CBSE 2026 Exam Tentative Schedule Out | Dates, Phase-2 & Updates

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative schedule for the board exams 2026, giving students a clear timeline to gear up for one of the most important milestones in their academic journey. According to the notification, the first set of exams will be held from 17 February to 9 March 2026, followed by an optional second attempt between 15 May and 1 June 2026. With this new dual-exam format, students get another chance to improve their scores, but success will depend on smart planning, disciplined preparation, and staying updated with CBSE’s final announcements.

 When will CBSE 10th exams be held in 2026?

• The main (Phase-1) exams are tentatively set from 17 February 2026 to 9 March 2026. 

• A second attempt (Phase-2 / supplementary / “Exam-2”) is scheduled between 15 May and 1 June 2026. All dates are tentative — CBSE will issue the final schedule after schools submit the final list of candidates. 

Full Exam Schedule for CBSE Class 12 Board 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has published the tentative timetable for the Class 12 Board Exams 2026. This comprehensive schedule includes subject-wise exam dates, timings, and subject codes to help students stay well-prepared. Candidates are advised to go through the complete date sheet carefully and plan their study and revision strategy accordingly.

Why is there a second exam window for first time?

• Starting 2026, CBSE is introducing two board exam windows for. The first attempt is mandatory; the second is optional, giving students a chance to improve in select subjects. 

• This change aligns with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes reduced exam pressure, flexibility, and multiple opportunities for improvement. 

• Only certain subjects (like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, Languages) are expected to be offered in Phase-2 for improvement.

What’s the exam timing and duration?

• Most papers are planned from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. 

• Some subjects with fewer components may have shorter duration, e.g. certain vocational or practical-based subjects slated for 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

• The tentative date sheet PDF released by CBSE gives subject-wise details and time slots.

4. Which subjects when — what does the subject-wise schedule look like?

The tentative PDF from CBSE reveals exam dates per subject. 
Some highlights:

• 17 February 2026: Mathematics (Standard & Basic) exam.

• 21 February 2026: English (Communicative / Language & Literature) 

• 25 February: Science exam

• 9 March: Social Science exam

The full tentative list is long — students should download the official PDF from CBSE to see their specific subject dates.

What about evaluation and result timelines?

• CBSE intends to start evaluation of answer sheets ~10 days after each subject’s exam, and aims to complete it within 12 days. 

• For example: if a subject exam is on 20 February, checking might start around 2–3 March and end ~mid-March. 

• The board plans to announce all results by 15 July 2026.

What new responsibilities do students and schools have now?

• Schools must submit the final list of candidates in time for CBSE to issue the final schedule. 

• Students must decide early whether they will re-attempt in Phase-2 for improvement in selected subjects.

• Careful planning is needed to manage revision, mocks, and time between phases.

• Since exam windows are spaced apart, maintaining consistent preparation is key — you can’t afford to drop momentum after Phase-1.

What should students do next?

Here’s a checklist:

• ✅ Download the tentative PDF from CBSE’s website and note your subject dates. 

• ✅ Mark your calendar: Phase-1 exam span and possible Phase-2 window.

• ✅ Draft a study plan that accounts for both phases (if you plan to appear in Phase-2).

• ✅ Mock tests, timed practice papers, and past-year papers should be slotted into your timeline.

• ✅ Consult teachers early on about whether re-attempting in Phase-2 makes sense for you.

• ✅ Keep tabs on official updates — final date sheet, instructions, exam day rules — since the schedule is tentative.

What are the pros and cautions of this dual exam system?

Pros:

• You get another chance to improve your score in select subjects.

• Reduces “all-or-nothing” pressure in one single exam window.

• Encourages mastery over time, not just one-shot performance.

Alos visit for -> CBSE Class 10 Maths Sample Paper 2025-26

Cautions:

• Time between phases might tempt students to slack off after Phase-1.

• Juggling revision for both phases can be challenging.

• The system is new — there may be unforeseen administrative glitches.

• The final schedule might differ from the tentative one — don’t rely only on provisional dates.

Conclusion

The CBSE 2026 tentative schedule is a pivotal announcement. With the introduction of a second exam window, students now have more flexibility but also more planning responsibility. The main exams are slated for 17 February to 9 March 2026, with Phase-2 (optional improvement attempts) from 15 May to 1 June 2026. 

However, the schedule is tentative, and may change once CBSE finalises the candidate lists. So your best move now is to download the official PDF, note your exam dates, start building a solid study plan, and stay updated with all CBSE circulars.