Archive · 2 Nov 2025
CBSE Announces 2026 Board Exams: Key Changes for Students
The CBSE board is making some big changes for the 2026 exams for 10th and 12th graders.
For 10th graders, there will now be two chances to take the board exams in the same year: one in February-March and another optional one in May.
Whichever score is better will be used.
This is to help students improve their grades, similar to a new education policy.
The exam schedule, called the date sheet, will now be released much earlier, in October, so students have more time to prepare.
Also, to help students who also need to take the JEE engineering entrance exam, the CBSE has made sure their last exam in April is scheduled before the JEE exam.
There's also a new rule that students need at least 75% attendance to be allowed to take the exams.
Finally, to make sure all student information is correct, schools have to double-check details with students using a special slip.
CBSE has introduced a two-session exam system for Class 10, with exams in February-March and an optional second attempt in May.
The board released the final date sheet for Class 10 and 12 exams in October, with exams starting February 17, 2026.
CBSE has coordinated with NTA to prevent board exams from overlapping with JEE and NEET, scheduling the last Class 12 exam on April 9, 2026, before JEE on April 10.
A minimum of 75% attendance is now mandatory for students in Classes 10 and 12 to be eligible for board exams.
CBSE has implemented a 'data verification slip' system for schools to ensure accuracy of student details in the List of Candidates (LOC).
- Who
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- What
- Introduced significant changes for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations, including a new exam system, earlier date sheet release, and reinforced eligibility rules.
- When
- Class 10 and 12 exams begin February 17, 2026. Class 10 has a second optional session in May 2026. Class 12's last exam is April 9, 2026. Date sheets released in October.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To align with the National Education Policy (NEP), provide students with improvement opportunities, prevent exam clashes with JEE/NEET, and enhance exam process integrity.
Previous System
New System for 2026
Class 10 Exam Structure
Previous System
Previously, a 'supplementary' model existed for students to retake exams.
New System for 2026
A new two-session system offers a full second attempt with the same syllabus and weightage in February-March and May.
Date Sheet Release
Previous System
The date sheet was typically released later in the year.
New System for 2026
The date sheet for Class 10 and 12 exams will now be released in October to allow more preparation time.
Exam Scheduling vs. Entrance Exams
Previous System
There were instances of clashes between CBSE board exams and major entrance exams like JEE Main.
New System for 2026
CBSE has coordinated with NTA to ensure no overlap with JEE and NEET, scheduling exams to provide adequate gaps.
- Board Name
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
- Class 10 Exam Format
- Two-session system (February-March and May)
- Class 10/12 Exam Start Date
- February 17, 2026
- Class 10 Session 2 Exam Month
- May 2026
- Class 12 Last Exam (Session 2)
- April 9, 2026
- JEE Main Exam Date
- April 10, 2026
- Minimum Attendance Requirement
- 75%
Sources
MBOSE Announces 2026 SSLC And HSSLC Board Exam Dates: Class 10 Exams From January 30, Class 12 From February 18
Meghalaya Class 10, 12 Date Sheet 2026 Out, Check Complete Schedule Here
Maharashtra Board Class 10, 12 Date Sheet 2026: Find Your Exam Dates Here
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Preparation Tips And Steps To Overcome Exam Stress
Meghalaya MBOSE announces board exams 2026 schedule for classes 10th, 12th