The Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education is all set to conduct the annual board exams for the academic year 2025-26. Thousands of students across the state are currently gearing up for these highly anticipated examinations. The official timetable for both Class 10 and Class 12 has been published, allowing students to finalize their revision plans. This article covers everything you need to know about the exam schedule, practical dates, daily timings, and the official rules you need to follow at the center.
What Are the HP Board Exam Dates for 2026?
The state education board will hold the final written exams strictly in offline mode starting in early March. Both matriculation (Class 10) and senior secondary (Class 12) examinations will kick off on the exact same date to streamline the testing process across the state.
Class 10 Exam Schedule
For Class 10 students, the final written board exams begin on March 3, 2026, and will conclude on March 28, 2026. The examination period starts with the English language paper and finishes with the Social Science paper. The board has ensured that students get plenty of gap days between major subjects like Mathematics and Science to help them revise effectively without feeling rushed.
Class 12 Exam Schedule
Class 12 students in the science, commerce, and arts streams will also begin their exams on March 3, 2026. However, their exams will continue a few days longer, finally ending on April 1, 2026. The very first exam for Class 12 is Sanskrit, while the final day is reserved for Music subjects. Major papers such as Physics, Accountancy, and Political Science are spaced out logically throughout the month to give students adequate breathing room.
HP Board Practical Exams 2026
Before the main written tests begin, schools are required to finish the practical assessments for all students. The practical exams for both regular and State Open School candidates are scheduled from February 20 to February 28, 2026. Because these tests are conducted internally by the schools, students are advised to contact their principals or class teachers directly to find out their exact batch timings and subject-wise dates.
Exam Timings and Important Guidelines
All main exams will be conducted in a single morning shift. The total exam duration for most subjects is three hours. Question papers will be distributed at 9:45 AM, giving students exactly fifteen minutes of reading time to understand the questions calmly before they start writing. The actual writing time begins at 10:00 AM, and the shift officially ends at 1:00 PM.
Students must remember that strict disciplinary rules are in place at all exam centers. Electronic gadgets like mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and Bluetooth communication devices are completely banned inside the examination hall. Any student caught with these unauthorized items will face severe penalties. It is highly recommended to carry only transparent pouches containing essential stationery and the official printed admit card.
Read More : BPSC Exam Calendar 2026 Released
How to Download the Official Timetable
If you want to keep a digital copy of the official schedule on your smartphone or computer, you can easily download it directly from the government portal. Simply visit the official board website at hpbose.org. Look for the examination tab on the homepage and click on the date sheet link. You will find separate PDF files for Class 10 and Class 12 available to download. Saving and printing these files to pin on your study desk is a great way to stay organized.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When will the HPBOSE Class 10 exams start in 2026?
The Class 10 written board exams will officially start on March 3, 2026, and conclude on March 28, 2026.
When are the practical exams being held?
The practical exams for both Class 10 and Class 12 take place from February 20 to February 28, 2026, right before the main theory papers begin.
What is the timing for the HP board exams?
The exams take place in the morning shift. Students receive the question paper at 9:45 AM to read, and the actual writing time is from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Where can I download the original exam date sheet?
You can download the full PDF timetable directly from the official Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education website at hpbose.org.
Will the exams be held online or offline?
All HP board exams for Class 10 and 12 are conducted strictly in an offline, pen-and-paper mode at officially assigned examination centers.