The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced tentative dates for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations. Exams will start on February 17, 2026 . This early release aims to aid planning for approximately 40 lakh students. However, recent polls indicate student apprehension regarding preparation time and potential exam clashes.
2026 Board Exam Schedule Announced
The CBSE Class 10 Phase 1 exams will conclude on March 9, 2026 . Class 12 examinations are scheduled to end on April 9, 2026 . All board exams will follow a single shift format, running from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM . This standardized timing aims for consistency across the board.
Class 12 Students Face Entrance Exam Clash
Class 12 students expressed concern about the preparation gap between board exams and entrance tests. A Shiksha poll found 52% of students believe the 2-4 week window is too short. This gap exists between Class 12 boards (ending April 9 ) and JEE Main/NEET-UG (late April/early May). Only 30% felt there was “plenty of time,” while 19% considered it “just enough.”
Teachers and parents warned of student burnout from limited revision time. Sumit Jain, a Noida teacher, stated, “Students need more time to transition smoothly.” The single-shift board schedule compresses the exam period. This increases potential clashes with key entrance examinations for engineering and medical admissions.
Mixed Reaction to Class 10 Dual Exam Format
CBSE’s dual exam format for Class 10 received varied feedback. Phase 1 runs from February to March . An optional Phase 2 is in May-June . A Class 10 student poll showed 44% believe this format will “reduce exam stress.” This aligns with educational reforms.
However, 19% thought it would “increase preparation duration.” About 20% plan to take only the first session. Another 15% remain “confused,” awaiting clearer CBSE guidelines.
Student Preparedness and CBSE Guidelines
Levels of confidence regarding the CBSE 2026 board examinations show a mixed picture among students. 32% report feeling “very confident,” attributing their readiness to the early release of the tentative timetable. In contrast, 27% state they are “not confident” about their preparations. A notable 20% admitted they have “yet to start” their study routines, despite the approaching exam period. The CBSE has announced that board results are generally expected in June 2026 .
To assist students, the Board advises downloading the tentative datesheet PDF directly from cbse.gov.in . Students should use this information to develop balanced and comprehensive study plans. It is important to remember that these dates remain tentative. Final board exam dates for 2026 will be officially confirmed after the Letter of Confirmation (LOC) submission process is complete. The polls underscore a critical need for CBSE to balance its reform initiatives with robust student support mechanisms.