The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the Class 12 Board Exam 2026 date sheet, confirming that the examinations will be held from February 17 to April 9, 2026. Along with the timetable, the board has issued special instructions for JEE Main 2026 aspirants to prevent scheduling conflicts between board exams and national-level entrance tests. Students can access the complete CBSE Class 12 date sheet 2026 on the official website — cbse.gov.in
CBSE Issues Advisory for JEE Main Aspirants
In an official notification, CBSE directed all affiliated schools to provide Class 11 registration numbers to students applying for JEE Main 2026. This step has been taken to ensure that the National Testing Agency (NTA) receives accurate details and can plan the JEE exam schedule without overlapping CBSE board exam dates. The board stated, “To ensure that the JEE (Main) and CBSE examinations of the students do not coincide, NTA will require the registration number of Class XI to be filled in the JEE (Main) application. Accordingly, all the schools are requested to provide the registration number of Class XI to their students applying for JEE (Main).” This directive aims to make coordination between CBSE and NTA smoother, ensuring students do not face a clash between their board and engineering entrance exams.
CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026 Schedule
The CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 will be conducted over nearly two months, beginning with vocational subjects such as Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Shorthand, and concluding with Multimedia, Textile Design, and Data Science.
Board Ensures Ample Preparation Time
The CBSE has clarified that the date sheet was prepared cautiously, ensuring adequate gaps between major subjects to help students prepare effectively. The board has also ensured that no two high-weightage papers fall consecutively, allowing students to manage revision time efficiently. Officials highlighted that the date sheet was finalised 110 days in advance, enabling schools, teachers, and parents to plan their schedules accordingly. The early release also helps institutions arrange invigilators, logistics, and examination materials on time.
List of Candidates Considered for Final Timetable
CBSE explained that the date sheet was drafted after all affiliated schools submitted their List of Candidates (LOC), giving the board clarity on subject combinations chosen by students across the country. This data-driven approach ensures that popular subject pairings receive balanced scheduling gaps, minimising student stress during the examination period.
Key Highlights: CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026
- Exam duration: February 17 to April 9, 2026
- Special note: Schools to share Class 11 registration numbers with JEE Main applicants
- Total subjects covered: More than 115
- Gap between major exams: Two to three days on average
- Stream-wise coverage: Science, Commerce, Humanities, and Vocational
Coordination Between CBSE and NTA
The CBSE’s directive reflects a growing emphasis on academic synchronization between school boards and national testing agencies. With JEE Main 2026 expected to be held in January and April sessions, both CBSE and NTA aim to avoid any overlapping dates that may affect lakhs of students appearing for both examinations. An education ministry official mentioned that similar coordination efforts have been initiated for NEET UG 2026 and other national exams scheduled during the same academic window.
