CBSE Date Sheet 2026: Class 10th–12th Board Exam Date

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has finally released the much-awaited CBSE Date Sheet 2026 for both Class 10 and Class 12 students. Every year, this announcement marks a crucial moment for lakhs of students across India, as it sets the official timeline for one of the most important academic milestones—the board examinations.

For 2026, CBSE has designed the exam schedule thoughtfully, providing adequate gaps between core subjects to help students revise effectively. The exams will commence in mid-February and conclude in April 2026, ensuring a balanced window for all streams and subjects.

Whether you’re a Class 10 student stepping into your first board experience or a Class 12 student preparing for college admissions, understanding the detailed timetable is essential. Let’s dive deep into the subject-wise CBSE 2026 date sheet, along with preparation tips, exam-day guidelines, and key highlights to help you stay ahead of the curve.

Highlights of CBSE Date Sheet 2026

• Release Date: October 30, 2026 
• Exams Begin: 17th February 2026 for both Class 10 and 12
• Mode of Examination: Offline (pen and paper)
• Timing: Most exams from 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM, with select vocational subjects from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM
• Practical Exams: Likely to begin in January 2026, before the theory papers

One noticeable highlight this year is the CBSE’s continued emphasis on skill-based learning, as reflected in multiple vocational subject papers for both classes. The board aims to promote holistic education through this updated schedule, ensuring both academic and practical skill development.

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026 Overview

CBSE Class 10 exams for 2026 are set to begin on 17th February 2026 and will continue till 10th March 2026. The board has provided adequate gaps between major subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science to aid in revision and reduce stress.

Each paper will begin at 10:30 AM, and students must report to their exam centers by 10:00 AM sharp. Admit cards will be distributed through schools, and every student must carry their CBSE-issued admit card on exam days.

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Download CBSE Date Sheet 10th Class

Major Subjects and Dates for Class 10 Students

For most students, the primary concern revolves around major academic papers. Here’s a breakdown of the most significant Class 10 subjects:

• Mathematics Standard / Basic: 17th February 2026
• Science: 25th February 2026
• English Language & Literature: 21st February 2026
• Social Science: 7th March 2026
• Hindi Course A & B: 2nd March 2026

The board has ensured a logical sequence to allow students to prepare for concept-heavy subjects like Science and Mathematics earlier, followed by theory-based papers like Social Science.

Vocational and Skill-Based Subjects for Class 10

CBSE continues to strengthen its focus on skill-based education through the inclusion of various vocational subjects. These papers, usually conducted for a shorter duration of two hours (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM), are designed to introduce students to practical learning early in their academic journey.

Here’s a glance at the Class 10 vocational subjects and their dates:

• Beauty & Wellness (407) – 20th February 2026
• Marketing & Sales (412) – 20th February 2026
• Multi-Media (415) – 20th February 2026
• Data Science (419) – 20th February 2026
• Agriculture, Apparel, Electronics & Hardware (408, 414, 420) – 26th February 2026
• Information Technology (402) – 27th February 2026
• Artificial Intelligence (417) – 27th February 2026

These subjects provide students with a glimpse into industry-relevant skills, including digital media creation, data handling, and entrepreneurship. By integrating these courses at the Class 10 level, CBSE aims to nurture a generation that is not only academically sound but also ready for real-world challenges.

Vocational education helps bridge the gap between traditional academics and employability, offering students the flexibility to choose their career paths early on. Moreover, these courses complement the NEP 2020 vision of holistic and experiential learning.

Language Papers in Class 10 CBSE 2026

Language subjects form a vital component of the Class 10 curriculum, and CBSE offers a wide array of options — from regional to international languages. These papers test students’ comprehension, grammar, and writing abilities, contributing significantly to the overall percentage.

The major language papers and their dates include:

• Hindi Course A & B: 2nd March 2026
• English (Communicative / Language & Literature): 21st February 2026
• Sanskrit: 28th February 2026
• Urdu Course A & B: 23rd and 24th February 2026
• French: 10th March 2026
• Regional Languages (Punjabi, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, etc.): 23rd February 2026

For students appearing in multiple language papers, it’s advisable to allocate daily time slots for reading comprehension and writing practice. Regular vocabulary enhancement and previous-year question papers can go a long way in boosting performance.

CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 Overview

The CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 will commence from 17th February 2026 and extend till 9th April 2026. This extended schedule accommodates the diverse range of subjects across the Science, Commerce, and Arts streams.

The first major paper will be Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship, while the final paper will conclude with Data Science and Textile Design on 9th April 2026.

