📆 Major Features of the 2026 Date Sheet & Exam Window
Exams for both Class 10 and 12 are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.
The full window for board exams now extends up to July 15, 2026, covering not just main exams but also special / supplementary exams.
For Class 10, CBSE is introducing two board examinations a year: one in February–March (mandatory), and a second in May–June as a window for improvement or re-attempts.
Examination timing is largely uniform: 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for main theory papers, though some subjects with shorter time allotment (like electives, vocational, art, etc.) may run 2 hours (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM).
The date sheet published is tentative and based on the student registration / List of Candidates (LOC) submitted by schools. Final dates may shift.
⚙️ Key Changes & Reforms Introduced for 2026
1. Dual Board Exams for Class 10
One of the biggest changes is the decision to let Class 10 students take board exams twice in a year. The first exam is compulsory, while the second offers an opportunity to:
Improve scores in subjects they did not perform well in
Re-appear in exams they missed
It replaces the earlier model of separate “compartment / supplementary” exams with a more integrated approach.
2. Exams & Supplementary / Improvement Merged
The second exam window for Class 10 also functions as the supplementary / improvement exam. This means there may no longer be a separate compartment schedule as in older years.
3. Tighter LOC / Data Reforms
CBSE has introduced reforms in the submission of the LOC (List of Candidates) by schools:
Stricter validation and verification of student information
Use of APAAR (Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry) IDs in the LOC process
Dedicated portal enhancements for CWSN (Children With Special Needs) to ensure inclusive exam access
4. Internal / Practical Assessments
For 2026, CBSE clarifies that internal assessments and practicals will occur only once per academic year rather than being repeated.
5. Evaluation Timeline
Answer scripts will begin being evaluated about 10 days after each examination.
The board intends to complete evaluation within 12 days after the conduct of a paper, helping speed up result declaration.
6. Eligibility & Attendance Requirements
CBSE has mandated a minimum 75% attendance during the 2025–26 academic year for Classes 10 and 12 to be eligible for the board exams.
Students who do not appear for internal assessments in any subject may be considered ineligible for board certification / result.
Also, CBSE has stipulated that completion of both academic years (for example, Classes 9 to 10) may now be considered part of eligibility norms.
🧾 Sample Highlights from the Date Sheet
A few subject scheduling insights are:
Feb 17, 2026: Mathematics (Standard & Basic) for Class 10.
Feb 18, 2026: Vocational / elective / skill-based subjects for Class 10 in half day (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM).
Electives / languages in regional / foreign languages scheduled across later dates.
For Class 12, core / major subjects spaced out, electives / vocational subjects scheduled in later slots.
✅ What Students Should Do Next
Download the Tentative PDF
Download the Tentative Date Sheet PDF from CBSE’s official site. CBSEMark your subjects & dates
Note the sequence of exams so you can plan revision accordingly — tougher / core subjects early.Plan for dual exam (Class 10)
If you’re in Class 10, strategize whether to reappear / improve in the second window.Complete internal / practicals ahead
Since internal / practicals are only once, ensure timely completion.Monitor final date sheet
Since this is tentative, keep checking CBSE for final confirmation after LOC submissions.Ensure attendance & internal compliance
The 75% attendance rule is stricter now — don’t let your internal assessments or attendance slip.
The release of the CBSE 2026 date sheet marks a transformational shift, particularly with the dual exam model for Class 10, stricter attendance rules, and change in evaluation processes. These changes reflect CBSE’s attempt to align with NEP 2020’s flexibility, reduce student stress, and make the exam process more responsive and structured.
