CBSE Board Exams 2026: Tentative Datesheet Released for Class 10 & 12 – Exams to Begin from February 17, 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the tentative datesheet for the CBSE Board Examinations 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12 students. As per the notification, the examinations will commence from February 17, 2026, bringing clarity and relief to lakhs of students, parents, and schools who were eagerly waiting for the schedule.
The board has taken this step to ensure that students can streamline their preparation plans in advance while schools can effectively manage academic and administrative responsibilities. With more than 45 lakh students expected to appear from India and abroad, CBSE Board Exams 2026 are set to be one of the largest academic events in the country.
In this article, we provide complete details of the tentative schedule, exam duration, important dates, purpose of the tentative release, and preparation strategies for students aiming to excel in the upcoming board examinations.
CBSE Board Exams 2026 – At a Glance
- Conducting Authority: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Classes Covered: Class 10 & Class 12
- Tentative Datesheet Release Date: September 2025
- Exams Start From: February 17, 2026
- Class 10 Exam Concludes: March 9, 2026
- Class 12 Exam Concludes: April 9, 2026
- Exam Timings: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (most subjects), 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (few subjects)
- Class 10 Exam-2 (Second Term): From May 15, 2026
- Total Students Appearing: Around 45 lakh (4.5 million)
- Total Subjects: Approx. 204
- Exams Held In: India and 26 other countries abroad
Important Dates for CBSE Board Exams 2026
Students must carefully note down the following key dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Class 10 & 12 Exams Begin | February 17, 2026 |
| Class 10 Exams End | March 9, 2026 |
| Class 12 Exams End | April 9, 2026 |
| Class 10 Exam-2 | From May 15, 2026 |
The tentative schedule has been released well in advance so that students can plan their studies, mock tests, revisions, and practice papers accordingly.
Exam Timings and Duration
- Most exams will be held between 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM, making it a 3-hour duration.
- Certain subjects will have 2-hour exams, conducted between 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM.
- Students are usually advised to reach the exam hall at least 30–45 minutes before the reporting time.
Why CBSE Released a Tentative Datesheet
The CBSE has clarified that the purpose of releasing a tentative datesheet several months before the final one is threefold:
- Student Preparation
- Helps students build a structured study timetable.
- Provides clarity on subject gaps and helps in planning revision cycles.
- School Administration
- Schools can plan academic calendars effectively.
- Ensures smooth arrangement of practical exams and pre-boards.
- Allows deployment of teachers for examination and evaluation duties without clashes.
- Teachers’ Convenience
- Teachers can prepare evaluation schedules in advance.
- Helps them balance both academic teaching and exam-related duties.
Scale of CBSE Board Exams 2026
The CBSE Board Exams are among the largest in the world in terms of student participation. In 2026:
- 45 lakh+ students will appear for both Class 10 and 12.
- Around 204 subjects will be examined.
- Students will participate not only from all states and union territories of India, but also from 26 countries abroad, highlighting the global presence of CBSE-affiliated schools.
Preparation Tips for CBSE Class 10 & 12 Students
With the tentative dates now out, students should utilize the next few months to fine-tune their preparation. Here are some effective strategies:
1. Create a Subject-Wise Timetable
- Allocate more time to difficult subjects.
- Keep daily revision slots for formulas, theorems, and key points.
2. Solve Previous Years’ Question Papers
- Practicing past papers helps understand exam patterns.
- Time-bound practice improves speed and accuracy.
3. Focus on NCERT Books
- For both Class 10 and 12, NCERT textbooks remain the most important source.
- Ensure thorough understanding of all chapters.
4. Regular Mock Tests
- Attempt weekly mock tests.
- Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas.
5. Balanced Study Approach
- Avoid last-minute cramming.
- Use diagrams, flowcharts, and bullet points to aid memory.
6. Take Care of Health
- Maintain proper sleep cycles.
- Eat nutritious food to stay energetic.
- Include short breaks in study sessions.
What Students Should Do Now
- Download the tentative datesheet from CBSE’s official website.
- Mark the subject-wise exam dates in a personal study calendar.
- Use the tentative schedule to set monthly and weekly study targets.
- Consult teachers to clarify doubts early.
- Stay updated for the final datesheet, which CBSE will release closer to the exam period.
Importance of Board Exams 2026
The CBSE Board Examinations are crucial milestones in a student’s academic journey:
- For Class 10 Students: Marks determine eligibility for subject streams (Science, Commerce, Arts) in Class 11.
- For Class 12 Students: Results play a decisive role in university admissions, competitive exams, and scholarships.
Therefore, structured preparation aligned with the official schedule is essential for success.
DIRECT LINK TO CHECK CBSE CLASS 10, 12 TENTATIVE DATESHEET 2026
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When will CBSE Class 10 and 12 Board Exams 2026 begin?
Answer: Both exams will begin on February 17, 2026.
Q2. When will the Class 10 CBSE Board Exams end?
Answer: Class 10 exams will conclude on March 9, 2026.
Q3. When will the Class 12 CBSE Board Exams end?
Answer: Class 12 exams will conclude on April 9, 2026.
Q4. What is Class 10 Exam-2?
Answer: Class 10 Exam-2 is the second examination for students, scheduled to start from May 15, 2026.
Q5. Why is CBSE calling it a “tentative datesheet”?
Answer: The tentative datesheet helps students and schools plan better. The final datesheet may include minor changes.
Conclusion
The release of the tentative datesheet for CBSE Board Exams 2026 is a significant update for students of Classes 10 and 12. With exams starting from February 17, 2026, students now have a clear timeline to organize their preparation. The schedule also provides schools and teachers with ample time for academic planning and administrative arrangements.
With over 45 lakh candidates preparing across India and abroad, the CBSE 2026 examinations will be a massive academic exercise. Students are advised to use this time wisely, stick to their study routines, and practice extensively to perform well.
For the latest updates, students should keep visiting the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in.
