CBSE Class 10 & 12 Date Sheet 2025-26: Hey there, students, parents, and teachers! If you’re part of the CBSE world, the 2025-26 board exams are probably already on your mind. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) dropped the draft date sheet for Class 10 and 12 board exams on February 26, 2025, and it’s got everyone talking. With a whopping 26.6 lakh Class 10 students and 20 lakh Class 12 students gearing up to take these exams across India and 26 countries, this is a big deal. Plus, there’s a new twist this year: Class 10 gets two exam phases, while Class 12 sticks to a single round. Whether you’re sweating over your first boards or planning your college path, the CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26 is your roadmap to success.
I’ve dug into the latest updates to bring you a clear, friendly guide on everything you need to know about the CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26. We’ll cover exam dates, eligibility, the new two-exam system, preparation tips, and how to avoid scams. I’ll also clear up any confusion about payments (spoiler: there’s no direct payment for students) and include a handy table to sum it all up.
What’s the CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26?
The CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26 is the official timetable for the Class 10 and 12 board exams, released by CBSE to help students plan their prep. Announced on February 26, 2025, as a draft, it lays out when each subject’s exam will happen, along with timings and key instructions. This year, CBSE is shaking things up with a two-phase exam system for Class 10, giving students a second chance to improve scores, while Class 12 keeps the traditional single-exam format. The exams run from February 17, 2026, to April 4, 2026, for Class 12, with Class 10’s first phase ending by March 6 and a second phase in May.
This date sheet isn’t just a schedule—it’s your tool to organize your study time, focus on tough subjects, and avoid last-minute stress. It covers core subjects like Math, Science, English, and Social Science, plus electives and vocational courses. With CBSE aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, expect more competency-based questions (think real-world problem-solving) and modular exam options. The early draft release gives you time to provide feedback until March 9, 2025, before the final version drops. Ready to break it down? Let’s go!
When Are the Exams Happening?
The CBSE board exams for 2025-26 start on February 17, 2026—the first Tuesday after February 15. Here’s the lowdown on the timelines:
- Class 10 Exams:
- Phase 1 (Main Exam): February 17 to March 6, 2026. This covers all major subjects like English, Math, Science, Social Science, Hindi, and electives like IT or Sanskrit.
- Phase 2 (Improvement Exam): May 5 to May 20, 2026. Optional for students who pass Phase 1 and want to boost scores in up to three subjects (Science, Math, Social Science, or languages). If you fail one or two subjects, you can retake them here; three or more fails mean “Essential Repeat” for 2027.
- Results: Phase 1 results by April 20, 2026; Phase 2 by June 30, 2026.
- Class 12 Exams:
- Single Phase: February 17 to April 4, 2026. Includes Science (Physics, Chemistry), Commerce (Business Studies, Accountancy), and Arts (History, Psychology) streams, plus electives.
- Results: Expected by May 20, 2026.
- Practical Exams:
- Winter-Bound Schools: November 5 to December 5, 2025 (for colder regions like Jammu & Kashmir).
- Regular Schools: January 1 to February 14, 2026.
Exams run from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM for most subjects (some electives end at 12:30 PM), with 15 minutes of reading time starting at 10:15 AM. CBSE spaces out major subjects to give you prep time—for example, Class 10’s Science might be around February 25, with Math a week later. Class 12 students get gaps between Physics and Chemistry for revision. The draft schedule is on cbse.gov.in, and the final version will confirm exact dates by March 2025.
What’s the Subject-Wise Schedule?
The draft date sheet groups subjects strategically, with fixed dates for core subjects and flexible slots for electives. Here’s a tentative look based on CBSE’s announcement and past patterns:
- Class 10 (Phase 1, February 17–March 6, 2026):
- February 17: English (Communicative, Language & Literature)
- February 20–22: Hindi or regional languages (e.g., Tamil, Urdu)
- February 25–27: Science
- March 1–3: Social Science
- March 5–6: Mathematics (Standard and Basic)
- Other subjects (e.g., IT, Home Science) spread over 2–3 days based on student numbers.
- Class 10 (Phase 2, May 5–20, 2026):
- Covers Science, Math, Social Science, or languages for improvement or compartment exams. Exact dates will be in the final schedule.
