CBSE Date Sheet 2026: Tentative Class 10, 12 Exam Schedule Released | Check Full Timetable, Key Updates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative date sheets for Class 10 and Class 12 Board Examinations 2026, scheduled from February 17 to July 15, 2026, covering main exams, supplementary exams, sports student exams, and compartment exams.

Over 45 lakh students across 26 countries will appear in 204 subjects, with evaluation beginning about 10 days after each exam. The tentative schedule, announced via Notification No. F.31/CBSE/SPPS/2025 on September 24, 2025, enables students, teachers, and schools to plan systematically, though the final date sheet will be published later on cbse.gov.in.

CBSE Tentative Date Sheets for Board Examinations 2026 Released!

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has created a wave of excitement and anticipation by releasing the tentative date sheets for Classes X and XII Board Examinations 2026. This timely announcement, made through Notification No. F.31/CBSE/SPPS/2025 on September 24, 2025, is a student-centric initiative to support structured preparation. Since millions of learners participate in CBSE exams every year, this proactive step ensures clarity, reduces uncertainty, and sets a clear academic roadmap for schools, parents, and students alike.

Importance of Early Release of CBSE Date Sheet 2026

Releasing tentative date sheets ahead of time is more than just an administrative update—it’s a transformative approach to academic planning. For students, it provides a structured timeline to map revisions and practice tests. Teachers can balance teaching responsibilities with evaluation duties, while schools can align resources and logistics. Even parents benefit, as they can offer better support at home. By giving everyone involved a head start, CBSE is fostering a stress-free and well-organized exam environment.

Overview of CBSE Board Exams 2026

The CBSE Board Examinations in 2026 will cover a wide range of academic and vocational subjects with over 45 lakh candidates expected to appear across 204 subjects. The examinations span both India and 26 other countries, making CBSE one of the largest education boards globally.

Key Highlights:

• Exam Period: February 17, 2026, to July 15, 2026.
• Types of Exams: Main Exams, Sports Student Exams, Second/Compartment Exams, Supplementary Exams.
• Evaluation: Begins 10 days post-exam, wraps up in 12 days (e.g., Class XII Physics exam on Feb 20 will be evaluated Mar 3–15).

This well-planned schedule will ensure timely results and smoother academic transitions for students.

Benefits of Tentative Date Sheets for Different Stakeholders

The tentative CBSE date sheets act as a blueprint for success, benefiting every party involved in the examination process.

• Students: With a clear timetable, they can avoid cramming and instead prepare systematically. Mock tests can be aligned with exam intervals.
• Teachers: They can prioritize syllabus completion while scheduling revision classes effectively.
• Schools: Timely planning of invigilation, exam halls, and administrative duties becomes more efficient.
• Parents: The reduced uncertainty allows them to create supportive environments for their children without last-minute anxiety.

CBSE Class X Board Exam 2026 Tentative Datesheet

The Class 10 CBSE Exams 2026 are crucial as they set the foundation for higher studies. These exams begin on February 17, 2026, and cover core subjects like Mathematics, Science, English, Social Science, and Hindi, along with vocational courses.

Key Dates to Note:

• 17th Feb 2026: Mathematics (Standard & Basic)
• 21st Feb 2026: English (Communicative & Literature)
• 25th Feb 2026: Science
• 2nd Mar 2026: Hindi (Course A & B)
• 7th Mar 2026: Social Science

Students are advised to divide revision time by subject weightage, focusing on high-mark chapters first.

Class X Second Board (Compartment) Examinations

The Second Board Examinations for Class 10 will take place from May 15, 2026, to June 1, 2026. This supplementary attempt helps students who could not clear or wish to improve performance in specific subjects.

• 15th May 2026: Mathematics
• 19th May 2026: Science
• 23rd May 2026: Social Science
• 26th & 30th May 2026: Language Papers

This initiative safeguards academic continuity and prevents loss of an academic year, making it a lifeline for many students.

