The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the tentative date sheet for the Class 10 and 12 board examinations, providing students with an early opportunity to plan their preparations. According to the schedule, the exams will take place from 17 February to 15 July 2026, with most papers scheduled from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. For practical subjects such as painting and automotive, the duration will end at 12:30 pm.
Introduction of Two-Board Exam System
A significant reform being introduced this year is the two-board examination system for Class 10 students. This initiative is designed to reduce academic pressure while safeguarding the academic year of students who either fail or miss one or more subjects.
Under this system, students who are unable to appear or do not clear the first set of examinations can take the second exam under the “Essential Repeat” or Compartment category to qualify for Class 10. Moreover, students aiming to improve their scores will also have the option to reappear in the second set of exams.
Class 10 and 12 Declared Complete Programmes
From 2026, both Class 10 and Class 12 will be treated as complete programmes. Students must successfully complete Classes 9 and 10 to qualify for the Class 10 board examinations, and Class 11 to be eligible for the Class 12 board examinations.
Mandatory Internal Assessment and Attendance
CBSE has made it mandatory for students to appear in internal assessments. Failure to do so will render them ineligible for qualification, and their results will not be declared. Additionally, the board has reiterated the rule of 75 per cent minimum attendance for eligibility to sit the examinations.
Guidelines and Digital Results
The results of the first board examinations will be available on DigiLocker, allowing students to use them for Class 11 admissions. CBSE has also extended flexibility for sports students, enabling them to sit for the second examination if they are unable to appear in the first.
The evaluation of answer scripts will begin 10 days after each exam and is expected to be completed within 12 days.
Class 10 Second Board Examination and Compartment Schedule
The second round of Class 10 board exams will commence on 15 May 2026 and conclude on 30 May 2026. Compartmental subject examinations are scheduled for 1 June 2026, from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.
Admit Card Release Date
In line with previous years, the admit cards for the 2026 CBSE board examinations are expected to be released two weeks prior to the commencement of the exams.