CBSE Datesheet 2026 — Class 10 & 12 Exam Schedule
CBSE board exam datesheet 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12. Subject-wise exam dates, timing, reporting time, and preparation tips for the last few weeks.
CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2026 are expected to begin in mid-February and continue through March/April. Exams start at 10:30 AM with 15 minutes reading time. The official datesheet is released on cbse.gov.in — check from December 2025 onwards.
CBSE Class 10 Datesheet 2026 (Expected)
Based on CBSE's typical scheduling pattern, here are the expected exam dates for major subjects:
| Subject | Expected Date | Day | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English (Language & Literature) | February 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Hindi Course A / Course B | February 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Mathematics (Standard / Basic) | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Science | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Social Science | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Computer Applications / IT | March 2026 | — | 2 hours |
| Other Electives | February–March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
Exact dates will be updated once CBSE releases the official datesheet. Dates shown are based on historical patterns.
CBSE Class 12 Datesheet 2026 (Expected)
| Subject | Expected Date | Day | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Core / Elective | February 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Physics | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Chemistry | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Mathematics | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Biology | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Accountancy | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Business Studies | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Economics | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| History / Political Science / Geography | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Computer Science / IP | March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Hindi Core / Elective | February–March 2026 | — | 3 hours |
| Physical Education | March–April 2026 | — | 3 hours |
CBSE typically schedules major science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Maths) with 5–7 day gaps to allow adequate preparation time.
Exam Day Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Reporting Time | 10:00 AM (reach by 9:45 AM) |
| Question Paper Distribution | 10:15 AM |
| Reading Time | 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM (15 minutes) |
| Writing Time Starts | 10:30 AM |
| Exam Ends | 1:30 PM (3-hour papers) |
| Items Allowed | Blue/black pen, pencil, geometry box, admit card, school ID |
| Items NOT Allowed | Calculator, mobile phone, smart watch, cheat sheets, white-out |
Use every day before exams wisely
Super Tutor has chapter-wise revision notes, practice tests, and previous year questions to help you make the most of the remaining days.
Start Revising — FreeHow to Use the Datesheet for Your Study Plan
- Count the days. Once the datesheet is out, calculate exactly how many days you have before each exam. Write this number next to each subject.
- Prioritise by gap. Subjects with shorter gaps between exams need more advance preparation. Do not rely on last-minute cramming for back-to-back exams.
- Use gaps strategically. If you have a 5-day gap before Maths, plan: Day 1–2 for revision of all chapters, Day 3 for solving 2 sample papers, Day 4 for weak chapters, Day 5 for formula revision only.
- Front-load difficult subjects. Start preparing for your weakest subjects NOW, not after the first exam. Many students waste post-exam days recovering instead of preparing for the next paper.
- Keep exam-day logistics ready. Know your exam centre location, travel time, and required documents. Prepare your admit card and stationery the night before.
Last Few Weeks — Quick Preparation Tips
| Weeks Before Exam | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 4 weeks | Complete any remaining syllabus. Start solving CBSE sample papers (available on cbse.gov.in). |
| 3 weeks | Solve 2 sample papers per subject per week. Identify weak chapters from errors. |
| 2 weeks | Focus revision on weak chapters. Practise answer writing under timed conditions. |
| 1 week | Only revision — formula sheets, diagrams, key dates, and definitions. No new topics. |
| Night before | Light revision only. Pack your bag. Set 2 alarms. Sleep by 10 PM. Eat a light dinner. |
Where to Download the Official Datesheet
- Official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in → Examinations → Datesheet
- CBSE Academic website: cbseacademic.nic.in
- Your school notice board — schools receive the datesheet directly from CBSE regional offices
- CBSE mobile app: Available on Google Play Store
Warning: Do not rely on unofficial websites or WhatsApp forwards for datesheet information. Only trust cbse.gov.in or your school's official communication.
This page will be updated with exact dates once CBSE releases the official datesheet for 2026. Expected dates are based on CBSE's scheduling patterns from 2022–2025. Always verify with cbse.gov.in. Last updated: February 2026.
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Try Super Tutor — It's FreeFrequently Asked Questions
When will CBSE release the 2026 datesheet?
CBSE typically releases the datesheet in December or January for the February–March exams. The official datesheet is published on cbse.gov.in and cbse.nic.in. Students should check these websites regularly from December onwards. The datesheet is also sent to schools, so your school will share it once released.
What time do CBSE board exams start?
CBSE board exams start at 10:30 AM. Students must report to the exam centre by 10:00 AM. Question papers are distributed at 10:15 AM for reading time. Writing time begins at 10:30 AM. Exams end at 1:30 PM for 3-hour papers. Some subjects with shorter duration may end earlier.
How many days gap is there between CBSE exams?
CBSE usually provides 2–5 days gap between most exams, with longer gaps (5–7 days) before major subjects like Maths, Physics, and Chemistry. The total exam period spans about 3–4 weeks for Class 10 and 4–5 weeks for Class 12 (due to more subjects and practicals).
Can I carry a calculator to CBSE board exam?
No. Calculators are NOT allowed in any CBSE board exam. This includes scientific calculators, graphing calculators, and calculator watches. Using or possessing a calculator during the exam is considered malpractice and can result in paper cancellation. Practise all calculations manually.
What if two exam dates clash?
CBSE designs the datesheet to avoid clashes for standard subject combinations. However, if you have an unusual combination and dates clash, CBSE provides a compartment exam for the affected subject. Contact your school immediately if you notice a clash — they will coordinate with the CBSE regional office.
Is there any change in CBSE exam pattern for 2026?
CBSE continues with the single-term exam format. Class 10 papers are of 80 marks (external) + 20 marks (internal assessment). Class 12 papers are also 80+20 for most subjects. There is increased emphasis on competency-based questions (CBQs) — expect 30–40% application-based and analytical questions. Check the latest specimen papers on cbse.gov.in for the exact format.