Just like Class 10, most theory exams will be held from 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM, and practical subjects like Fine Arts, Music, or Dance will be conducted from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026

Download CBSE Date Sheet 12th Class

Stream-Wise Analysis for Class 12 Students

Science Stream

The Science stream kicks off with Physics on 20th February 2026, followed by Chemistry on 28th February and Mathematics on 9th March. Biology students will appear for their paper on 27th March 2026.
The scheduling is highly student-friendly, offering proper breaks between practical-heavy subjects for adequate preparation and revision.

Commerce Stream

For Commerce students, the exams begin with Accountancy on 24th February 2026, Business Studies on 28th March, and Economics on 18th March 2026. English Core is scheduled for 12th March 2026.
The well-spaced schedule allows students to manage both theoretical and numerical subjects effectively.

Arts / Humanities Stream

Humanities students have a broader range of subjects like Political Science (23rd March), History (30th March), and Sociology (4th April). English Core and Hindi Core will be held in mid-March. The spread-out dates give ample time for concept review and essay practice.

Skill and Vocational Subjects for Class 12

The CBSE 2026 Class 12 Date Sheet highlights the growing inclusion of skill and vocational subjects, aligning with India’s National Education Policy (NEP 2020)**. These courses are designed to develop practical competencies in addition to theoretical knowledge — preparing students for both higher studies and immediate employability.

Some of the popular vocational subjects and their exam dates include:

These courses are now being viewed as mainstream career paths, not just optional add-ons. Students trained in fields like Data Science, Web Application, or Tourism can leverage these skills to explore internships or diploma programs right after school.

Furthermore, skill subjects often provide higher internal assessment scores, helping to enhance overall percentages and balance theoretical subjects. Students are encouraged to treat these subjects seriously, as they represent the future of experiential learning in the CBSE curriculum.

Important Guidelines for CBSE Board Exams 2026

Before walking into the exam hall, students must be familiar with the official CBSE examination guidelines. A little awareness can save you from unnecessary stress on the big day.

Exam-Day Instructions:

• Reporting Time: Reach your centre by 9:45 AM. Late entry after 10:00 AM will not be allowed.
• Admit Card: Carry your original CBSE admit card and valid ID proof.
• Stationery: Use only blue or black pens; avoid borrowing items during the exam.
• Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and digital watches are strictly prohibited.
• Answer Sheet Protocol: Write neatly, avoid overwriting, and fill out details like roll number carefully.
• Dress Code: Follow your school uniform or decent attire; avoid carrying any written material.

Additional Reminders:

• Utilize the 15-minute reading time to scan through the paper calmly.
• Keep your stationery ready the night before each exam.
• For subjects like Science and Maths, always show steps and reasoning to secure maximum marks.

A disciplined approach on exam day reflects confidence and preparedness — two key ingredients for success.

How to Download the CBSE Date Sheet 2026 PDF

Students often rely on unofficial sources for exam schedules, which can lead to confusion. To avoid discrepancies, always download the official CBSE Date Sheet 2026 directly from the CBSE website.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Visit the official CBSE website – https://www.cbse.gov.in
2. Click on the “Main Website” option.
3. Under the “Latest @ CBSE” section, look for the link titled “CBSE Class X/XII Date Sheet 2026.”
4. Click on the link to open the PDF document.
5. Download and print the file for future reference.

Conclusion

The release of the CBSE Date Sheet 2026 is not just a timetable announcement — it’s a roadmap to achieving your academic goals. Whether you’re a Class 10 student facing your first board exam or a Class 12 student preparing for university life, this schedule is your ultimate guide for structured preparation.

The 2026 timetable is well-balanced, student-friendly, and inclusive of both academic and vocational subjects, giving every learner equal importance. With strategic planning, consistent practice, and a calm mindset, success in the CBSE Board Exams 2026 is well within your reach.

FAQs

Q1. When will the CBSE Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026 start?
Ans: The CBSE board exams for both Class 10 and Class 12 will begin on 17th February 2026.

Q2. When will CBSE 2026 exams end?
Ans: Class 10 exams will end on 10th March 2026, while Class 12 exams will conclude on 9th April 2026.

Q3. How can I download the CBSE 2026 Date Sheet PDF?
Ans: You can download it directly from the official CBSE website – cbse.gov.in – under the “Latest @ CBSE” section.

Q4. What are the exam timings for CBSE 2026 board exams?
Ans: Most theory exams are from 10:30 AM to 01:30 PM, while certain skill-based subjects will be held from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Q5. Are there enough gaps between major exams in 2026?
Ans: Yes. The 2026 schedule provides sufficient breaks between core subjects like Maths, Science, and English, ensuring a student-friendly timetable.