CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026 Datesheet: Full Tentative Schedule of 12th Annual Examinations, Check Timings & More

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the tentative datesheet for Class 12th board examinations 2026, providing students with a comprehensive roadmap for their preparation. Scheduled to commence from February 17, 2026, and conclude by April 9, 2026, the examinations will cover all streams including Science, Commerce, Humanities, and Vocational subjects. Unlike Class 10 which introduces a dual examination system, Class 12 will continue with the traditional single annual examination pattern, ensuring consistency in the senior secondary assessment framework.

Key Features of CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026

Examination Structure and Duration

• Single Annual Examination: CBSE Class 12 will conduct only one board examination in 2026, maintaining the traditional pattern without implementing the dual exam system introduced for Class 10.

• Uniform Timing: All examinations will be conducted in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, providing a consistent 3-hour duration for all subjects.

• Extended Examination Period: The board has allocated a longer examination window spanning nearly two months (February 17 to April 9, 2026) to accommodate the diverse range of subjects and reduce scheduling conflicts.

Examination Pattern Changes for 2026

• Increased Competency-Based Questions: The most significant change is the increase in competency-based questions from 40% to 50% of the total marks, emphasizing practical application of knowledge.

• Question Paper Structure: The revised pattern includes 50% competency-based questions (MCQs, case studies, source-based questions), 20% multiple choice questions, and 30% constructed response type questions.

• Assessment Components: Theory papers will carry 70-80 marks depending on the subject, with practical/internal assessments contributing 20-30 marks.

Learn More: CBSE Class 10th Board Exam date sheet (2026): Complete Date Sheet for Exam 1, Exam 2

Complete CBSE Class 12 Board Exam 2026 Datesheet

Theory Examination Schedule: February 17 – April 9, 2026

March 2026 Examination Schedule

April 2026 Final Examination Schedule

CBSE 12th Practical Examination Schedule 2026

Regular Schools Practical Exams

• Commencement Date: January 1, 2026, for regular schools across India.
• Duration: Practical examinations will be conducted over a period of 4-6 weeks before the theory examinations begin.
• External Examiner System: CBSE will appoint external examiners along with school-based internal examiners to ensure fair evaluation.

Winter-Bound Schools Practical Exams

• Special Schedule: Schools located in high-altitude and winter-bound areas will conduct practical examinations from November 5 to December 5, 2025.
• Early Completion: This early schedule ensures that practical components are completed well before the harsh winter conditions affect accessibility.

Practical Examination Guidelines

• Batch Size: Maximum 30 students per batch, with flexibility to divide into sub-groups of 15 students each.
• Laboratory Readiness: Schools must ensure laboratories are fully equipped and ready at least one day before the examination.
• Assessment Upload: Schools are required to upload photographs and assessment records of practical examinations for verification.

Stream-Wise Subject Analysis

Science Stream Key Dates

• Physics: February 20, 2026 – One of the earliest major subjects, allowing students to focus on other PCM subjects.
• Chemistry: February 28, 2026 – Strategically placed after Physics to maintain subject flow.
• Biology: March 27, 2026 – Scheduled towards the end, providing maximum preparation time for medical aspirants.
• Mathematics: March 9, 2026 – Positioned in the middle of the examination schedule.

Commerce Stream Key Dates

• Business Studies: February 21, 2026 – Early positioning allows focused preparation for core commerce subjects.
• Accountancy: March 28, 2026 – Scheduled near the end to provide maximum preparation time.
• Economics: March 18, 2026 – Strategically placed in the middle of the examination period.

Humanities Stream Key Dates

• Political Science: March 23, 2026 – Allows comprehensive revision of current affairs and concepts.
• History: March 30, 2026 – Positioned towards the end for extensive preparation.
• Geography: February 26, 2026 – Early scheduling provides time for map-based preparation.
• Psychology: February 23, 2026 – Early positioning for focused theoretical preparation.

Marking Scheme and Assessment Pattern

Theory-Practical Distribution

Question Paper Pattern 2026

• Competency-Based Questions (50%): Including MCQs, case studies, and source-based integrated questions that test practical application of concepts.
• Select Response Questions (20%): Traditional MCQs designed to test factual knowledge and quick analytical skills.
• Constructed Response Questions (30%): Short and long answer questions requiring detailed explanations and critical thinking.

Important Guidelines and Instructions

Registration and Attendance Requirements

• Minimum Attendance: Students must maintain 75% minimum attendance to be eligible for board examinations.
• Internal Assessment: Compulsory completion of all internal assessments and project work throughout the academic year.
• Registration Deadlines: Schools must complete student registration and fee submission by the specified deadlines.

Examination Day Instructions

• Reporting Time: Students must report to examination centers at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time.
• Identity Verification: Valid CBSE admit card and photo identification are mandatory for entry.
• Material Restrictions: Only permitted stationery and calculators (where allowed) can be brought into examination halls.

Result Declaration Timeline

• Theory Result: Expected to be declared by the first week of May 2026.
• Final Result: Combined theory and practical results will be available by mid-May 2026.
• Supplementary Examination: For compartment cases, supplementary examinations will be conducted in July 2026.

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 12th Board Exam 2026 datesheet reflects a well-structured approach to senior secondary assessment, spanning nearly two months to accommodate diverse subjects across all streams. The early release of the tentative schedule, announced 146 days in advance, provides students and schools adequate time for systematic preparation and planning.

The revised examination pattern with increased emphasis on competency-based questions aligns with modern educational philosophy, focusing on practical application rather than rote learning. Students should utilize the strategic gaps between major subjects to optimize their preparation, particularly for core subjects like Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology in the Science stream.

The comprehensive practical examination schedule, beginning from January 2026, ensures that students complete all assessment components well before theory examinations, reducing academic pressure during the crucial final months. With proper planning and systematic preparation following this datesheet, students can approach their board examinations with confidence and achieve their academic goals successfully.