CBSE Board Date Sheet 2025-2026: Check Tentative Subject-wise Exam Dates and Timing, Download PDF

📆 Key Dates & Duration

• Start Date for Exams: February 17, 2026 (for both Class 10 and Class 12) 

• End Date for Class 10: March 18, 2026 (First phase)

• End Date for Class 12: April 4, 2026

• Exam Timings: 10:30 am to 1:30 pm – all theory papers in a single shift 

• Practical / Internal Assessments: Expected to be held before theory exams, especially for science subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) to avoid subject overlap. 

CBSE has clarified that these dates are tentative and will be finalised only after schools submit their List of Candidates (LOC). Also, evaluation of the answer scripts is expected to commence about 10 days after each exam paper and be completed within 12 days. 

🧷 Subject-Wise Highlights & Spacing Strategy

While CBSE has not released a full subject-wise breakdown in all sources yet, the tentative schedule and reports share these key features:

• Spacing between difficult subjects: Major subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Science are arranged with gaps to allow students sufficient revision time.

• Electives & Vocational subjects: These are generally scheduled later in the exam window so as not to clash with core subjects.

• Practical exams timing: Expected to be held before the theory schedule for science streams to avoid overlap and stress.

• Two phases for Class 10: CBSE is planning two sessions for Class 10 board exams—Phase 1 and a second opportunity (Phase 2) from May 15 to June 1, 2026 for improvement / betterment / compartmental attempts. 

For Class 12, there is no dual session—one exam window from Feb 17 to April 4 (tentatively). 

📥 How to Download the Date Sheet (PDF)

When the final schedule is released, students can download it via these steps:

1. Visit the CBSE official website: cbse.gov.in → “Examination Circulars & Notifications” or “Latest” section

2. Look for “Tentative Date Sheets for Board Examinations Classes X and XII – 2026” +1

3. Click to view / download the PDF

4. Save and print a copy to refer to offline

Until then, you can refer to the date‐sheet images and excerpts made available via education news portals (e.g. JagranJosh) for planning your schedule.

✅ Important Things Students Should Keep in Mind

• Treat this as a preparation roadmap rather than final—dates may shift after LOC submission and board finalisation. 

• Use the gaps wisely—for revision of weak subjects, solving sample papers, or revision cycles.

• Complete practical / internal assessments well ahead, so that theory schedule remains undisturbed.

• Keep checking the official CBSE site for any changes or notifications that might alter these tentative dates.

• Plan logistics (travel to centre, staying arrangements if needed) well in advance once your exam centre is known.

• Prioritise high weightage / difficult subjects early so you have buffer for final rounds of revision.

🌟 Why This Early Release Helps

• Students now have clarity and extra months to plan their preparation.

• Schools and teachers can align their academic calendars, syllabus coverage, and mock test schedules.

• CBSE and examination infrastructure can manage evaluation, paper setting, travel, and logistics more smoothly.

• Minimizes chaos and stress arising from last-minute scheduling.

If you want, I can prepare a printable PDF version of this tentative date sheet along with a revision planner (subject-wise timeline) that you can download and share.