CBSE Class XII Board Exam 2026 Tentative Datesheet

The Class 12 Board Exams are gateways to college admissions and competitive exams. With subjects across Science, Commerce, Humanities, and Vocational streams, these exams hold immense importance. The tentative schedule begins on February 17, 2026, with a well-spaced design.

Important Subject Dates:

• 20th Feb: Physics
• 21st Feb: Business Studies
• 28th Feb: Chemistry
• 9th Mar: Mathematics & Applied Mathematics
• 12th Mar: English Core & Elective
• 18th Mar: Economics
• 25th Mar: Computer Science & IT
• 28th Mar: Accountancy
• 30th Mar: History
• 4th Apr: Sociology

Strategic spacing allows for targeted revision between major papers.

Evaluation and Result Timeline

CBSE has clearly outlined its evaluation framework, ensuring quick and efficient result processing. Answer script checking begins around 10 days after each exam and is completed within 12 days. This timeline is designed to ensure accuracy while avoiding delays.

For instance, if Class XII Chemistry is held on February 28, 2026, evaluation will likely begin by March 10 and conclude by March 22. This structured process reflects CBSE’s focus on fairness and transparency.

Administrative Details and Official Contact

The notification was signed by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, and addressed to all CBSE-affiliated schools. It is crucial to remember that the published dates are tentative and may change based on final confirmations.

CBSE Official Contact:

• Address: CBSE Integrated Office Complex, Sector-23, Phase-1, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110077
• Phone: 011-24050336-42
• Website: www.cbse.gov.in

Students must check the CBSE website regularly to avoid misinformation.

Preparation Tips for CBSE 2026 Exams

Early access to the date sheets allows students to plan smarter. Here are AUBSP’s expert strategies for maximum performance:

1. Create a Timetable: Divide study hours between subjects based on difficulty.
2. Prioritize NCERT Books: Most CBSE questions are concept-based from NCERTs.
3. Take Mock Tests: Solve past 10 years’ question papers to understand patterns.
4. Revise in Cycles: Revise each subject at least three times before exams.
5. Focus on Writing Practice: Time yourself while solving sample papers.
6. Stay Healthy: Maintain a balance of study, exercise, and rest.

Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead with AUBSP

The release of the CBSE Tentative Date Sheets 2026 marks the beginning of a structured journey for students, schools, and teachers. With exams scheduled from February 17 to July 15, 2026, now is the perfect time to build strategies, revise smartly, and stay consistent.

👉 For the latest updates on CBSE Final Date Sheets, preparation tips, resources, and academic news, follow AUBSP regularly. Subscribe to our notifications and ensure you never miss a crucial CBSE announcement.

FAQs on CBSE Board Exams 2026

When will CBSE Board Exams 2026 begin?
CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.

When will CBSE Board Exams 2026 end?
The overall exam period will conclude on July 15, 2026, including main, supplementary, and compartment exams.

Are the CBSE 2026 date sheets final?
No, the date sheets released on September 24, 2025, are tentative. Final versions will be issued after schools submit candidate lists.

Where can I download the CBSE 2026 date sheet PDF?
Students can download the final CBSE date sheet from the official website cbse.gov.in.

How many students will appear for CBSE 2026 exams?
Around 45 lakh candidates from India and 26 countries abroad are expected to appear.

How many subjects are included in CBSE 2026 exams?
A total of 204 subjects will be covered across Class 10 and Class 12 examinations.

