Key Points:
- The CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams are tentatively scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.
- Class 10 main exams will run until March 9, 2026, while Class 12 main exams will conclude on April 9, 2026.
- The overall examination window, including supplementary and special exams, extends until July 15, 2026.
- This early announcement is designed to help the approximately 4.5 million students across India and 26 other countries to better plan their studies.
- The final, detailed date sheet will be released closer to the examination period.
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the tentative dates for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations, scheduling them to begin on February 17, 2026. This early release, about five months ahead of the exams, is intended to provide ample time for the nearly 4.5 million students, as well as teachers and schools, to plan and prepare for the extensive examination cycle.
The CBSE has outlined a comprehensive schedule that covers various examinations for the 2026 cycle. All exams will be conducted in a single shift, starting at 10:30 AM.
- Class 10 Main Board Exams: February 17 to March 9, 2026.
- Class 12 Main Board Exams: February 17 to April 9, 2026.
- Class 10 Second Examination (Exam-2): Tentatively starting from May 15, 2026. This aligns with the new policy allowing students two opportunities to appear for Class 10 board exams.
- Other Exams: The full window from February to July will also accommodate special exams for sports students and supplementary exams for Class 12.
Rationale for Early Announcement
The board stated that the decision to release the dates five months in advance was a strategic move to benefit all stakeholders. With over 4.5 million candidates expected to appear for exams in 204 subjects across India and 26 other countries, the scale of the operation requires significant coordination.
Benefits of this early release include:
- For Students: Ample time to create study plans, focus on subject-wise preparation, and manage their academic schedule effectively.
- For Schools: The ability to plan administrative tasks, such as allocating teachers for invigilation and evaluation duties, well in advance.
- For Teachers: Clarity in planning their personal schedules and holidays around the examination period.
The tentative timetable has been prepared based on the registration data for Class 9 and 11 students from the 2025 academic year. CBSE has clarified that while these dates provide a solid framework, the final, subject-wise date sheet will be confirmed and released closer to the exam start date. The board also assured that processes like evaluation and checking of answer sheets will be conducted in a planned manner to ensure timely declaration of results.
