New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the final date sheet for the 2026 board exams for both Class 10 and Class 12 students.
The exams are scheduled to begin from 17 February 2026, and this year’s schedule aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms that propose holding two board examinations per academic session for Class 10 students.
The tentative date sheet was issued on 24 September 2025 — 146 days before the exam start date. The final schedule was prepared after schools submitted their “List of Candidates” (LOC), ensuring all subject combinations were accounted for. This finalized timetable has been released 110 days before the start of the exams, giving students ample preparation time.
How to Download the CBSE 2026 Date Sheet
- Visit the official CBSE website– cbse.gov.in
- Click on the “Examinations” tab on the homepage
- Choose “Date Sheet” from the dropdown
- Click on “CBSE Date Sheet X–XII Final 2026” to download the PDF
- Check the subject-wise exam dates, timings, and important instructions
Key Highlights
- Exam Start Date: 17 February 2026
- Classes Covered: Class 10 and Class 12
- Policy Update: Two board exams annually for Class 10 (as per NEP 2020)
- Tentative Schedule Released: 24 September 2025
- Final Schedule Released: 110 days before the exam start date
Preparation Tips for Students
- Download and print the official date sheet for daily reference.
- Plan subject-wise revisions based on the exam gap days.
- Practice previous years’ question papers under timed conditions.
- Maintain a balanced routine including rest and revision intervals.
- Schools should align their mock tests and revision plans with the released timetable.
Why This Matters
The early release of the CBSE 2026 board exam schedule gives both students and schools sufficient time to organize their preparation. The NEP 2020-aligned structure aims to make exams more flexible and reduce student stress through improved planning and evaluation.
Students are advised to check the official CBSE portal regularly for any updates or clarifications regarding admit cards, exam centres, and practical examination schedules.
