The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has made the CBSE 2026 board exam date sheet public for students in both Class 10 and Class 12. On October 30, 2025, the CBSE released the final test schedule for 2026. This gave pupils about 110 days’ notice before the exams began. The CBSE Class 10 exams will take place from February 17 to March 10, 2026. The CBSE Class 12 exams will take place from February 17 to April 9, 2026.
- CBSE 2026 Board Exam: Key Announcement
- Important Highlights:
- CBSE Class 10 Exam Schedule 2026
- Phase 1 Examination Schedule (February 17 – March 10, 2026):
- Phase 2 Examination Schedule (May 15 – June 1, 2026):
- CBSE Class 12 Exam Schedule 2026
- Complete Class 12 Examination Schedule (February 17 – April 9, 2026):
- Why Early Release of CBSE 2026 Date Sheet?
- Benefits for Students:
- Benefits for Teachers:
- Benefits for Schools:
- Two-Phase Examination System for Class 10
- Phase 1 (February-March 2026):
- Phase 2 (May-June 2026):
- How to Download CBSE 2026 Date Sheet
- Student-Friendly Exam Reforms 2026
- Exam Day Preparation Checklist
- Final Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE 2026 Date Sheet
CBSE 2026 Board Exam: Key Announcement
For around 30 million students in India, the CBSE final date sheet is a big deal. This early revelation of the CBSE test schedule for 2026 gives students, instructors, and schools plenty of time to plan how they will get ready.
Important Highlights:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Announcement Date | October 30, 2025 |
| Class 10 Phase 1 Exams | February 17 – March 10, 2026 |
| Class 12 Exams | February 17 – April 9, 2026 |
| Class 10 Phase 2 Exams | May 15 – June 1, 2026 |
| Exam Start Time | 10:30 AM IST |
| Exam Duration | 3 hours (theory papers) |
| Exam Mode | Pen and Paper (Traditional) |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
CBSE Class 10 Exam Schedule 2026
The CBSE Class 10 exam dates for Phase 1 exams are meticulously planned to ensure comprehensive subject coverage:
Phase 1 Examination Schedule (February 17 – March 10, 2026):
| Exam Date | Day | Subject(s) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Tuesday | Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Basic | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Home Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 20 | Friday | Beauty & Wellness, Multi-Media, Data Science | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| February 21 | Saturday | English (Communicative/Language & Literature) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 23 | Monday | Regional Languages (Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Manipuri, Telugu) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 24 | Tuesday | Elements of Business, Urdu Course-B | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 25 | Wednesday | Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 26 | Thursday | Vocational Subjects (Retail, Security, Automotive, Tourism, Agriculture, Banking & Insurance, Health Care) | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| February 27 | Friday | Computer Applications, Information Technology, Artificial Intelligence | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| February 28 | Saturday | Sanskrit, Arabic, Regional Languages | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 2 | Monday | Hindi Course-A, Hindi Course-B | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 3 | Tuesday | Tibetan, German, Japanese, Spanish, Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 5 | Thursday | Malayalam, Odia, Sindhi, Kannada, Assamese, Kokborok | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 6 | Friday | Painting | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| March 7 | Saturday | Social Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 9 | Monday | Telugu, Russian, Persian, Nepali, Music (Carnatic & Hindustani) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 10 | Tuesday | French | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Phase 2 Examination Schedule (May 15 – June 1, 2026):
The main subjects for the CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 exams will be compartment and improvement tests. Students who want to raise their results from Phase 1 or have more chances can take Phase 2.
CBSE Class 12 Exam Schedule 2026
The CBSE Class 12 test dates last longer so that students in the Science, Commerce, and Arts streams can take numerous subjects:
Complete Class 12 Examination Schedule (February 17 – April 9, 2026):
| Exam Date | Day | Subject(s) | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 17 | Tuesday | Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 18 | Wednesday | Physical Education | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 19 | Thursday | Engineering Graphics, Classical Dances, Horticulture, Cost Accounting | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 20 | Friday | Physics | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 21 | Saturday | Automotive, Fashion Studies | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 23 | Monday | Mass Media Studies, Design Thinking & Innovation | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 24 | Tuesday | Accountancy | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 25 | Wednesday | Beauty & Wellness, Typography & Computer Application | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 26 | Thursday | Geography | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 27 | Friday | Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, Applied Art | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| February 28 | Saturday | Chemistry | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 2 | Monday | Urdu, Sanskrit, Music, Insurance, Geospatial Technology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 3 | Tuesday | Legal Studies | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 5 | Thursday | Psychology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 6 | Friday | Regional Languages (Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Kannada, German, Russian, Persian, Nepali, Japanese, Bhutia, Spanish) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 7 | Saturday | Yoga, Electronics & Hardware | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 9 | Monday | Mathematics, Applied Mathematics | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 10 | Tuesday | Food Production, Office Procedures, Library & Information Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 11 | Wednesday | Hindustani Music, Health Care, Design | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 12 | Thursday | English Core/Elective | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 13 | Friday | Tourism, Air-conditioning & Refrigeration | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 14 | Saturday | Home Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 16 | Monday | Hindi Core/Elective | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 17 | Tuesday | Hindustani Music (Vocal) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 18 | Wednesday | Economics | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 19 | Thursday | Physical Activity Trainer | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 20 | Friday | Marketing | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 23 | Monday | Political Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 24 | Tuesday | Retail, Artificial Intelligence | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 25 | Wednesday | Informatics Practices, Computer Science, Information Technology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 27 | Friday | Biology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 28 | Saturday | Business Studies, Business Administration | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| March 30 | Monday | History | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 1 | Wednesday | Financial Market Management, Agriculture, Medical Diagnostics, Salesmanship | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 2 | Thursday | National Cadet Corps, Food Nutrition & Dietetics | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 4 | Saturday | Sociology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 6 | Monday | Knowledge Tradition & Practices of India, Banking, Electronics Technology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 7 | Tuesday | Web Application | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 8 | Wednesday | Sanskrit Core, French, Taxation | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| April 9 | Thursday | Multi-Media, Textile Design, Data Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Why Early Release of CBSE 2026 Date Sheet?
