The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the official date sheet for CBSE Board Exams 2026, covering Class 10 and Class 12. Exams will commence from February 17, 2026, with a clear schedule announced well in advance for students’ preparation.
Exam Dates for Class 10 and 12
Both Class 10 and Class 12 board exams begin on February 17, 2026. Class 10 exams will run until March 18, 2026, while Class 12 exams extend till April 4, 2026. Exams will be conducted in a single shift, starting at 10:30 AM on all exam days.
👉 AIIMS NORCET 9 Mains Admit Card 2025 Released – Download Now
Two-Session Exam Model for Class 10
A key change this year is the introduction of a two-session exam model for Class 10. The first session is from February 17 to March 6, 2026. The second session, running from May 15 to June 1, 2026, is optional and aims to help students improve their scores without a separate supplementary exam.
Subjects and Timings
The detailed date sheet covers over 204 subjects for approximately 45 lakh candidates from India and 26 other countries. Exam duration is mostly three hours, with timings from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for most papers.
Evaluation Process
Evaluation of answer sheets will start about 10 days after each exam and be completed within 12 days. For example, if the Physics paper is on February 20, its evaluation will begin around March 3 and finish by March 15, 2026.
Key Highlights for Students
- Exams begin February 17 in a single morning shift.
- Two exam sessions for Class 10, with the second as a performance booster.
- Over 204 subjects covered under the schedule.
- Evaluation is timely, ensuring faster result declaration.
- The schedule is tentative and may update before exams.
How to Access the Date Sheet
Students can download the detailed CBSE Date Sheet 2026 from cbse.gov.in or trusted education news sources. It is crucial to review the timetable, exam codes, and timings meticulously to avoid confusion.
Benefits of New Exam Regime
The two-session system reduces student stress by giving them an additional chance within the academic year. This flexible system aligns CBSE with international practices emphasizing performance improvement and student welfare.
Students and parents are advised to start serious preparation following this comprehensive exam calendar and keep an eye on official announcements for any updates.