The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative date sheet for the 2026 board examinations for both Class 10 and 12. Announced nearly five months early, this gives students plenty of time to strategise their studies. Here’s a complete breakdown of the exam schedules, the new two-exam system for Class 10, and important guidelines you need to know.
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CBSE Board Exams 2026: Key Highlights at a Glance 🗓️
The CBSE 2026 exam schedule introduces some notable changes this year, focusing on a structured two-edition system to reduce stress and allow for better preparation. Here’s a quick overview:
- Exam Start Date: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)
- Class 10th Exams: February 17 to March 18, 2026
- Phase 1: February 17 – March 9, 2026
- Phase 2 (Optional): May 15 – June 1, 2026
- Class 12th Exams: February 17 to April 9, 2026
- Exam Timings: All exams will be conducted in a single shift, starting at 10:30 AM.
- Major theory papers: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (Machine-readable end time: 13:30)
- Vocational subjects: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
- Exam Duration: Most papers are 3 hours long, with practicals and internals conducted separately by schools.
- Exam Period: Class 10 and 12 theory exams are scheduled from February 17, 2026, to early April 2026.
- Major Reform: Introduction of two board exams a year for Class 10, with the first phase being mandatory and the second phase optional for improvement or compartment cases.
- Official Website: Students should regularly check cbse.gov.in for the final date sheet and updates.
CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026: Major Subjects, Quick View -(Phase 1 – Tentative)
The CBSE Class 10 board exams will commence on February 17, 2026. Below is the subject-wise schedule for major subjects
| Date & Day | Time | Subject Name and Code |
|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 Tuesday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Mathematics Standard (041) / Mathematics Basic (241) |
| 21 Feb 2026 Saturday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | English (Communicative) (101)/ English (Language & Literature) (184) |
| 25 Feb 2026 Wednesday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Science (086) |
| 02 Mar 2026 Monday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Hindi Course-A (002)/ Hindi Course-B (085) |
| 07 Mar 2026 Saturday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Social Science (087) |
The exams are tentatively set to conclude by March 9, 2026, with other language and vocational subject exams scheduled on intermediate dates
CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026: Major Subjects, Quick View – (Tentative)
The Class 12 board exams also begin on February 17, 2026, and continue until early April. Here are the dates for core subjects.
| Date & Day | Time | Subject Name and Code |
|---|---|---|
| 20 Feb 2026 Friday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Physics (042) |
| 28 Feb 2026 Saturday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Chemistry (043) |
| 09 Mar 2026 Monday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Mathematics (041)/ Applied Mathematics (241) |
| 12 Mar 2026 Thursday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | English Elective (002) / English Core (085) |
| 27 Mar 2026 Friday | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Biology (087) |
What is the New Two-Exam System for Class 10?
A significant change for the 2025-26 academic session is the introduction of two board examinations for Class 10.
- Phase 1 (Mandatory): Scheduled from February 17 to March 9, 2026. This is the main board exam for all regular students.
- Phase 2 (Optional): Scheduled from May 15 to June 1, 2026.
- Purpose: This phase is for “Essential Repeat” or compartment candidates who could not pass one or more subjects in the first phase. It also allows students who have passed to improve their scores in up to three subjects.
- Benefit: This system aims to reduce academic stress and save the academic year for students who face difficulties in the first attempt.
Important Guidelines for CBSE Board Exams 2026
Students and parents should keep the following points in mind:
- Attendance Requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory for a student to be eligible to appear for the board examinations.
- Internal Assessment: Students must complete and appear for internal assessments. Those failing to do so will be considered ineligible, and their results will not be declared.
- Evaluation Process: The evaluation of answer scripts will begin approximately 10 days after a subject’s exam and is expected to be completed within 12 days.
- Admit Cards: The CBSE admit card for the 2026 board exams is expected to be released two weeks prior to the commencement of exams.
Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi
Secondary School Examination – 2026
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Full Tentative Date Sheet (All Subjects) – (Phase – 1)
| Date, Day and Time | Subject Name and Code |
|---|---|
| Date: 17th Feb 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Mathematics Standard (041) Mathematics Basic (241) |
| Date: 18th Feb 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Retail (401) Security (403) Automotive (404) Introduction to Financial Markets (405) Introduction to Tourism (406) Agriculture (408) Food Production (409) Front Office Operations (410) Banking & Insurance (411) Health Care (413) Apparel (414) Multi-Media (415) Data Science (419) Electronics & Hardware (420) Foundation Skill for Sciences (421) Design Thinking & Innovation (422) |
| Date: 20th Feb 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Beauty & Wellness (407) Marketing & Sales (412) Multi Skill Foundation Course (416) Physical Activity Trainer (418) |
| Date: 21st Feb 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | English (Communicative) (101) English (Language & Literature) (184) |
| Date: 23rd Feb 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | French (018) |
| Date: 24th Feb 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Urdu Course-A (003) Panjabi (004) Bengali (005) Tamil (006) Marathi (009) Gujarati (010) Manipuri (011) Telugu – Telangana (089) |
| Date: 25th Feb 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Science (086) |
| Date: 26th Feb 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Home Science (064) |
| Date: 27th Feb 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Computer Applications (165) Information Technology (402) Artificial Intelligence (417) |
| Date: 28th Feb 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Sanskrit (Communicative) (119) Sanskrit (122) Rai (131) Gurung (132) Tamang (133) Sherpa (134) Urdu Course-B (303) |
| Date: 2nd Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Hindi Course – A (002) Hindi Course – B (085) |
| Date: 3rd Mar 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Tibetan (017) German (020) National Cadet Corps (076) Bhoti (088) Bodo (092) Tangkhul (093) Japanese (094) Bhutia (095) Spanish (096) Kashmiri (097) Mizo (098) Bahasa Melayu (099) Elements of Business (154) Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy (254) |
| Date: 5th Mar 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Painting (049) |
| Date: 6th Mar 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Sindhi (008) Malayalam (012) Odia (013) Assamese (014) Kannada (015) Kokborok (091) |
| Date: 7th Mar 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Social Science (087) |
| Date: 9th Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Telugu (007) Arabic (016) Russian (021) Persian (023) Nepali (024) Limbo (025) Lepcha (026) |
| Date: 9th Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Carnatic Music (Vocal) (031) Carnatic Music (Mel. Ins.) (032) Carnatic Music (Per. Ins.) (033) Hindustani Music (Vocal) (034) Hindustani Music (Mel. Ins.) (035) Hindustani Music (Per. Ins.) (036) |
| Date: 9th Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Thai (136) |
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Tentative Date Sheet (Phase – 2)
| Date, Day and Time | Subject Name and Code |
|---|---|
| Date: 15th May 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Mathematics Standard (041) Mathematics Basic (241) |
| Date: 16th May 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 18th May 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 19th May 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Science (086) |
| Date: 20th May 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 21st May 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 22nd May 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Social Science (087) |
| Date: 23rd May 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 25th May 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 26th May 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Language |
| Date: 28th May 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 29th May 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
| Date: 30th May 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Language |
| Date: 1st June 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Compartment Subjects |
Central Board of Secondary Education, Delhi
Senior School certificate Examination – 2026
CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026: Full Tentative Date Sheet (All Subjects)
| Date, Day and Time | Subject Name and Code |
|---|---|
| Date: 17th Feb 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Biotechnology (045) Entrepreneurship (066) Shorthand (English) (825) Shorthand (Hindi) (826) |
| Date: 18th Feb 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Physical Education (048) |
| Date: 19th Feb 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Engineering Graphics (046) |
| Date: 19th Feb 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Bharatanatyam (057) Kuchipud (058) Odissi (059) Manipuri (060) Kathakali (061) |
| Date: 19th Feb 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Horticulture (816) Cost Accounting (823) |
| Date: 20th Feb 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Physics (042) |
| Date: 21st Feb 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Business Studies (054) Business Administration (833) |
| Date: 23rd Feb 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Psychology (037) |
| Date: 24th Feb 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Fashion Studies (837) |
| Date: 25th Feb 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Automotive (804) Typography & Computer Application (817) |
| Date: 26th Feb 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Geography (029) |
| Date: 27th Feb 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Painting (049) Graphics (050) Sculpture (051) Applied Art (Commercial Art) (052) |
| Date: 28th Feb 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Chemistry (043) |
| Date: 2nd Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Urdu Elective (003) Sanskrit Elective (022) |
| Date: 2nd Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Carnatic Music Vocal (031) Carnatic Music Mel Ins (032) Carnatic Music Per Ins Mridangam (033) Kathak – Dance (056) |
| Date: 2nd Mar 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Urdu Core (303) Front Office Operations (810) Insurance (814) Geospatial Technology (818) Electrical Technology (819) |
| Date: 3rd Mar 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Legal Studies (074) |
| Date: 5th March 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Mass Media Studies (835) Design Thinking & Innovation (848) |
| Date: 6th March 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Hindustani Music Mel Ins (035) Hindustani Music Per Ins (036) Design (830) |
| Date: 6th March 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Health Care (813) Electronics & Hardware (847) |
| Date: 7th March 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Yoga (841) |
| Date: 9th March 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Mathematics (041) Applied Mathematics (241) |
| Date: 10th March 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Food Production (809) Office Procedures & Practices (824) Library & Information Science (836) |
