CBSE Date Sheet 2026: Major changes in Class 10, 12 exam pattern; here's all you need to know

CBSE Board Exams 2026

CBSE Date Sheet 2026 and Class 10, 12 Revised Exam Pattern: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a draft scheme for conducting CBSE Class 10, 12 board exams 2026. The new CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2026 is aimed at providing greater flexibility, student choice, and an improved assessment system while reducing academic pressure. The key highlights of the revised CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2026 are as follows:

CBSE Board Exams 2026: Two Exam Opportunities for Students

To provide students with an additional chance to improve their scores, CBSE will now allow Class X and XII students to appear for board exams on two occasions in an academic year. These include:

• Main Examination: The first attempt for all students.
• Improvement Examination: A second chance for those who wish to improve their performance.

CBSE 10th, 12th Board Exam Schedule and Subject Grouping

The CBSE Class 10 and 12 Board Exam 2026 will commence on the first Tuesday after February 15, 2026. Around 26.60 lakh students are expected to appear for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026, while approximately 20 lakh students will take the CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026.

CBSE New Exam Pattern: Important Details

The CBSE Board Exam 2026 will cover the full syllabus as per the current textbooks. Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English exams will be conducted on designated fixed dates. Other subjects will be categorized into two groups:

• Regional and Foreign Languages: All language subjects will be conducted on a single day.
• Remaining Subjects: These will be scheduled on two or three different days, based on student choices and CBSE’s scheduling formula.

• Introduction of Modular Board Exams: CBSE is considering modular exams, which will test less material at a time and can be taken immediately after completing a course, thereby distributing academic pressure across the school year.
• Two-Level Examination in Select Subjects: Students may be allowed to attempt core subjects at two levels—Standard and Higher—to accommodate varying academic capabilities.
• Revised Question Paper Format: Some board exams may have two sections—one with objective multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and the other with descriptive-type questions.

According to the draft schedule, the CBSE Class 10 board exams will begin on February 17, 2026, while the CBSE Class 12 board exams will be spread across multiple phases. Major exams such as Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English will be held on fixed dates, while subjects under the remaining categories will be scheduled over multiple days.

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Other Key Guidelines and Reforms

• Practical/ Internal Assessments: These will be conducted only once, and scores will be carried forward if a student chooses to appear for an improvement exam.
• Merit Certificates: Issued after the second examination for students who have qualified all subjects.
• Performance Record in DigiLocker: The first exam's performance will be accessible on DigiLocker and can be used for Class XI admissions.
• No Changes in Subjects After LOC Submission: Students must finalize their subject choices before submitting the List of Candidates (LOC) as subject changes will not be permitted later, except in the second examination cycle.
• No Self-Centres: Examination centers will be assigned to avoid students appearing in their own schools.
• No Special Examinations: Only the two scheduled board exams will be conducted, with no additional exams under special circumstances.
• Standard Examination Fee: Fees for both exams will be collected upfront and will be non-refundable.

CBSE has proposed this draft scheme with the intent to finalize it after receiving feedback from stakeholders, including students, parents, and educators. The final policy will be reviewed, revised, and incorporated into the CBSE Examination Bye-Laws accordingly.

With these upcoming changes, CBSE aims to create a more student-friendly assessment process that aligns with modern educational methodologies, ensuring that board exams focus on conceptual understanding rather than rote learning.

CBSE Board Exam 2026 FAQs

1. Will CBSE Board Exams 2026 be conducted twice a year?
Yes, starting from 2026, CBSE will allow students to take board exams twice in an academic year—one main examination and one improvement examination if desired. The best score among the two will be considered.

2. When will the CBSE Board Exams 2026 begin?
The Class X and XII board exams will commence on the first Tuesday after February 15, 2026. As per the draft date sheet, Class X exams are expected to start on February 17, 2026.

3. Will CBSE Board Exams 2026 follow the full syllabus?
Yes, CBSE has confirmed that both Class X and XII exams will be conducted based on the complete syllabus as per the current textbooks.

4. How will subject exams be scheduled in CBSE 2026?
Core subjects like Science, Mathematics, Social Science, Hindi, and English will have fixed exam dates, while regional and foreign languages will be conducted in a single day. Remaining subjects may be scheduled over two or three days based on student choices and CBSE’s allocation.

5. What changes have been made to CBSE’s assessment pattern for 2026?
CBSE is introducing modular exams, two-level exams for select subjects, and a new question paper format with a mix of multiple-choice and descriptive questions to reduce academic pressure and reliance on coaching.