The CBSE final date sheet released 110 days in advance offers multiple advantages:
Benefits for Students:
- A lot of time to prepare with defined goals for each step
- Ability to make study plans that fit your needs
- Better ways to deal with stress associated to exams
- Chance to make plans for holiday travel after exams
Benefits for Teachers:
- Planning class schedules well
- Made vacation plans that didn’t conflict with each other
- Better planning of test duties
- Better use of resources
Benefits for Schools:
- Enough time to be ready for the exam center
- Better planning for the office
- Giving staff enough warning before deployment
- Better preparation of examination infrastructure
Two-Phase Examination System for Class 10
The CBSE 2026 board exam date sheet introduces a significant reform with the two-phase system:
Phase 1 (February-March 2026):
- Main examination for all students
- Comprehensive subject coverage
- Traditional pen and paper format
Phase 2 (May-June 2026):
- Improvement examination for students seeking better marks
- Compartment examination for students who did not pass in Phase 1
- Provides a second opportunity for academic improvement
This system benefits students by offering flexibility and multiple chances to demonstrate their capabilities.
How to Download CBSE 2026 Date Sheet
Step 1: Visit official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in
Step 2: Navigate to “Downloads” or “Examinations” section
Step 3: Search for “CBSE Date Sheet 2026” or “Final Date Sheet Class 10/12”
Step 4: Click on the PDF link to download the complete schedule
Step 5: Print multiple copies for reference
Step 6: Share with school and parents for coordination
The CBSE date sheet PDF contains comprehensive information about exam dates, timings, subjects, and important instructions.
Student-Friendly Exam Reforms 2026
The CBSE 2026 board exams incorporate several progressive reforms:
- Competency-Based Assessment: Concentrate on comprehension rather than rote memorizing.
- Conceptual Clarity: Focus on thinking critically and addressing problems
- Practical Application: Questions that measure how well you can use ideas in the actual world
- Less Dependence on Coaching: Regular school is enough with concentrated preparation.
- Flexibility: The two-phase strategy gives people second chances.
- Full Coverage: All disciplines and streams are well represented
Exam Day Preparation Checklist
As students await the CBSE Class 10 exam dates and Class 12 exam dates, maintain this preparation checklist:
Two Months Before Exams:
- Go over the whole syllabus in detail
- Start a full revision
- Find the weak spots so you can practice them.
- Make a study timetable for each subject
One Month Before:
- Practice with papers from prior years is important.
- Take practice tests on a regular basis.
- Go over crucial ideas and formulas
- Learn how to manage your time
Two Weeks Before:
- Confirm the location of the exam center and your travel plans.
- Get the necessary papers ready
- Keep a regular sleep pattern
- Cut down on new stuff and focus on reviewing.
One Week Before:
- Only a little bit of editing
- Get all the things you need for the exam, like your ID and admit card.
- Plan how things will go on exam day
- Increase your confidence and lower your stress.
Final Tips for Success
Now that the CBSE 2026 board exam date sheet is official, students should use this extra time wisely. Make a study plan that you can stick to, focus on grasping the concepts, and practice with papers from past years on a regular basis. The CBSE exam timetable for 2026 gives you plenty of time to get ready. To do well in board exams, you need to be dedicated, disciplined, and plan ahead, as well as believe in yourself and think positively. Start getting ready today and work your way up to doing well on your CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 exams.
Frequently Asked Questions on CBSE 2026 Date Sheet
Q1: When will CBSE 2026 board exams start?
The CBSE exam schedule 2026 begins on February 17, 2026, for both Class 10 and Class 12.
Q2: When does CBSE Class 12 exam end?
CBSE Class 12 exam dates conclude on April 9, 2026.
Q3: Can I download the CBSE date sheet without login?
Yes, the CBSE final date sheet is available for download on cbse.gov.in without special login credentials.
Q4: Will there be compartment exams in May 2026?
Yes, Phase 2 of Class 10 exams (May-June) includes compartment and improvement opportunities.
Q5: What time do exams start?
All CBSE exam schedule 2026 exams commence at 10:30 AM IST.
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