- Class 12 (February 17–April 4, 2026):
- February 17: Entrepreneurship
- February 24–27: Physics (Science), Geography (Arts)
- March 5–10: Mathematics, Accountancy (Commerce)
- March 12–15: Chemistry, Business Studies
- April 1–4: Psychology, History, Political Science
What’s New for 2025-26?
CBSE is rolling out big changes for 2025-26, especially for Class 10, to make exams more flexible and aligned with NEP 2020. Here’s what’s new:
- Two Exams for Class 10: Phase 1 is mandatory; Phase 2 is optional for improving scores in up to three subjects. Your best score counts, so a bad day in February won’t sink you.
- Modular Exams: Some subjects may be tested in smaller chunks right after you finish a course, spreading out the pressure.
- Two-Level Exams: Math and Science offer Standard and Higher levels, letting you pick what suits your strengths.
- 50% Competency-Based Questions: Half the questions will be MCQs, case-based, or source-based, testing real-world application over rote learning.
- No Self-Centers: Exams are held at external centers for fairness, not your own school.
- Single Practical Assessment: Practicals are done once before Phase 1, and scores carry over to Phase 2 if you retake.
Class 12 keeps the single-exam format but adopts the same 50% competency-based question style and modular scheduling for electives. The full NCERT syllabus applies, with no reductions, so start early.
Who’s Eligible for the CBSE Board Exams?
Eligibility is clear but strict to ensure fairness:
- Class 10:
- Enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school.
- Minimum 75% attendance in Class 10 by January 2026.
- List of Candidates (LOC) submitted by your school by September 30, 2025.
- Phase 2 eligibility: Must pass Phase 1 or qualify for compartment (failing 1–2 subjects). Failing three or more subjects means retaking in 2027.
- Class 12:
- Enrolled in a CBSE-affiliated school with 75% attendance.
- LOC submitted by September 30, 2025.
- Must pass practicals and theory separately for subjects like Physics or Biology.
- Private Candidates: If you’re not in a CBSE school (e.g., repeating or homeschooled), register online at cbse.gov.in with valid documents (e.g., Class 9 marksheet for Class 10).
- Exemptions: If attendance is below 75% due to medical or valid reasons, apply for an exemption through your school with proof (e.g., medical certificates).
Schools handle LOC submission, so check with your exam coordinator to confirm you’re registered. Missing the LOC deadline or attendance rule can disqualify you, so stay on top of it.
No Payments for Students—What About Fees?
Unlike financial bonuses or rebates, the CBSE board exams don’t involve direct payments from students. Schools pay exam fees during LOC submission, covering both Class 10 phases (non-refundable, even if you skip Phase 2). Fees vary by region—around ₹1,500 per student for five subjects in India, with ₹500 per extra subject, and higher for international students (e.g., ₹10,000 in Gulf countries). Private candidates pay directly online during registration, with a late fee of ₹2,000 if you miss the September 30, 2025, deadline (late window: October 1–15, 2025).
Beware of scams claiming you need to pay for the date sheet or “special exam slots.” The date sheet is free on cbse.gov.in, and CBSE doesn’t charge for exam access beyond standard fees handled by schools. If you see suspicious links or messages, report them to CBSE’s helpline (1800-11-8002).
How to Download the CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26
Getting the date sheet is simple:
- Visit www.cbse.gov.in or cbseacademic.nic.in.
- Click “Main Website.”
- Look for “Latest @ CBSE” or “Examinations.”
- Find the link for “CBSE Date Sheet 2026 Class 10” or “Class 12.”
- Download the PDF and print it for your study desk.
The PDF includes exam dates, subject codes, timings, and rules, like using only blue/royal blue gel pens and arriving by 10:00 AM. Check it carefully, and revisit the site by March 2025 for the final version after feedback closes on March 9, 2025.
How to Use the Date Sheet for Smart Prep
The date sheet is your secret weapon for crushing exam prep. Here’s how to make it work:
- Map Your Schedule: Check gaps between exams. For Class 10, if English is February 17 and Science is February 25, you’ve got eight days to nail Science concepts. Class 12 students might get 10 days between Physics (late February) and Chemistry (mid-March).
