CBSE board class 10th and 12th annual examination 2026 date sheet//CBSE board exam 2026 date sheet released
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Date Sheet – Class 10 & 12
Welcome to All Mains Education — your trusted guide for CBSE exam updates and preparation.
Introduction
Every year, thousands of students across India await the CBSE board exam date sheet, since it sets the roadmap for their final stretch of preparation. In 2026, things are a little different — with some new formats, tentative schedules, and fresh challenges. In this article, we’ll walk you through the full tentative date sheet for Class 10 and 12, key changes, exam rules, preparation tips, and how to best use this schedule to your advantage. We’ll also link all relevant resources from All Mains Education for your benefit.
CBSE Board Exams 2026 — What’s New?
The year 2026 marks a few noteworthy departures from past exam patterns. Let’s summarize the significant changes first:
- For the **first time**, Class 10 board exams will have **two sessions (or phases)** in the same year — offering flexibility for students who miss or want to improve their scores. 0
- Class 12 exams remain a single-phase format but follow the usual full-syllabus pattern. 1
- The tentative exam window is broad — stretching from **February 17, 2026** to **July 15, 2026** to accommodate all phases, special exams, and evaluation. 2
- Exam timings are mostly uniform: **10:30 AM to 1:30 PM**, except for certain subjects (like painting or automotive) which may end earlier (around 12:30 PM). 3
- The board has released a *tentative* date sheet officially via a PDF circular. 4
- Evaluation is expected to begin soon after exams conclude, with the goal of timely result announcements. 5
Tentative Date Sheet – Class 10, 2026
The CBSE has divided the Class 10 exams into two phases. Every student **must appear** in Phase 1. Phase 2 is optional — it’s intended for those who want to improve, or those who missed Phase 1 (or have re-examination needs). Many subjects will be common to both phases; others depend on subject combinations. 7
Phase 1 (Mandatory for all students)
| Date | Day | Subject / Notes | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | Mathematics / First Paper | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 19 Feb 2026 | Thursday | English (Language & Literature) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 22 Feb 2026 | Saturday | Science (Theory) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 25 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | Social Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 01 Mar 2026 | Sunday | Language II / Elective Language | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 05 Mar 2026 | Thursday | Subject Combination / Minor Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 09 Mar 2026 | Monday | Mathematics (Applied) / Optional Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Phase 1 exams are expected between **February 17 and March 9, 2026**. 8
Phase 2 (Optional / Improvement / Make-up)
| Date | Day | Subject / Notes | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 May 2026 | Friday | Mathematics (for improvement / repeaters) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 18 May 2026 | Monday | English (for improvement / repeaters) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 21 May 2026 | Thursday | Science (for improvement / repeaters) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 25 May 2026 | Monday | Social Science (for improvement / repeaters) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 28 May 2026 | Thursday | Language II / Elective Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 01 June 2026 | Monday | Other Optional / Minor Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
As per media reports, Phase 2 is expected between **May 15 and June 1, 2026**. 9
Tentative Date Sheet – Class 12, 2026
Unlike Class 10, Class 12 remains a **single-phase** exam for all students. The date sheet covers all subjects across Science, Commerce, Arts, and vocational streams. 10
| Date | Day | Subject / Stream Notes | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | Biotechnology / Entrepreneurship / Shorthand (English/Hindi) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 20 Feb 2026 | Friday | Physics / Similar Core Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 23 Feb 2026 | Monday | Chemistry / Optional Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 26 Feb 2026 | Thursday | Mathematics / Applied Mathematics | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 02 Mar 2026 | Monday | Business Studies / Accountancy | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 06 Mar 2026 | Friday | History / Political Science / Economics | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | Psychology / Geography / Sociology | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 14 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Language / Optional Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 18 Mar 2026 | Wednesday | Visual Arts / Electives / Minor Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 22 Mar 2026 | Sunday | Vocational / Skill-based Subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Many sources say the Class 12 exams will run from **February 17 to April 9, 2026** in a single shift. 11
How to Download the Official Date Sheet (PDF)
The CBSE has published a tentative date sheet in PDF form on its official website. 12
- Visit the CBSE official website.
- Look for the “Announcements / Downloads / Date Sheet” section.
- Find “Tentative Date Sheet – Classes X & XII, 2025-26” and click the PDF link. 13
- Download and take a printout for your reference.
