CBSE 2026 Exam Date Sheets Released: What Students Must Know
The wait is over — the CBSE 2026 exam date sheet has been officially released in its tentative form, bringing relief and clarity to millions of students preparing for the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. With the schedule now available, students can begin planning and mapping their preparation in earnest.
Key Exam Dates: Class 10 & Class 12 (Tentative)
| Class | Exam Period (Tentative) | Remarks / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Class 10 (Phase 1) | 17 February – 9 March 2026 | All students must appear in this mandatory exam. |
| Class 10 (Phase 2 / Improvement / Compartment) | 15 May – 1 June 2026 | For students who wish to improve scores or missed Phase 1. |
| Class 12 (Main Exams) | 17 February – 9 April 2026 | Exams across all streams will be conducted in this period. |
| Entire Exam Window | 17 February – 15 July 2026 | Covers all exams, practicals, evaluation, and supplementary periods. |
Note: These are tentative schedules released by CBSE ahead of the final date sheet.
Important Details: Timings, Practical Exams & Official Norms
Exam Timings & Duration
- Most theory papers will run from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
- Skill-based subjects may have shorter durations — often concluding by 12:30 PM.
- All exams follow a single-shift schedule.
Practical / Internal Assessments
- Practical exams and internal assessments will be conducted prior to theory exams.
- Winter-bound schools may hold practicals in December or January.
- CBSE will issue detailed circulars with guidelines for practicals and internal assessments.
New Changes & Highlights for 2026
- Two Class 10 Exams in a Year: CBSE is introducing a two-window system — one in February–March and another in May–June for improvements.
- Aligns with NEP 2020 for flexibility and reduced stress.
- CBSE exams may coincide with Assembly Elections in some states, affecting logistics.
CBSE Preparation Tips for 2026 Board Exams
- Build a Realistic Study Plan: Map topics against exam dates and allocate time smartly.
- Practice with Previous Year Papers: Download authentic CBSE question papers from questionpaper.in to understand paper patterns and time management.
- Focus on Core Concepts: Study NCERT thoroughly and make concise revision notes.
- Take Mock Tests Regularly: Simulate exam conditions to improve speed and accuracy.
- Manage Stress: Take breaks, stay healthy, and keep your mind calm before exams.
Where to Get Previous Year CBSE Question Papers
Visit questionpaper.in — your go-to platform to download free CBSE question papers for Class 10 and 12. Practice with real board papers to:
- Understand recurring question patterns
- Evaluate your performance
- Boost confidence before the final exams
FAQs — CBSE 2026 Date Sheet & Exam Queries
When do CBSE 2026 exams begin and end?
The tentative start date is 17 February 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12. The main exams end by April, with supplementary exams running until 15 July 2026.
Why are there two exams for Class 10 in 2026?
CBSE has introduced a two-window system — one mandatory in February–March and an optional improvement exam in May–June, aligned with NEP 2020 for flexibility and reduced exam stress.
How can I download the CBSE 2026 date sheet PDF?
The official PDF will be available at cbse.gov.in under the “Examinations” section once finalized.
When will the final date sheet be released?
CBSE will release the final confirmed date sheet in November–December 2025 after schools submit the List of Candidates (LOC).
Stay tuned on here for updates, study resources, and CBSE preparation tips for 2026.