CBSE Board Exams Date Sheet 2026: Check Major Changes This Year, Guidelines & More Details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative date sheet for Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026.

The board will release the final CBSE date sheet 2026 after schools submit the final list of candidates.

This date sheet will help students start their exam preparations and familiarize them with the upcoming exam schedule.

👉  Also Check - CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

👉  Also Check - CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026

CBSE Board Exams Date Sheet 2026: Exam Timing and Duration

CBSE board exams will be held from February 17 to July 15, 2026. Exam times for most subjects will be from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. For practical and specialized subjects like painting and automotive, the exam times are set until 12:30 pm.

The first phase of the CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026 will be held between February 17 and March 9, 2026, while the second phase of the CBSE 10th Exam 2026 will be held between May 15 and June 1, 2026.

The CBSE 12th Exam 2026 will be held between February 17, 2026, and April 9, 2026. The exams will be conducted in pen and paper format.

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Major Changes in CBSE Board Exams Date Sheet 2026

This year, a significant reform has been implemented for Class 10 students. The board has introduced a two-board exam system.

This aims to help students who fail a subject or are unable to appear for an exam. Such students can continue their studies and save an academic year by taking a second board exam (Essential Repeat or Compartment Exam).

Additionally, students who wish to improve their scores can also take a second board exam.

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CBSE Board Exams Date Sheet 2026: Eligibility for Class 10 and 12

This year, around 45 lakh students are expected to appear for the CBSE Board Exams 2026. This is around three lakh more than last year.

• To appear for the Class 10 board exam, students must have passed both Class 9 and 10.
• To appear for the Class 12 board exam, students must have passed Class 11.

Attendance and Guidelines for CBSE Board Exams 2026

• 75% attendance is mandatory to appear for the board exams in both classes.
• The results of the first board exam will be available in students' DigiLocker accounts, which they can use to enroll in Class 11.
• Students enrolled in sports can appear for the second board exam if they are unable to appear for the first exam.

CBSE Board Exams 2026: Answer Sheet Evaluation Process

Students who do not appear for the internal assessment will not be eligible to appear for the board exam and their results will not be declared.

The CBSE Board will begin evaluating student answer sheets 10 days after the exam for any subject and will complete it within 12 days. This will ensure the early declaration of student results.

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CBSE Board Exams Date Sheet 2026: Admit Card Information

Like previous years, the board is expected to release the admit cards approximately two weeks before the exam. Students are advised to download their admit cards in time and bring them to the exam center.

 CBSE Board Exams 2026: Second Board and Compartment Exam

• The second Class 10 board exam will begin on May 15, 2026, and continue until May 30, 2026.
• The compartment subject exam will be held on June 1, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Conclusion

The CBSE has made new changes and improvements to the 2026 board exam plan to ensure better preparation and eligibility for students. The two-board exam system and compartment option give students the opportunity to secure a solid academic year. All students are advised to begin their preparations according to the datesheet and guidelines.

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👉 CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

👉 CBSE Class 10 Study Materials