NEW DELHI — September 25, 2025: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative schedule for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations. The exams are set to commence on February 17, 2026, with a significant reform introduced for Class 10 students.
Exam Schedule and Structure
The Class 10 board exams will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 is scheduled from February 17 to March 9, 2026, while Phase 2 is planned for May 15 to June 1, 2026. This new structure allows students to appear for the main exam in February and, if necessary, an improvement exam in May. The results for both phases will be declared by the first week of June.
Class 12 exams will begin on February 17, 2026, and conclude on April 7, 2026. The exams will be conducted in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, with exceptions for certain subjects like painting and automotive, which will end at 12:30 PM.
Major Changes in CBSE Board Exam 2026
Introduction of Two-Phase Exam System for Class 10
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, CBSE has introduced a two-phase examination system for Class 10 students. The first phase, a compulsory main exam, will be held in February. The second phase, an optional improvement exam, will be conducted in May. This change aims to provide students with more flexibility and reduce academic stress.
Tentative Dates Released Early
For the first time, CBSE has released the tentative date sheets for both Class 10 and 12 exams well in advance. The Class 10 exams are scheduled from February 17 to March 18, 2026, while the Class 12 exams will take place from February 17 to April 4, 2026. This early release allows students ample time to plan and prepare effectively.
Guidelines for Students and Parents
CBSE has issued several guidelines to assist students and parents in preparing for the 2026 board exams:
- Adherence to Timings: Exams will commence at 10:30 AM and conclude by 1:30 PM. Students are advised to reach the examination center well in advance.
- Subject-Specific Timings: Certain subjects like painting and automotive will have different timings, concluding at 12:30 PM. Students should check the specific timings for their subjects.
- Preparation Tips: Students are encouraged to follow the syllabus closely and utilize the time between phases effectively for revision.
- Health and Well-being: Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial. Students should ensure adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and stress management practices.
Impact and Implications
The introduction of a two-phase examination system for Class 10 students marks a significant shift in CBSE’s approach to board exams. This reform is expected to alleviate pressure on students by providing an opportunity to improve their performance within the same academic year. Additionally, the early release of the tentative date sheets offers students ample time to prepare, reducing last-minute stress.
The staggered exam schedule also allows for more efficient evaluation, with answer scripts being assessed approximately 10 days after each exam and results expected within 12 days.
FAQs
A: The exams are scheduled to commence on February 17, 2026.
A: Class 10 students will now have two opportunities to appear for the board exams: a compulsory main exam in February and an optional improvement exam in May.
A: Students can download the tentative date sheet from the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in
