CBSE 2026 Exam Calendar: Class 10 & 12 Dates, Timings & Key Changes

CBSE has shared a tentative schedule for the 2026 board season. The plan places the start of Class 10 and Class 12 theory papers on February 17, 2026. Activities continue across the first half of the year, covering the main examinations, a new second board window for Class 10, and supplementary rounds. 

The board is also guiding schools on an evaluation timeline that begins roughly ten days after each subject and wraps up within about twelve days. Students, teachers, and families can now map revision and logistics with better clarity while staying ready for later adjustments.

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Key Takeaways

• Class 10 and Class 12 theory papers begin on February 17, 2026.
• Class 10 adopts a two exam structure in the same academic year. Exam 1 is the main round. Exam 2 serves as an additional opportunity.
• Most theory papers start at 10:30 am. Several skill or arts subjects finish at 12:30 pm.
• Evaluation is planned to begin about ten days after each subject’s test and to finish about twelve days later.
• The schedule is tentative. Students should continue to verify the latest circulars and PDFs from the board.

What The 2026 Calendar Covers

The 2026 outline spans the main theory examinations for Classes 10 and 12, sports assessments for Class 12 where applicable, the second Class 10 board window in late spring, and supplementary examinations later in the cycle. Releasing details months in advance helps schools plan invigilation, labs, and practicals. Families can set travel and wellness routines with fewer surprises. Students can sequence mock tests and target weak areas based on the likely order of subjects.

Exam Windows And Daily Timings

On exam days the common reporting and writing start is 10:30 am. Most theory papers run to 1:30 pm. A number of shorter papers, typically in arts or skills, run to 12:30 pm. The uniform start time helps schools coordinate transport, seating, and invigilation. For students the fixed window supports consistent sleep and meal patterns during an intense month.

Class 10: The Two Exam System

In 2026 Class 10 introduces two board windows within the same academic year. The first window in February and March remains the primary round. The second window in May and June provides an additional attempt in the same session. The aim is to reduce single shot pressure, give students flexibility when illness or clashes occur, and improve overall outcomes without forcing a gap year.

Treat Exam 1 as the main target. Build your plan to peak for this window. The second window can support students who missed a paper, underperformed in a subject, or seek to improve a specific result as guided by school policies. Coordinate early with teachers on which subjects, if any, should be moved to or repeated in the second round. Create a mini revision cycle after the first window and keep notes ready to refresh topics quickly.

Class 12: Main Exams And Supplementaries

For Class 12 the main theory papers run from mid February into early April in the tentative plan. Supplementary and related activities appear later in the calendar. Because admissions and entrance tests cluster soon after boards, the early visibility matters. Students can align practical records, internal assessments, and entrance preparation without overloading any single week. Schools can distribute evaluation and invigilation work while reserving staff for internal duties.

Evaluation Timeline And Why It Matters

CBSE indicates that evaluation for a subject begins about ten days after the paper is held and concludes within roughly twelve days. This structure encourages faster result processing and clear expectations for schools. For students this matters in two ways. 

, dispute handling and verification can be planned earlier. Second, faster evaluation supports admissions timelines, scholarship windows, and exam planning for students targeting competitive tests.

Planning Your Preparation With The 2026 Calendar

Begin by converting the tentative subject order into a revision ladder. Through October and November focus on concept mastery and formula notebooks. In December start full length timed papers for high weight subjects. 

In January run subject wise mocks on the likely exam day format and build an error log. For subjects placed early in the window, front load problem sets and past papers now. For subjects placed later, maintain spaced repetition so memory stays fresh.

Build a weekly rhythm. Allocate three heavy sessions to your top two subjects, two medium sessions to the next two, and one maintenance session to each remaining paper. End every week with a ninety minute review of your error log. Track accuracy by chapter. If a topic sits below seventy percent accuracy for two weeks, schedule a structured re learn day for that chapter.

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How To Use The Second Class 10 Window

Decide early whether you might use the second window. Base this on internal test scores, mock results, and health considerations. If you suspect a collision with a competitive exam or a personal event, plan with your teacher to shift that subject to the later window. 

Keep momentum alive by continuing weekly practice sets for any subject moved. After the main round, take three days off, then relaunch a short and focused cycle for the second window that targets only weak chapters and time management.

Health, Logistics, And Exam Day Routine

Plan sleep, meals, and transport now. Fix a stable bedtime and morning routine by January so your body clock aligns with a 10:30 am start. Build a light pre exam breakfast that includes complex carbs and some protein. Pack a transparent pouch with pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, a simple analog watch if allowed, and your admit card. 

Visit the exam center once in advance to estimate travel time. On exam day arrive early to avoid stress. After each paper, spend twenty minutes updating your error log, then switch attention to the next subject.

Key Notes For Schools And Parents

Schools should map staff deployment for invigilation and evaluation across both windows. Align lab access for practicals and ensure internal assessments finish on time. 

Keep communication frequent with students about admit cards, center details, and any micro changes in the schedule. Parents can support by stabilizing home routines, limiting social media noise during the window, and organizing calm study zones.

What Is New Or Notable In 2026

The two exam structure for Class 10 is the central change. It can reduce stress peaks and cut the cost of missing a paper. Another notable point is the early visibility on evaluation timelines. This supports timely results and clearer planning for admissions. 

Some families may notice tight gaps between certain high weight papers. If so, begin spaced revision earlier for those subjects and maintain light touch practice even during weeks focused on other papers.

How To Stay Updated And Avoid Rumors

Always check the latest PDF on the official board website and read any addenda. Private portals and news posts are helpful summaries, but the official circulars control. If a revised sheet appears, sit with your teacher the same day to shift your mock calendar and your final week plan. Save a single folder on your device for official notices to prevent confusion.

Final Thoughts

The CBSE 2026 exam calendar gives students and schools a long runway for preparation. With a predictable 10:30 am start, a planned evaluation cycle, and a second window for Class 10, the board season is easier to organize. Treat the dates as working guidance. 

Prepare as if the first sheet will hold, and be ready to adjust quickly if a later notice refines the order. A steady weekly rhythm, a clean error log, and early planning for logistics will do more for your score than last minute sprints.

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FAQs

When do the CBSE 2026 board exams start and end?

The main theory papers for both classes begin on February 17, 2026. Activities continue across the first half of the year for the second Class 10 window and supplementary rounds.

What time do most papers start?

Most theory papers begin at 10:30 am. Several skill or arts papers end at 12:30 pm.

What is the new two exam system for Class 10?

Class 10 has two board windows in one academic year. The first window is the main round. The second window offers an additional attempt within the same session.

How soon does evaluation begin after a paper?

Copy checking is planned to begin about ten days after each subject and to finish within about twelve days.

Are the date sheets final?

No. The schedule is tentative. Always verify the latest official circulars and PDFs.

How many students and subjects are expected in 2026?

The board expects participation across a very large candidate base and a wide subject set. Students in India and in several countries abroad will sit for papers across core subjects, languages, and vocational courses.