The wait is finally over, and the countdown has begun for millions of students across India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the revised CBSE Date Sheet 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams.
With board exams set to begin in just a few weeks, students must be aware of the latest changes in the schedule. Recently, the board made adjustments to the dates of a few subjects, postponing exams that were originally scheduled for early March. If you are appearing for the 2026 board exams, it is crucial to download the final timetable and check your specific subject dates to avoid any confusion.
This article covers everything you need to know about the revised schedule, how to download the official PDF, and important exam day guidelines.
Revised CBSE Date Sheet 2026: Key Changes You Must Know
The CBSE board exams for the academic session 2025-26 are scheduled to start on February 17, 2026. However, the board recently issued a notification regarding the rescheduling of certain papers due to administrative reasons.
Here are the critical updates:
- Start Date: Both Class 10 and Class 12 exams will commence on February 17, 2026.
- Class 10 End Date: The exams will conclude on March 11, 2026 (extended due to rescheduling).
- Class 12 End Date: The exams will conclude on April 10, 2026.
- Rescheduled Exams:
- Class 10: Exams originally planned for March 3 have been shifted to March 11, 2026.
- Class 12: The Legal Studies paper (and others scheduled for March 3) has been postponed to April 10, 2026.
CBSE Class 10 & 12 Board Exam 2026: Complete Schedule
Understanding the timeline is key to planning your last-minute revision. Below is a broad overview of the exam window for major streams.
Class 10 Exam Schedule Highlights
- Begins: February 17 (Mathematics Standard & Basic).
- Key Subjects:
- English: February 21
- Science: February 25
- Hindi: March 2
- Social Science: March 7
- Rescheduled Papers: March 11
Class 12 Exam Schedule Highlights
- Begins: February 17 (Physical Education for some, Entrepreneurship for others).
- Science Stream: Physics (Feb 20), Chemistry (Feb 28), Maths (March 9), Biology (March 27).
- Commerce Stream: Business Studies (Feb 22), Accountancy (March 24), Economics (March 28).
- Humanities/Arts: Geography (Feb 24), Political Science (March 23), History (March 30), Legal Studies (April 10).
Note: The exam timing for most papers is 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students get an extra 15 minutes (10:15 AM to 10:30 AM) specifically for reading the question paper.
How to Download CBSE Date Sheet & Admit Card 2026
Students should only rely on the official website for the authentic date sheet and admit cards. Schools have already started distributing the Admit Cards (Hall Tickets). Private candidates can download theirs directly from the portal.
Steps to Download the Date Sheet:
- Visit the official CBSE website: cbse.gov.in.
- Click on the “Main Website” tab.
- Under the “Latest @ CBSE” section, look for the link titled “Revised Date Sheet for Class X & XII 2026”.
- Click the link to open the PDF.
- Download and save it on your phone or computer.
About Admit Cards: Regular students must collect their admit cards from their respective schools. The admit card contains your Roll Number, Exam Centre details, and subject codes. Ensure all details are correct before the exams start.
Important Guidelines for Exam Day
To ensure a stress-free exam experience, CBSE has issued strict guidelines for all candidates:
- Reporting Time: Reach the exam centre by 10:00 AM. The entry gates usually close strictly at 10:00 AM.
- Uniform & ID: Regular students must wear their school uniform and carry their school ID card along with the CBSE Admit Card.
- Banned Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, or any electronic gadgets. Only analogue watches are permitted.
- Stationery: Carry your own pens (blue/royal blue ballpoint), pencils, erasers, and a transparent geometry box. Borrowing is often not allowed.
- Unfair Means: Any student found cheating or carrying barred items will face strict action, including cancellation of results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is the CBSE Date Sheet 2026 revised?
Yes, CBSE has revised the date sheet. Exams scheduled for March 3 have been shifted to March 11 for Class 10 and April 10 for Class 12.
Q2: When will the CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams start?
The board exams for both classes will begin on February 17, 2026.
Q3: Where can I download the official date sheet?
You can download the official PDF from the CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.
Q4: Can I carry a smartwatch to the exam hall?
No, smartwatches and digital watches are strictly prohibited. You should wear a simple analogue watch.
Q5: When will the CBSE 2026 results be declared?
While the official date is not out, results are typically declared in May or June 2026 after the evaluation process is complete.