CBSE Board Exam Date Sheet 2026: Class 10 & 12 Exam Dates, Eligibility, Timing, Admit Card and Guidelines

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the tentative date sheet for Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2026. This year, nearly 45 lakh students are expected to appear, which is around three lakh more than last year. The exams will be conducted in two phases for Class 10, while Class 12 exams will be held in one continuous phase.

In this article, we will cover the CBSE 2026 exam dates, eligibility, admit card details, guidelines, timing, and major updates.

Eligibility for CBSE Board Exams 2026

Before appearing for the exams, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Class 10 Board Exam: Students must have successfully passed both Class 9 and Class 10.

• Class 12 Board Exam: Students must have passed Class 11 to be eligible.

• Attendance Requirement: A minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory for students in both Class 10 and 12 to be allowed to sit for the exams.

CBSE 2026 Exam Dates and Timing

The CBSE board exams 2026 will be held from February 17 to July 15, 2026.

Exam Timing

• For most subjects, exam timings will be from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

• For practical and specialized subjects like painting and automotive, the exam duration will end at 12:30 pm.

Class 10 Board Exam 2026

• Phase 1: February 17 – March 9, 2026

• Phase 2: May 15 – June 1, 2026

Class 12 Board Exam 2026

• One Continuous Phase: February 17 – April 9, 2026

All exams will be conducted in the pen-and-paper format.

CBSE Board Exam Admit Card 2026

The CBSE Admit Card 2026 is a crucial document for both Class 10 and Class 12 students. Without it, no student will be allowed to enter the examination hall.

Important Details on Admit Card

The admit card will carry the following information:

• Student’s name and roll number

• Date of birth

• Exam center name and address

• Subject-wise exam dates and timings

• Important exam instructions

How to Download CBSE Admit Card 2026

• Regular Students: Admit cards will be provided by their respective schools. Students should collect and verify the details carefully.

• Private Candidates: They can download their admit cards directly from the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) using their registration/application number.

Students are advised to keep multiple copies of the admit card safe and carry one copy every day during the exam.

CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 – Exam 1 (February–March)

 CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 – Exam 2 (May–June)

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Class 12th Date Sheet – Complete Schedule

Major Changes in CBSE Board Exams 2026

This year, CBSE has introduced some important updates that students and parents must note:

Changes for Class 10 Students

1. Two-phase examination – Class 10 exams will now be conducted in two phases to reduce exam stress and spread the load.

2. Increased student participation – More candidates than ever before will sit for the Class 10 board exam in 2026.

3. Attendance rules – Students must maintain 75% attendance to be eligible.

Changes for Class 12 Students

1. Single continuous exam phase – Unlike Class 10, Class 12 exams will be conducted in one continuous phase between February 17 and April 9, 2026.

2. Tighter scheduling – Students may have limited gaps between some major subjects, so proper time management during preparation will be crucial.

3. Strict attendance requirement – Just like Class 10, a minimum of 75% attendance is mandatory.

Important Guidelines for Students

• Carry your admit card to the examination hall; without it, entry will not be permitted.

• Reach the exam center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled time.

• Follow all COVID-19 or health-related guidelines (if any are issued during that time).

• Use only blue or black pens as instructed by CBSE.

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.

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Conclusion

The CBSE Board Exams 2026 are set to begin on 17th February 2026 for both Class 10 and 12. With a two-phase system for Class 10 and a single continuous schedule for Class 12, this year’s exams bring some key changes. Students must download or collect their CBSE Admit Card 2026 well in advance and check all details carefully to avoid last-minute stress. All  students are advised to begin their preperations according to the datesheet and guidelines.