CBSE Board Exams 2026: Class 10 and 12 Date Sheet Released, Exams to Begin from February 17

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the date sheet for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2026. According to the schedule, the examinations will start on February 17, 2026. While Class 10 board exams will continue until March 9, 2026, the Class 12 exams will conclude on April 9, 2026.

As per the announcement, most examinations will be conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, while a few subjects will be scheduled from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Tentative Nature of the Schedule

CBSE has clarified that the released date sheet is tentative and subject to change if necessary. To ensure a smooth and fair process, the board has also allocated sufficient gaps between major examinations, giving students ample preparation time.

For Class 10 students, the second board examinations (compartment or improvement exams) are scheduled between May 15 and June 1, 2026.

Highlights of Class 10 Date Sheet

The Class 10 examinations will begin with Mathematics (Standard/Basic), considered one of the most significant subjects for students. The exams will conclude with various language papers, including:

• Telugu

• Arabic

• Persian

• Nepali

• Russian

• Carnatic Music

• Hindustani Music

This wide range of subjects reflects CBSE’s emphasis on offering students a balanced curriculum that includes both academic and cultural learning.

Highlights of Class 12 Date Sheet

The Class 12 board examinations will cover a wide spectrum of academic and vocational subjects. The first exam is scheduled for Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Shorthand (English/Hindi), while the final papers will include Sanskrit Core, Multimedia, and Data Science.

The subject variety underlines the board’s focus on both core academic disciplines and emerging fields, ensuring students are equipped for higher education and professional careers.

Number of Students and Subjects

In 2026, CBSE expects more than 45 lakh students to appear for the board exams. These students will write exams across 204 different subjects. Importantly, candidates will not only appear from India but also from 26 foreign countries, making CBSE one of the largest school education boards globally.

Preparation, Evaluation, and Results

CBSE has devised a detailed plan for conducting examinations, evaluating answer sheets, and declaring results. The board’s structured approach aims to make the entire process efficient, transparent, and student-friendly.

The timely release of the date sheet will help students streamline their study routines, reduce anxiety, and plan revision strategies more effectively. Teachers and parents will also be able to guide students with a clear roadmap in hand.

How to Download the CBSE Date Sheet 2026

Students, parents, and teachers can easily access and download the complete date sheet from the board’s official website: cbse.gov.in.

• Visit the CBSE official website.

• Click on the “Examinations” or “Announcements” section.

• Download the PDF of the Class 10 or Class 12 date sheet.

• Save or print the document for reference.

✅ Key Takeaway:
The CBSE Board Exams 2026 will commence on February 17, 2026. Class 10 exams will run until March 9, and Class 12 exams will continue until April 9. With over 45 lakh students set to participate, CBSE has ensured sufficient gaps between papers to help students prepare better. The date sheet is available on cbse.gov.in and is expected to serve as a crucial planning tool for both students and educators.