The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the much-awaited CBSE Date Sheet 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12 students. The final timetable gives a complete schedule of the board exams, helping students prepare in advance. This time, the exams are expected to start from February 17, 2026 for both classes, continuing till April 2026.
CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 Overview
CBSE has maintained its annual pattern of conducting Class 10 and Class 12 exams simultaneously. However, from 2026, a two-phase exam pattern is being implemented for Class 10 — Phase 1 in February–March and Phase 2 (optional) in May–June. The initiative aims to reduce exam stress and offer an additional improvement chance to students.
CBSE 2026 Exam Dates
- Class 10 Exams: February 17, 2026 – March 20, 2026
- Class 12 Exams: February 17, 2026 – April 10, 2026
- Exam Timings: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
- Duration: 3 hours per paper
CBSE 10th and 12th Board Exam Time Table Highlights
- CBSE will conduct the exams in offline mode across all affiliated schools in India and abroad.
- Practical exams will be held in January 2026, before the written exams.
- Gaps of two to three days will be given between major subjects for sufficient preparation time.
- The final date sheet will be available in PDF format on cbse.gov.in.
Step-by-Step Guide to Download the CBSE Date Sheet 2026
- Visit the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in.
- On the homepage, click on the “Examinations” tab.
- Select “Date Sheet 2026 – Class 10 / Class 12”.
- The PDF for both classes will appear on your screen.
- Click Download and save the file for future reference.
Important Details on CBSE Date Sheet 2026 PDF
The official date sheet PDF includes:
- Subject-wise exam dates and codes for each stream.
- Exam duration and shift details (usually morning shift).
- Instructions for students and invigilators.
- Important guidelines on entry timing, admit card verification, and stationery rules.
CBSE Date Sheet 2026 – Key Highlights
- Board: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Exam Year: 2025–26
- Class: 10th and 12th
- Date Sheet Release Date: October 30, 2025
- Download PDF
- Official Website: cbse.gov.in
Disclaimer
This article is based on the latest official circular and draft notifications released by the CBSE. Students are advised to verify details from the official CBSE website before making final exam preparations. Changes, if any, will be notified directly by the board.
FAQs
Q1: When will the CBSE Board Exams 2026 start?
The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams are scheduled to begin from February 17, 2026.
Q2: Where can I download the official CBSE Date Sheet 2026 PDF?
You can download the official CBSE date sheet 2026 PDF from cbse.gov.in under the “Examinations” section.
Q3: What is new in the CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026 pattern?
CBSE has introduced a two-phase exam pattern for Class 10 — Phase 1 (main exam) in February–March and Phase 2 (optional/improvement) around May–June 2026.
