Breaking: CBSE 2026 Tentative Date Sheet Out — Here’s What Students Must Know

In a highly anticipated announcement, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the CBSE 2026 Tentative Date Sheet for both Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. The provisional timetable, now available as a PDF on the official CBSE website, gives students their first clear look at the examination schedule for the 2025-26 session.

This early release is aimed at providing students, teachers, and parents with adequate time to plan, strategize, and allocate study efforts across subjects. Below, we break down the key dates, format changes, and critical guidelines that everyone should be aware of.

Key Dates as per CBSE 2026 Tentative Date Sheet

Class 10

1) The exams are scheduled to begin on 17 February 2026.

2) The tentative end date for Class 10 theory examinations is March 18, 2026.

3) Importantly, a second phase (for improvement / optional attempt) is also proposed. As per CBSE draft scheme, the second phase may run from 5 May to 20 May 2026.

4) Practical exams and internal assessments will be scheduled separately.

Class 12

1) The Class 12 exams are likewise set to begin on 17 February 2026.

2) The tentative conclusion for Class 12 theory exams is April 4, 2026.

3) Exams will cover all major streams — Science, Commerce, Arts — and subject-wise schedules are provided in the official timetable.

Overall, the expanded window of February to July 2026 has also been cited in broader reports to account for additional or supplementary exams.

Format Changes & Important Highlights

1. Single-Shift Exams: All examinations will be held in one shift per day, beginning at 10:30 am and ending at 1:30 pm.

2. Two-Exam System for Class 10 (Proposed): A draft scheme indicates that for Class 10, there will be two board exams in the year — one in February–March, and another in May. Students may be allowed to take both, with the better score considered.

3. Full Syllabus Examination: The CBSE has confirmed that both examinations will test the full syllabus, with no reduction in content.

4. Evaluation Timeline: According to the board, answer-script evaluation is expected to begin approximately 10 days after each exam and conclude within 12 days.

5. Subject Grouping & Multiple-Day Exams: Some electives, regional languages or subjects not in the core group may be scheduled on two or three days based on student choice and combinations.

6. LoC / Registration Dependency: The final date sheet will only be published after all affiliated schools submit their List of Candidates (LoC) and confirm subject enrollments.

What Students Must Do Now

1) Download & Save the PDF: Head over to the CBSE website and download the CBSE 2026 Tentative Date Sheet PDF as a reference.

2) Make a Study Plan: Use the timetable to chart subject-wise prep sessions, prioritize challenging topics, and ensure revision buffer time.

3) Monitor for Updates: Since the schedule is labeled “tentative,” keep alert for the final date sheet, which will follow after LoC submissions.

4) Check Exam Format & Syllabus: Make sure you understand which subjects have fixed examination days (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, English, Hindi) vs. those in grouped electives.

5) Allocate Mock Tests: Match your mock exam dates with the tentative slots to simulate exam conditions.

6) Coordinate with School / Teachers: Confirm with your school when your internal assessments and practical exams will be held.

7) Time Management: Don’t overload on back-to-back difficult subjects; observe the gaps in the timetable to rest and review.

Also Read: NIOS Exam Dates 2025: Here’s the Complete Time Table for Class 10 and 12

Things to Keep in Mind & Potential Changes

Since the CBSE 2026 Tentative Date Sheet is provisional, minor changes may occur before finalization. Schools may request slight shifts depending on student numbers, subject combinations, or administrative constraints. Always cross-check with the CBSE “Latest @ CBSE” section on http://cbse.gov.in  . The draft scheme and official documents make it clear this is not the final version.

Moreover, the proposed two-exam system for Class 10 is still in a draft stage (as per the CBSE’s policy document).

With the CBSE 2026 Tentative Date Sheet now in public view, students have crucial lead time to gear up for the boards. Strategic planning, disciplined preparation, and staying updated with CBSE’s final announcements will go a long way in ensuring exam success. Keep checking the board’s official portal for any updates or revisions.

Ambika Krishnamurthy

Ambika Krishnamurthy is an education news writer dedicated to covering academic updates, exam alerts, policy changes, and student-centric stories. With a focus on clarity and reliability, she aims to keep readers informed about the latest developments in the education sector, helping students and educators stay ahead in their academic journeys.