What is the exam timing for CBSE 2026 papers?
Most exams will start at 10:30 AM, with durations of either 2 hours or 3 hours, depending on the subject.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 10 Maths exam be held?
The Class 10 Mathematics exam is tentatively scheduled for February 17, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 10 English exam be held?
The Class 10 English (Communicative & Language and Literature) exam is scheduled for February 21, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 10 Science exam be held?
The Class 10 Science exam is tentatively set for February 25, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 10 Social Science exam be held?
The Class 10 Social Science exam is tentatively scheduled for March 7, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Physics exam be held?
The Class 12 Physics exam is tentatively scheduled for February 20, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Chemistry exam be held?
The Class 12 Chemistry exam is tentatively set for February 28, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Business Studies exam be held?
The Class 12 Business Studies exam is scheduled for February 21, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Mathematics exam be held?
The Class 12 Mathematics and Applied Mathematics exams are scheduled for March 9, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 English exam be held?
The Class 12 English Core and Elective exams are scheduled for March 12, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Economics exam be held?
The Class 12 Economics exam is tentatively set for March 18, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Accountancy exam be held?
The Class 12 Accountancy exam is tentatively scheduled for March 28, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 History exam be held?
The Class 12 History exam is scheduled for March 30, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Sociology exam be held?
The Class 12 Sociology exam is scheduled for April 4, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 10 Compartment Exams be held?
Class 10 Compartment Exams will be conducted between May 15, 2026, and June 1, 2026.

When will CBSE 2026 Class 12 Supplementary Exams be held?
Supplementary exams for Class 12 will be conducted after the main exams, within the given exam window.

Will the CBSE 2026 evaluation be faster?
Yes, CBSE has planned evaluations to begin about 10 days after each exam and finish within 12 days.

Who announced the CBSE 2026 date sheet?
The notification was issued by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, CBSE.

What is the CBSE official website for updates?
The official website for CBSE announcements and date sheets is cbse.gov.in.

How should students use the tentative date sheet?
Students should prepare a revision timetable, solve practice papers, and plan rest days according to the tentative schedule.

When will CBSE 2026 results be declared?
Results are expected between May and June 2026, depending on the evaluation timeline.

Are vocational subjects included in CBSE 2026 exams?
Yes, vocational and skill-based subjects such as IT, Retail, and Healthcare are also part of the date sheet.

Do all CBSE 2026 exams start at the same time?
Yes, most exams begin at 10:30 AM sharp across all centers in India and abroad.

Can CBSE 2026 date sheet change after release?
Yes, since the current date sheet is tentative, the final version may have changes based on administrative requirements.

How can parents support students during CBSE 2026 exams?
Parents can help by creating a calm study environment, monitoring schedules, and ensuring proper rest and nutrition.

What should teachers do after date sheet release?
Teachers should adjust lesson plans, conduct revision sessions, and guide students with time management strategies.

What are the benefits of early CBSE date sheet release?
It reduces uncertainty, allows structured preparation, and helps schools organize resources effectively.

What should students avoid during CBSE 2026 preparation?
Students should avoid cramming, ignoring NCERT textbooks, over-stressing, and neglecting rest before exams.

How many hours should CBSE 2026 students study daily?
On average, 6–8 focused hours with breaks, balanced across subjects, is considered effective preparation.

Will CBSE 2026 follow the same exam pattern as 2025?
Yes, the exam pattern will remain largely consistent with competency-based questions, case studies, and MCQs.

What documents are required on exam day?
Students must carry their admit card, school ID, and essential stationery as instructed by CBSE.

Can students carry calculators in CBSE 2026 exams?
No, calculators and electronic gadgets are not allowed unless specified for particular vocational exams.

When will CBSE release the final admit cards for 2026 exams?
Final admit cards will be released in January 2026, accessible through schools and the official CBSE website.

Where can students find sample papers for CBSE 2026 exams?
Sample papers are available on the CBSE academic website and other trusted educational resources.

Will CBSE 2026 exams be conducted in two terms?
No, CBSE has returned to a single annual examination format since 2023, and the same will continue in 2026.

What happens if a student misses the CBSE 2026 exam?
If a student misses a paper due to valid reasons, they may apply for supplementary exams as per CBSE rules.

Can international students also appear for CBSE 2026 exams?
Yes, CBSE conducts exams in India as well as in 26 countries abroad for both Classes 10 and 12.

How can students prepare efficiently for CBSE 2026 exams?
By following NCERT books, solving previous year papers, practicing time management, and revising regularly.

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