CBSE Releases Tentative Date Sheet for Board Exam 2026

View the Full Schedule for Classes 10 and 12

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative date sheet for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board exams. According to the information released, the board exams for both classes will begin on February 17, 2026, and the evaluation of answer sheets will be completed and the results will be declared by July 15, 2026.

CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj stated that this tentative schedule will help students better plan their studies, schools coordinate academic and administrative work, and teachers manage their personal schedules.

How Many Students Will Appear?

This year, approximately 4.5 million students, both from India and abroad, will appear for the 2026 CBSE Board Exams.

This number reflects the growing expansion and widespread influence of the CBSE examination system. Releasing the date sheet in time to conduct such a large-scale examination is crucial not only for students but also for the entire educational system.

Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Provision for Two Exams

In June 2025, CBSE announced a new policy under which Class 10 board exams will now be held twice a year.

1. The first compulsory exam – This will be held in mid-February. Every student is required to appear for this exam.

2. The second optional exam – This will be held in May. Only students wishing to improve their scores will be eligible to appear. This exam will offer improvement options in only three subjects: science, mathematics, social sciences, and languages.

The aim of this new system is to reduce the one-time, high-stakes pressure on students and give them an opportunity for self-improvement.

Class 12 Board Exam 2026

The format of the Class 12 board exam will remain the same. The exam will begin on February 17, 2026, and will continue until approximately April 9, 2026. Since Class 12 has different streams like Science, Commerce, and Humanities, the exam schedule is lengthy, and the subjects are divided sequentially.

Tentative Exam Schedule

As per the schedule announced by CBSE: Main Exam (Both Classes 10 and 12): Starting February 17, 2026

Class 10 First Exam: February 17 to March 9, 2026
Class 12 Exam: February 17 to April 9, 2026
Class 10 Second Exam (Optional): May 15 to June 1, 2026
Evaluation of Answer Sheets: Will begin approximately 10 days after each exam and will be completed within 12 days.
Result Declaration: By July 15, 2026

Exam Timing and Evaluation Process

All exams will be conducted in the morning session, and papers will generally begin at 10:30 a.m. Most papers will be three hours long, while some subjects may require two hours.

CBSE has also issued guidelines regarding the evaluation process. According to the tentative schedule, answer sheet evaluation will begin approximately 10 days after each exam and will be completed within 12 days. This will not only ensure timely results but also maintain transparency in the evaluation process.

Benefits of Tentative Dates

1. Better preparation – Students receive a clear exam schedule in advance, allowing them to study based on their strengths and weaknesses.

2. Convenience for schools – School administrations can coordinate internal exams, practicals, and administrative tasks in a timely manner.

3. Planning for teachers – Balancing answer sheet checking, practicals, and personal work becomes easier.

4. Reduced uncertainty – When students have prior knowledge of exam dates, mental stress and confusion are reduced.

Possible Revisions

It is important to note that these dates are tentative. The final date sheet will be released on the CBSE official website shortly before the exams. These dates are also subject to revision due to festivals, competitive examinations, or other events of national importance. Students and parents are advised to consider only the official CBSE notification as final and to check for updates periodically.

Results and Future Planning

CBSE has clarified that the results for both Class 10 and Class 12 examinations will be declared by July 15, 2026. This will facilitate students in completing the admission process for colleges and other competitive examinations on time.

The tentative date sheet for Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026 released by CBSE serves as a guideline for students.

First Class 10 exam: February 17 to March 9, 2026
Class 12 exam: February 17 to April 9, 2026
Second Class 10 exam: May 15 to June 1, 2026
Evaluation: Starts 10 days after each exam, completed within 12 days
Results: July 15, 2026

This new format, especially the biannual Class 10 exam system, will provide students with greater opportunity and flexibility. Students should now prepare for their exams with this schedule in mind.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.