The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the final datesheet for the 2026 board examinations for Classes 10 and 12. The exams are set to commence on February 17, 2026, for both classes, with Class 10 exams concluding on March 10, 2026, and Class 12 exams ending on April 9, 2026.
This year, CBSE has made history by releasing the timetable nearly 110 days before the examinations — the earliest ever announcement in its history.
Early Release to Benefit Students and Schools
According to CBSE officials, the early release of the datesheet aims to provide ample preparation time for students and help schools manage their schedules effectively. The move will also allow institutions designated as exam centres to plan logistical arrangements well in advance.
A CBSE spokesperson stated,
“The date of conduct of entrance examinations meant for Class XII students has been taken into account, and efforts have been made to complete the Board exams well before these entrance tests. This will help students manage their time better for both Board and competitive exams.”
Well-Balanced Exam Schedule
The 2026 CBSE datesheet ensures a sufficient gap between two subjects for both classes, reducing stress and allowing students to revise thoroughly.
CBSE has also carefully avoided over 40,000 subject combinations while preparing the timetable. This ensures that no two subjects chosen by a student fall on the same day — a key step towards maintaining fairness and convenience in scheduling.
All examinations will begin at 10:30 AM, maintaining the traditional timing followed in previous years.
Coordination with NTA to Avoid Exam Clashes
To prevent overlap between CBSE Board Exams and JEE (Main), the National Testing Agency (NTA) will now require students to provide their Class XI registration number while applying for JEE (Main).
CBSE has directed all affiliated schools to ensure students have access to their registration details before submitting their applications for entrance exams.
Two Board Exams for Class 10 Students
In a recent policy update, CBSE had already announced plans to conduct two board exams annually for Class 10 starting from the upcoming academic session. The new pattern aims to provide flexibility, reduce exam pressure, and allow students to improve their performance within the same year.
Key Highlights
- 📅 Exams Begin: February 17, 2026 (for both Classes 10 & 12)
- 🗓️ Class 10 Ends: March 10, 2026
- 🗓️ Class 12 Ends: April 9, 2026
- 🕥 Exam Timing: 10:30 AM
- 🏫 Advance Release: Datesheet issued 110 days before exams
- ⚙️ Over 40,000 subject combinations avoided
- 🎓 JEE(Main) coordination introduced for Class XI students
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 datesheet marks a major step towards better academic planning and transparency. With exams scheduled from February 17 to April 9, 2026, students now have a clear timeline to prepare effectively.
The early release not only reflects CBSE’s commitment to reducing stress but also aligns with its broader goal of academic excellence and exam reform.