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

CBSE Class 10th Board Exams date sheet 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a revolutionary change in the examination system for Class 10 students. They are implementing a dual examination system, which will start from 2026. For the first time in CBSE’s history, Class 10 students will have the opportunity to appear for board examinations twice in a single academic year, with the first exam being mandatory and the second exam optional for improvement. This significant reform aims to reduce academic pressure on students and provide them with a second chance to improve their performance in up to three subjects.

Key Features of the New Dual Exam System

Mandatory and Optional Structure

• Phase 1 (Main Examination): All students must compulsorily appear for the first board examination scheduled in February-March 2026. This examination will cover the complete syllabus and serve as the primary assessment.

• Phase 2 (Improvement Examination): Students who have successfully passed Phase 1 can optionally appear for improvement in any three subjects from Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and Languages during May-June 2026. Students can choose to opt out of subjects they don’t wish to retake.

Important Guidelines

• Eligibility for Phase 2: Students who fail to appear in three or more subjects in Phase 1 will not be eligible for Phase 2 and must wait for the following year’s main examination.

• Compartment Cases: Students with compartment results in Phase 1 can appear for Phase 2 under the compartment category.

• Same Syllabus and Pattern: Both examinations will follow identical syllabus, question patterns, and examination modes as the current system.

Complete Date Sheet for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 – Phase 1 (Mandatory)

Main Examination Schedule: February 17 – March 9, 2026

Complete Date Sheet for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 – Phase 2 (Optional)

Improvement Examination Schedule: May 15 – June 1, 2026

Examination Pattern and Assessment Structure

Theory Paper Structure (80 Marks)

• Competency-Based Questions (40%): Multiple choice questions, case studies, and source-based questions designed to test practical application of knowledge.

• Objective-Type Questions (20%): Short, fact-based questions requiring direct answers and basic recall of information.

• Descriptive Questions (40%): Short and long answer questions requiring detailed explanations, analysis, and interpretation of concepts.

Internal Assessment (20 Marks)

Internal assessment will continue to carry 20 marks through periodic tests, assignments, projects, and practical work throughout the academic year.

Important Guidelines and Timelines

Result Declaration Schedule

• Phase 1 Results: Expected to be announced in April 2026, well before the commencement of Phase 2 examinations.

• Phase 2 Results: Will be declared by the first week of June 2026, ensuring students receive their final results before the start of the new academic session.

• Final Result Compilation: The better of the two examination scores will be considered for the final result declaration.

Examination Timings and Duration

All examinations, both theory and practical, will be conducted in a single shift starting at 10:30 AM. Theory papers will be of 3 hours duration (10:30 AM to 1:30 PM), while skill-based and vocational subjects will be of 2 hours duration (10:30 AM to 12:30 PM).

Registration and Preparation Guidelines

• Advanced Schedule Release: CBSE has released the tentative date sheet 146 days in advance (on September 24, 2025) to provide students ample time for preparation.

• Subject Revision Policy: The current date sheet is tentative and subject to minor revisions if necessary, though major changes are unlikely.

• Approximately 45 Lakh Students: An estimated 45 lakh students from India and 26 countries abroad are expected to appear for these examinations.

Conclusion

The introduction of the dual exam system for CBSE Class 10 from the year 2026 is a paradigm shift towards a more student-centric and flexible approach to assessment. This reform gives students a useful chance to better their performance with the same high standards of academics. Students must prioritize well-preparedness for the compulsory Phase 1 exam while holding the voluntary Phase 2 as a buffer against better performance in certain subjects.

The detailed date sheet issued by CBSE enables students to strategize their preparation, with enough gaps between exams for concentrated subject-wise preparation. With results for both phases being announced well within the academic calendar, students will have a clear idea of their performance and can take a sound decision regarding their future academic trajectory without any delay in Class 11 admission.