- Focus on Weak Subjects: Struggling with Math? Use early gaps to practice problems, especially since it’s likely March 5–6 for Class 10.
- Practice Sample Papers: CBSE’s 2026 sample papers on cbseacademic.nic.in match the 50% competency-based format. Time yourself to build speed for MCQs and case-based questions.
- Revise, Don’t Cram: Finish the syllabus by December 2025, then use January for revision and February for mock tests. A Class 10 student, Priya, told Jagran Josh, “The date sheet helped me prioritize Math revision for the gap before March.”
- Stay Healthy: Schedule breaks, eat well, and get 7–8 hours of sleep. Burnout is your enemy—pace yourself.
Summary Table: CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26 Overview
| Aspect | Details |
| Exam Dates | Class 10 Phase 1: Feb 17–Mar 6, 2026; Phase 2: May 5–20, 2026. Class 12: Feb 17–Apr 4, 2026 |
| Practical Exams | Winter-bound schools: Nov 5–Dec 5, 2025; Regular schools: Jan 1–Feb 14, 2026 |
| Exam Timings | 10:30 AM–1:30 PM (most subjects); 10:30 AM–12:30 PM (some electives); 15-min reading time |
| Eligibility | CBSE-affiliated school students, 75% attendance, LOC submitted by Sep 30, 2025. Class 10 Phase 2: Pass Phase 1 or compartment. Private candidates register online |
| Payment | No direct student payments; schools pay exam fees (₹1,500/subject in India, higher abroad) during LOC. Private candidates pay online (₹1,500–₹2,000 + ₹2,000 late fee) |
| Key Subjects (Class 10) | English (Feb 17), Hindi (Feb 20–22), Science (Feb 25–27), Social Science (Mar 1–3), Math (Mar 5–6) |
| Key Subjects (Class 12) | Entrepreneurship (Feb 17), Physics/Geography (Feb 24–27), Math/Accountancy (Mar 5–10), Chemistry/Business Studies (Mar 12–15), Psychology/History (Apr 1–4) |
| How to Download | Visit cbse.gov.in, click “Latest @ CBSE,” download PDF. Final schedule by Mar 2025 |
| Source | Draft on cbse.gov.in; final schedule post-feedback by Mar 2025 |
Why the Date Sheet Matters
For example, Arjun, a Class 12 Commerce student in Mumbai, used the date sheet to schedule mock tests for Accountancy before March 10, boosting his confidence. Create your own study plan based on the gaps in the schedule.
The CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26 is more than a timetable—it’s your guide to managing exam stress and performing your best. With 46.6 lakh students appearing globally, CBSE’s early draft release on February 26, 2025, shows they’re prioritizing prep time. The two-exam system for Class 10 is a game-changer, letting you improve scores without waiting a year. The 50% competency-based questions push you to think critically, prepping you for college or exams like JEE and NEET.
For parents, the date sheet helps plan tutoring or travel to exam centers (Delhi Metro offers priority ticketing for students). Teachers can align pre-boards (December 2025–January 2026) with the schedule. For students abroad, the early release ensures coordination with exam centers in 26 countries.
No Payment Amount or Payment Date Confusion
To clear up any confusion from the topic: there’s no “payment amount” or “payment date” tied to the CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26 for students. Schools handle exam fees during LOC submission, and you don’t pay directly. If you’re a private candidate, you’ll pay the application fee (around ₹1,500–₹2,000) online during registration in September 2025, with a late fee of ₹2,000 if you miss the deadline. No other payments are required, and the date sheet is free to download. If you hear about “special fees” for exam access, it’s a scam—stick to official CBSE channels.
Conclusion: CBSE Class 10 And 12 Date Sheet
The CBSE Date Sheet 2025-26 is your key to conquering the board exams, whether you’re a Class 10 student leveraging that second exam chance or a Class 12 student aiming for top college spots. With exams starting February 17, 2026, and the draft out on February 26, 2025, you’ve got ample time to plan if you start now. Use the date sheet to prioritize subjects, practice with CBSE’s 2026 sample papers, and stay calm under pressure. Stick to cbse.gov.in for updates, avoid scams, and build a study plan that works for you.
