The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the tentative date sheet for Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 nearly four and a half months ahead of the examinations. The schedule was released on September 24, 2025, making it the earliest-ever release of a CBSE board exam timetable.
CBSE 2026 Exam Schedule for Class 10 and Class 12
According to the tentative timetable, Class 10 exams will follow a two-phase format, while Class 12 exams will be conducted once.
This structured schedule offers clarity to students and institutions ahead of the academic year’s most crucial exams.
Why CBSE Released the Date Sheet Early?
For the 2026 session, CBSE has chosen to publish the timetable earlier than usual. The board cited multiple reasons behind this decision:
- Better planning for students – With an early announcement, students can create a systematic study plan for improved performance.
- Support for schools – Schools can align academic calendars, manage exam preparations, and allocate teachers for invigilation and evaluation duties well in advance.
- Convenience for teachers – Teachers can plan personal schedules, including vacations, with greater clarity.
This is the first time CBSE has issued the exam schedule in September, compared to previous years when it was released closer to the exams.
Final CBSE Date Sheet 2026 Expected in November
The board has clarified that this is a tentative date sheet. The final CBSE Date Sheet 2026 for Class 10 and 12 is expected to be released in the second week of November 2025. Until then, the current timetable will guide schools and students in planning their schedules.
