Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the exam schedule for Class 10th and 12th board examinations for the year 2026. This important announcement, known as the date sheet, was made public on September 24, 2025 . Students preparing for their final school exams can now find the complete timetable on the official CBSE website, cbse.gov.in . The board exams for both classes are set to begin on February 17, 2026 , and conclude on March 9, 2026 . This early release gives students ample time to plan their studies and prepare effectively.
The CBSE board examinations are a crucial step for students. Knowing the exact dates helps them create a strong study plan, revise all subjects properly, and manage their time well. The exams for both Class 10th and Class 12th will follow the same overall period, running from February 17, 2026 , to March 9, 2026 . While the main dates are out, students should also look for specific subject-wise timetables within this period, which will be detailed in the full date sheet.
Another key document for students is the admit card. These admit cards will be available for download in February 2026 , just before the exams begin. The admit card is a mandatory document that students must carry to the examination hall. It contains important details such as the student’s name, roll number, exam center address, and subject names with their dates. Without a valid admit card, students will not be allowed to appear for the exams. Therefore, it is essential to download and print the admit card as soon as it is released on the official website.
Key Dates for CBSE Board Exams 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date Sheet Release | September 24, 2025 |
| Class 10th Exam Start | February 17, 2026 |
| Class 10th Exam End | March 9, 2026 |
| Class 12th Exam Start | February 17, 2026 |
| Class 12th Exam End | March 9, 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | February 2026 |
| Result Date | To be announced later |
Who Can Take These Exams?
These CBSE board examinations are for students who are currently enrolled in Class 10th and Class 12th at schools affiliated with CBSE. To be eligible for the Class 10th board exam, a student must have successfully passed their Class 9th examination. Similarly, for the Class 12th board exam, students need to have passed their Class 11th examination. These criteria ensure that only eligible students, who have completed the previous academic year, appear for these important final board exams.
Understanding Passing Marks
To successfully pass the CBSE Class 10th and 12th board examinations, students need to achieve specific passing scores. It is important to understand these rules:
- Students must score a minimum of 33% marks in each individual subject. This means if a subject carries 100 marks, you need at least 33 marks to pass that particular subject.
- For subjects that include a practical examination alongside a theory paper, students must secure 33% marks separately in both the theory part and the practical part. For example, in a science subject, you need 33% in the theory exam and 33% in the practical exam. Passing both sections individually is key to clearing such subjects.
These passing criteria are in place to ensure students have a basic understanding of all subjects and skills required for their further education.
How to Download Your Exam Date Sheet
To get your official CBSE Class 10th and 12th Exam Date Sheet for 2026, follow these easy steps:
- Start by visiting the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education: cbse.gov.in .
- Once on the homepage, look for a section titled “Latest Updates” or “Examination Information 2026”. You might find it under the “Main Website” tab.
- Search for a link that specifically mentions ” CBSE Class 10th & 12th Date Sheet 2026 ” or “Board Exam Timetable”.
- Click on this link. This will usually open a new page or directly download a PDF file containing the complete schedule.
- Once the date sheet is displayed on your screen, carefully check all the details, including subject names and their respective dates.
- Finally, download the PDF file and save it to your computer or mobile device. It is highly recommended to take a printout of the date sheet. Keep this printout in a safe place for quick and easy reference during your preparation period.
Always refer to the official CBSE website for the most accurate information and any last-minute changes or updates regarding the examination schedule or admit cards. Good luck with your preparations!