Board exam schedules for Class 10 and 12 are beginning to emerge for the 2026 academic year. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Maharashtra Board have released their examination dates. Other major education boards, including ICSE, ISC, and several state boards, are expected to announce their schedules soon. Students across India should monitor official websites for the latest updates.
CBSE Board Exam Dates 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released tentative dates for its 2026 Class 10 and Class 12 examinations. Class 10 board exams are tentatively scheduled from February 17 to March 18, 2026 . Concurrently, Class 12 board exams are tentatively set to run from February 17 to April 4, 2026 . These dates provide an early indication for students to plan their study routines.
Both CBSE examinations will be conducted in a single shift, commencing at 10:30 AM. The board has also introduced a notable change for Class 10 students with a two-exam system. This policy allows students to appear for a second examination under the Essential Repeat or Compartment category if their initial results require it, providing an additional opportunity for success.
Maharashtra Board Exam Dates 2026
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has confirmed its Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) exam dates for 2026. The Maharashtra HSC (Class 12) theory exams will be held from February 10 to March 18, 2026 . The Maharashtra SSC (Class 10) theory exams are scheduled from February 20 to March 18, 2026 , for the pen-and-paper format.
Practical and oral examinations are integral parts of the assessment and will precede the main theory papers. Class 12 practical and oral exams will commence earlier, starting on January 23, 2026 . For Class 10, these practical and oral assessments will begin on February 2, 2026 . Students must check specific dates for their subjects on the official MSBSHSE website.
Anticipated Dates from Other Boards
Several other prominent education boards across India are yet to release their official date sheets for the 2026 examinations. Students awaiting schedules from the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) for both ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) should monitor official announcements closely. These dates are typically released in the coming months.
State boards also expected to publish their time tables include the UP Board, Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB), Tamil Nadu Board, Kerala Board, Madhya Pradesh Board, and Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB). Most of these boards traditionally conduct their examinations within the February-March window, aligning with the national academic calendar.
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has already concluded its October-November 2025 examinations. For this session, Class 10 exams ran from November 8 to December 3, 2025. Class 12 exams were held from November 3 to November 27, 2025, in the region.
Board Exam Dates: Key Information
The following table provides a summary of the current and expected examination schedules for major boards:
| Board/State | Class 10 (SSC) | Class 12 (HSC) |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE | February 17 to March 18, 2026 (tentative) | February 17 to April 4, 2026 (tentative) |
| Maharashtra | February 20 to March 18, 2026 | February 10 to March 18, 2026 |
| JKBOSE (Oct-Nov 2025 Exam) | November 8 to December 3, 2025 | November 3 to 27, 2025 |
| Kerala | To be released | To be released |
| HBSE | To be released | To be released |
| ICSE/ISC | To be released | To be released |
| UP Board | To be released | To be released |
| Gujarat GSEB | To be released | To be released |
| Tamil Nadu | To be released | To be released |
| Madhya Pradesh | To be released | To be released |
| Bihar | To be released | To be released |
How to Access Official Date Sheets 2026
To download the official board exam date sheet for Class 10 or 12, students should follow these steps:
- Visit the respective official website of your education board.
- Look for the “Notification,” “Latest Updates,” or “Circulars” section on the homepage.
- Click on the specific link titled “Board Exam Date Sheet for Class 10” or “Board Exam Date Sheet for Class 12.”
- The date sheet will open as a PDF file. Download and save it for complete reference and timetable planning.
Staying informed via official channels is essential as additional announcements and detailed subject-wise schedules will follow. Students should regularly check their board’s website for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding their upcoming examinations.