this date sheet is tentative.

What Students Should Do Now

Here are actionable steps for students preparing under the CBSE board exam date sheet 2026 class 12 / class 10:

Download and print the date sheet PDF from CBSE official website.
Mark the dates for Phase 1 (Class 10) and Phase 2 if you plan to appear in both.
Create a study schedule working backwards from the exam dates. Prioritize subjects with longer gaps.
Keep tabs on subject-specific timetables as they are finalized.
Practice sample papers under exam timing: 10:30-13:30 and those shorter spans.
Stay updated via official CBSE announcements—tentative schedule may change.

Conclusion

The release of the CBSE board exam date sheet 2026 class 12 and class 10 marks a significant shift: dual-phase flexibility for Class 10, tighter evaluation timelines, and a full timetable nearly six months ahead. For students this is both a relief and a challenge-planning ahead will be key. As schools gear up and exam centers prepare, clarity on final subject-wise schedules will be the next essential task.

Stay informed. Subscribe for updates as CBSE finalizes the schedule, subject-wise timetables are released, and further instructions come through.

FAQs

Q: What are the exact start and end dates for CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026?

A: The CBSE Class 10 board exams will begin on February 17, 2026, and Phase 1 ends on March 9, 2026. Phase 2 (optional/supplementary) is scheduled from May 15 to June 1, 2026.

Q: When will Class 12 CBSE board exams 2026 take place?

A: Class 12 exams will also commence on February 17, 2026, and are expected to conclude by April 9, 2026.

Q: How many students are expected to appear for CBSE board exams 2026?

A: Approximately 45 lakh students in India and abroad are expected to sit for CBSE board exams for Classes 10 and 12 in 2026.

Q: What does “tentative schedule” mean?

A: The schedule is provisional. Final dates, especially subject-wise exams, may change if CBSE schools alter their candidate lists, or due to administrative reasons.

Q: How are exam timings spread for different subjects?

A: Most exams are 3-hour long, running from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Some lighter subjects or vocational/skills papers will have shorter durations, typically 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Q: What should students do if they want to improve their Class 10 scores?

A: Students can appear in Phase 2 of the Class 10 board exams (in May-June) to improve their marks. Only Phase 1 is mandatory. Planning, revising weak subjects, and practicing past papers are advisable.