| Date: 10th March 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Early Childhood Care & Education (842) |
| Date: 11th March 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Hindustani Music Vocal (034) |
| Date: 12th March 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | English Elective (001) English Core (301) |
| Date: 13th March 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Tourism (806) Air-conditioning & Refrigeration (827) |
| Date: 14th March 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Home Science (064) |
| Date: 16th March 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Hindi Elective (002) Hindi Core (302) |
| Date: 17th March 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Punjabi (104) Bengali (105) Tamil (106) Telugu (107) Sindhi (108) Marathi (109) Gujarati (110) Manipuri (111) Malayalam (112) Odia (113) Assamese (114) Kannada (115) Arabic (116) Tibetan (117) German (120) Russian (121) Persian (123) Nepali (124) Limboo (125) Lepcha (126) Telugu (Telangana) (189) Bodo (192) Tangkhul (193) Japanese (194) Bhutia (195) Spanish (196) Kashmiri (197) Mizo (198) |
| Date: 18th March 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Economics (030) |
| Date: 19th March 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Physical Activity Trainer (845) |
| Date: 20th March 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Marketing (812) |
| Date: 23rd March 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Political Science (028) |
| Date: 24th March 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Beauty & Wellness (807) |
| Date: 24th March 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Artificial Intelligence (843) |
| Date: 25th March 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Informatics Practices (065) Computer Science (083) Information Technology (802) |
| Date: 27th March 2026 Day: Friday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Biology (044) |
| Date: 28th March 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Accountancy (055) |
| Date: 30th March 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | History (027) |
| Date: 1st April 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Financial Market Management (805) Agriculture (808) Medical Diagnostics (828) Salesmanship (831) |
| Date: 2nd April 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | National Cadet Corps (NCC) (076) Food Nutrition & Dietetics (834) |
| Date: 4th April 2026 Day: Saturday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Sociology (039) |
| Date: 6th April 2026 Day: Monday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Knowledge Tradition & Practices of India (073) Bhoti (188) Kokborok (191) Banking (811) Electronics Technology (820) |
| Date: 7th April 2026 Day: Tuesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Web Application (803) |
| Date: 8th April 2026 Day: Wednesday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | French (118) Retail (801) Taxation (822) Textile Design (829) |
| Date: 9th April 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 01:30 pm | Sanskrit Core (322) |
| Date: 9th April 2026 Day: Thursday Time: 10:30 am to 12:30 pm | Multi-media (821) Data Science (844) |
CBSE Date Sheet 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How does the new two-exam system work for CBSE Class 10 in 2026?
For the 2025-26 academic session, Class 10 students have two board exam opportunities.
1. Phase 1 (Feb-Mar 2026): This is the mandatory main board exam for all students.
2. Phase 2 (May-June 2026): This is an optional exam for students who wish to improve their scores or for those who need to clear a compartment subject. This system helps reduce stress and provides a second chance without losing an academic year.What are the new rules for CBSE Class 10 in 2026?
The major new rule is the two-board exam system. The first exam in February is compulsory. An optional second exam in May allows students to improve scores or clear compartments in up to three subjects.
Where can I download the official PDF of the CBSE 2026 date sheet?
The official date sheet, once finalised, will be available for download on the CBSE’s official website: cbse.gov.in.
Will there be two board exams in 2026 for Class 10?
Yes, from the 2025-26 session, there will be two board examinations for Class 10.
What is the time for all CBSE board exams?
All theory exams will be held in a single shift, starting at 10:30 AM.
When will the CBSE 10th result 2026 be declared?
The results for the first phase are expected to be declared by April 2026. Results for the second phase are expected by June 20.
Can Class 12 students appear for improvement exams?
Yes, Class 12 students can appear for supplementary exams, which are scheduled after the main exam cycle, up to July 15, 2026.
How many students are expected to appear for CBSE exams in 2026?
Approximately 45 lakh (4.5 million) students are expected to appear for the Class 10 and 12 exams in 2026.
What is the minimum attendance required to appear for the CBSE board exams?
A minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory for students to be eligible to sit for the board examinations.
Is the second board exam for Class 10 compulsory?
No, the second exam (Phase 2) in May-June is optional. It is designed for students who need to appear for compartment exams or for those who wish to improve their scores in up to three subjects they have already passed.
What are the eligibility rules for CBSE Board Exams 2026?
Completion of Class 9 is mandatory for Class 10, and Class 11 for Class 12. A minimum of 75% attendance is required.
What if a student misses the internal assessment?
They will be deemed ineligible, and their result will not be declared.
What is the new two-board exam system for Class 10?
Students can take exams twice. The best score is retained. The second session (May 15-Jun 1) is for improvement/compartment.
When will the CBSE Class 10 board exams for 2026 begin?
According to the tentative schedule released by the board, the CBSE Class 10 board exams are set to begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
What is the last date for the CBSE Class 12 board exams in 2026?
The CBSE Class 12 board examinations are expected to conclude on Thursday, April 9, 2026. This date is based on the tentative schedule and includes all major subjects across Science, Commerce, and Arts streams.
Is the recently released CBSE Date Sheet for 2026 final?
No, the current date sheet is tentative. This early release is meant to help students plan their studies. The CBSE will release the final, confirmed date sheet closer to the exam period, typically in December. Always check the official website for the final version.
The early release of the tentative CBSE Date Sheet 2026 is a strategic move by the board to help students plan their studies efficiently. The introduction of the two-exam system for Class 10 is a welcome change aimed at reducing pressure. Students are advised to use this time wisely, create a structured study plan, and regularly check the official CBSE website for the final timetable and updates.
- Official CBSE Website: https://cbse.gov.in – For the final date sheet and official notifications.
- CBSE Academic Website: http://cbseacademic.nic.in – For curriculum, sample papers, and other academic resources.
Bookmark this page for updates & final schedule.
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