The CBSE 10th Date Sheet 2026 has been officially released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) for students enrolled under the 10th standard. This date sheet serves as the official timetable for one of the most crucial academic milestones in a student’s life the Class 10 Board Examinations.
The board examinations are scheduled for the academic year 2025–26 and will be conducted following a two-phase exam structure aimed at giving students multiple opportunities to perform well.
CBSE 10th Date Sheet 2026 – Overview
| Examination Name | CBSE Class 10 Board Examination 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education |
| Academic Session | 2025–2026 |
| Examination Structure | Two-phase examination system |
| Phase 1 Exam Type | Main Board Examination |
| Phase 1 Exam Dates | February 17 to March 10, 2026 |
| Phase 1 Coverage | All core and elective theory subjects |
| Phase 2 Exam Type | Improvement / Secondary Examination |
| Phase 2 Exam Dates | May 15 to June 1, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Phase 2 Coverage | Selected subjects for improvement or re-appearance |
| Mode of Examination | Offline (Pen and Paper) |
| Exam Shifts | Morning shift for most subjects |
| Exam Duration | Generally 3 hours per paper |
Official CBSE 10th Date Sheet 2026
Below is the detailed CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026 for Phase 1 (Main Exam), including dates, days, and exam timings. All exams will typically be held in the morning shift, starting at 10:30 AM and ending at 1:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) unless otherwise stated.
| Date | Day | Subject / Paper | Exam Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | Mathematics (Standard & Basic) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 18 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | Home Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 20 Feb 2026 | Friday | Vocational and Skill Subjects | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| 21 Feb 2026 | Saturday | English (Communicative & Language/Literature) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 23 Feb 2026 | Monday | Regional Languages | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 24 Feb 2026 | Tuesday | Elements of Business, Urdu Course-B | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 25 Feb 2026 | Wednesday | Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 26 Feb 2026 | Thursday | Vocational and Skill Subjects | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| 27 Feb 2026 | Friday | Computer Applications, IT, Artificial Intelligence | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| 28 Feb 2026 | Saturday | Arabic, Sanskrit, and other languages | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 2 Mar 2026 | Monday | Hindi (Course-A & Course-B) | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 3 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | Tibetan, German, NCC and related subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 5 Mar 2026 | Thursday | Sindhi, Malayalam, Odia and related subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 6 Mar 2026 | Friday | Painting | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| 7 Mar 2026 | Saturday | Social Science | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 9 Mar 2026 | Monday | Telugu, Russian, Persian, Nepali and related subjects | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
| 10 Mar 2026 | Tuesday | French | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM |
Note: The above dates are for Phase 1, which covers the main examination schedule. Phase 2 (Improvement or Compartment Exams) is expected to be held from May 15 to June 1, 2026 for selected subjects.
Important Points in the CBSE 10th Date Sheet 2026
Here are some key things every student should remember while referring to the date sheet:
- Exam Duration: The main board exams for Class 10 will be conducted between February 17 and March 10, 2026.
- Exam Timings: Most examinations will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students should reach the exam center by 10:00 AM.
- Practical Exams: Practical examinations are generally conducted earlier, usually in January 2026, at the school level.
- Phase 2 Exams: A second examination window may be provided between May and June 2026 for improvement or compartment cases.
How to Prepare Using the Date Sheet?
- Plan Your Revision Calendar: The first step is to create a detailed revision timetable that aligns perfectly with the exam sequence. Subjects scheduled earlier in the date sheet should be prioritized, as they leave less preparation time. Divide each subject into manageable portions such as chapters, topics, and practice sessions, and assign them to specific days. Keep the last few days before each exam strictly for revision, formula review, and light practice rather than learning new topics. A realistic and flexible plan works better than an overloaded one.
- Practice Sample Papers and Previous Year Papers: Once revision is underway, students should start solving sample papers and previous year question papers regularly. This practice helps in understanding the exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme. It also familiarizes students with frequently asked topics and recurring question formats. After solving each paper, students should carefully analyze mistakes and revise weak concepts immediately to avoid repeating errors.
- Focus on Time Management: Time management is crucial during board exams. Students should practice mock tests within the actual three-hour exam duration to build speed and accuracy. Learning how much time to allocate to each section prevents last-minute rush and incomplete papers. Regular timed practice also helps students decide which questions to attempt first and how to handle lengthy answers efficiently.
- Strengthen Weaker Areas: The date sheet usually provides gaps between exams, which should be used strategically. Students must identify weaker subjects or chapters early and allocate extra revision time to them. Revising difficult topics during longer gaps between exams can improve confidence and reduce anxiety. Balanced preparation across all subjects ensures steady performance throughout the examination period.
Exam Day Guidelines for Students
To ensure a smooth examination experience:
- Carry the CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026 and valid school identification.
- Reach the examination center at least 30 minutes before reporting time.
- Avoid carrying mobile phones, smart watches, or any prohibited items.
- Follow instructions provided by invigilators and maintain discipline throughout the exam.
- CBSE Class 10 Phase 1 Exams will be from February 17 – March 10, 2026
- Exam Timing is 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM for most subjects
- Phase 2 Exams are expected between May 15 and June 1, 2026
- Practical examinations are typically completed before theory exams.
The CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026 provides students with a clear roadmap to plan their revision effectively. Consistent study, regular practice, and proper time management will help students perform confidently in the board examinations.
FAQs
When will the CBSE 10th board exams 2026 start?
The CBSE Class 10 board exams are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026.
What are the exam timings for CBSE Class 10 exams?
Most exams will be conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Is there a second exam phase for Class 10 students?
Yes, an improvement or compartment exam phase is expected between May and June 2026.
Where can students get the official date sheet?
The official date sheet is released through CBSE’s official notifications and school authorities.
Are practical exams included in the main date sheet?
Practical exams are usually conducted separately before the theory examinations.