Important Exam Rules & Instructions
It’s not enough to know when your exams are — you must also understand the rules, dos and don’ts, and guidelines to ensure smooth conduct on exam days. Here’s a roundup:
- Exams will be conducted in **offline (pen-and-paper)** mode. 14
- Examination timings are generally **10:30 AM to 1:30 PM**, unless otherwise specified for certain practical / art / vocational subjects. 15
- You must carry your **admit card (exam hall ticket)**, student ID, stationery, and a transparent water bottle. Leave mobile phones, calculators (unless permitted), and other electronic gadgets outside. (This is standard CBSE practice.)
- Arrive at the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time. Late entry may be disallowed.
- Maintain discipline, no cheating or malpractice, no communication with other students during exams.
- Follow COVID / health norms if still applicable (masking, sanitizer, distancing) — depending on the prevailing guidelines at exam time.
- After the exam, do not photograph the question paper or circulate it (this is prohibited by board rules).
- Keep track of changes or notifications by the board — sometimes last-minute adjustments happen.
Strategy: How to Use This Date Sheet Wisely
A good date sheet is a tool — only if used wisely. Here’s how students can make the most of this schedule:
- Mark Your Personal Date Sheet: Use the tentative dates to build a custom calendar for yourself. Mark exam dates, buffer days, revision days, and rest. Keep it where you can see it daily.
- Prioritize Subjects by Difficulty: Start preparation early for subjects you find difficult. Use gaps to revise weaker portions.
- Mock Exams & Time Management: Treat every test (in school or self-made mock) as real. Practice with full exam timing (3 hours) to build speed and stamina.
- Revision Buffer Days: Leave buffer days before each exam for revision and last-minute corrections, not for starting new topics.
- Alternate Subjects: Avoid studying heavy theory-based subjects back-to-back. Alternate with languages, or lighter (optional) subjects to reduce mental fatigue.
- Health & Breaks: Ensure you rest, sleep well, eat clean, and take short breaks. Overtraining can backfire.
- Stay Updated: Keep checking CBSE’s official announcements — final date sheet may differ slightly. Use the download link on the CBSE website. 16
Common Questions & Clarifications
Students often have doubts or worries when a new format or tentative schedule is announced. Let’s address some common queries:
Q: Can I skip Phase 1 and appear directly in Phase 2 for Class 10?
A: No — Phase 1 is mandatory for all students. Phase 2 is only for improvement or those who did not appear. 17
Q: Will the Class 12 exams be split into two phases like Class 10?
A: No — Class 12 remains a single-phase exam for 2026 as per current announcements. 18
Q: What if the final date sheet differs from the tentative one?
A: Always follow the final version issued by CBSE. The tentative sheet is only a guide. Adjust your personal schedule accordingly.
Q: When will results be declared?
A: Typically, evaluation begins soon after exams. While there’s no confirmed date yet, boards aim to complete evaluation quickly and publish results timely. 19
Q: Are practical exams included in this schedule?
A: This schedule covers theory exams. Practical / internal assessments are usually conducted earlier (often January–February or school-defined dates). Keep in touch with your school for that schedule.
How All Mains Education Supports You
At **All Mains Education**, we are dedicated to helping every CBSE student succeed. Here’s how we back you up in light of the 2026 date sheet:
- ЁЯУЭ **Subject-wise Study Plans** — Download and customize study plans aligned with the date sheet. (Link in our “Resources” section)
- ЁЯУЪ **Revision Notes & Module Packs** — Concise notes, chapter summaries, and formula sheets to revise effectively.
- ЁЯзй **Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers** — We release full-length mocks timed to match the official exam timings, so you build exam temperament.
- ЁЯОУ **Doubt-clearing Sessions & Webinars** — Before each major exam stretch, we host expert sessions to clarify student doubts.
- ЁЯУв **Announcements & Alerts** — We’ll keep you updated instantly whenever CBSE releases the final date sheet or any changes.
- ЁЯУВ **Downloadable Resources** — All materials (PDFs, worksheets, model tests) are free or low-cost via our portal.
To access all these, visit our official portal: All Mains Education. Bookmark it now, and keep checking our “CBSE 2026” section for ongoing updates.
Final Words & Encouragement
The release of the tentative date sheet is both a relief and a challenge. It gives you direction — but it also demands commitment. Use these dates wisely, plan well, study smart, and maintain your mental and physical health. If you stay consistent, strategic, and calm, you can conquer this exam season.
Remember: this date sheet is your roadmap — **you** are the one who drives the journey. Keep reviewing your progress, stay flexible to adjustments, and don’t hesitate to ask questions, revise deeply, and rest wisely.
From all of us at All Mains Education, we wish you the very best. You have got this!
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