The date sheet for class 10 and class 12 Board Exams 2026 has officially been released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). However, it has also provided details of the new two-exam policy for class 10 board exams as recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
The Board exams for both classes have been scheduled to begin on 17 February 2026. The final date sheet has been released 110 days before the start of the exams, a first for CBSE. Early release of the date sheet will give schools, students and teachers plenty of time to plan and prepare effectively for the 2026 CBSE Board exams.
When will the CBSE Board Exams 2026 start?
A tentative date sheet was shared earlier on 24th October 2025, a good 146 days in advance. It was based on the registration data from classes IX and XI. The final date sheet has been prepared using the confirmed List of Candidates (LOC) submitted by the schools.
With the release of the final date sheet, CBSE has confirmed that the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Examinations 2026 will begin on 17 February 2026. The time of the exam will remain the same, i.e. 10:30 a.m.
What is the new CBSE Two-Exam Policy from 2026?
In line with NEP 2020 recommendations, CBSE will conduct two Board Examinations for Class 10 from 2026 onwards. This brings relief to Class 10 students as students will get two chances in a year to appear for the Board Exams. This is a great opportunity for those students who wish to improve their exam performance.
By introducing the two-exam system, CBSE aims to reduce exam stress and anxiety among students. Furthermore, this will also help students to move beyond rote memorisation. This system also supports the NEP’s goal of flexible and holistic assessments, so that students are not limited by one final exam in a year.
How will the two CBSE Class 10 exams in 2026 work?
Under the new system, CBSE will hold two Board exams for Class 10 students within the same academic session.
- Students can appear in both exams.
- The best score from the two will be considered as the final result.
- Schools will plan internal assessments and teaching schedules around these two exam cycles.
Consequently, this step aims to help students prepare better, manage exam pressure, and give equal importance to concept understanding and application-based learning.
How was the CBSE 2026 Date Sheet prepared?
CBSE considered several important factors while preparing the 2026 Bard Exam Schedule.
- An ample gap between major subjects for both class 10 and class 12.
- Making sure teachers are available during the evaluation process so that non-board classes are not disrupted.
- Coordination with agencies like NTA so that dates of entrance exam schedules for exams such as JEE (Mains) do not overlap.
- Avoiding timetable clashes among 40,000+ subject combinations across schools.
What are the benefits of the early CBSE Date Sheet release?
There are several benefits to releasing the exam date sheet 110 days before CBSE board exams begin. Some of the benefits include:
For students: They can plan for maximum efficiency, reducing exam stress and anxiety. This will, in turn, lead to improved performance. Class 12 students will be able to focus on their board exams as well as exams like JEE (Mains), NEET etc.
For teachers: They will not stay away from schools for long durations.
For schools: They can manage academic and other activities without disruption to other classes. Designated schools as exam centres will also have more than enough time to prepare logistics.
Additional update for JEE (Main) applicants
National Testing Agency (NTA) will now ask students to provide their class XI registration number while filing JEE (Main) application form to avoid scheduling conflicts. To make this process easier, schools have been asked to share the registration numbers with students applying for JEE (Main) 2026.
- CBSE Board Exams 2026 start: 17 February 2026
- Two Board exams: Applicable for Class 10 only (from 2026 onwards)
- Date sheet released: 110 days in advance
- Benefits: Early preparation, less anxiety, smooth scheduling for schools and teachers
The CBSE Board Exam Date Sheet 2026 marks a key step towards implementing the NEP 2020 reforms in assessment and academic planning. However, with an early schedule and flexible structure, students now have more time, clarity, and opportunity to perform their best.
FAQs on CBSE 2026 Board Exams and Date Sheet
- When will the CBSE Board Exams 2026 start?
CBSE Board Exams 2026 will begin from 17 February 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12. - What is the new CBSE two-board exam policy from 2026?
From 2026, Class 10 students will have two chances to take their Board exams. Their best score from the two exams will be considered final. - How to check CBSE 2026 date sheet officially?
You can go to cbse(.)gov(.)in and get the date sheet for CBSE Board Exams 2026. - Does the CBSE two-exam rule apply to Class 12 in 2026?
CBSE two-exam rule does not apply to Class 12. They will only have one annual Board Exams. - Why did CBSE release the date sheet so early?
To help students and schools plan better, reduce exam stress, and align schedules with national entrance tests like JEE (Main) and NEET. - What time will the exams start?
All CBSE Board exams will start at 10:30 a.m. (IST). - What should schools do for JEE (Main) applicants?
Schools must provide the Class XI registration number to students applying for JEE (Main) to avoid exam date overlaps.