The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has finally released the official datesheet for the 2026 board exams. Both Class 10 and Class 12 students now have the complete timetable in their hands. This announcement is not just about exam dates; it’s a roadmap that will guide students on how to plan their studies in the coming months with proper strategy and confidence. Parents and teachers also see this schedule as a chance to help students create the right balance between revision and relaxation.
The CBSE 2026 exams will begin on February 17, 2026. Class 10 exams will continue till March 18, 2026, while Class 12 exams will go on till April 4, 2026. All exams will start at 10:30 AM sharp across the country, following strict guidelines.
Now let’s look at the full datesheet for both classes, followed by preparation tips and how Oswaal Sample Papers can be your secret weapon in acing these exams with ease.
CBSE Class 10 Board Exam Datesheet 2026
Here is the complete schedule for Class 10 board exams. Students should mark these important dates carefully in their calendars for better preparation.
Date |
Day |
Subject |
17 Feb 2026 |
Tuesday |
Sanskrit |
18 Feb 2026 |
Wednesday |
Painting / Gurung / Tamang / Sherpa / Thai |
20 Feb 2026 |
Friday |
Hindi Course A, Hindi Course B |
23 Feb 2026 |
Monday |
English (Language & Literature) |
26 Feb 2026 |
Thursday |
Home Science |
28 Feb 2026 |
Saturday |
Science |
03 Mar 2026 |
Tuesday |
Social Science |
05 Mar 2026 |
Thursday |
Mathematics Standard, Mathematics Basic |
07 Mar 2026 |
Saturday |
Computer Applications, Information Technology |
12 Mar 2026 |
Thursday |
Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Odia, Assamese, Kannada, Kashmiri, Urdu, Arabic, Persian, Nepali, Limboo, Lepcha, Bodo, Bhutia, Mizo, Sanskrit Communicative, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Tibetan |
14 Mar 2026 |
Saturday |
Music |
16 Mar 2026 |
Monday |
Elements of Business, Elements of Book Keeping & Accountancy |
18 Mar 2026 |
Wednesday |
National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) subjects |
This is the complete CBSE Class 10 timetable. Students should note that Science, Mathematics, and Social Science are packed close together, so planning revisions well in advance is crucial.
Recommended Links:
CBSE Books Class 10 for 2026 Board Exams — Click Here
CBSE Class 12 Board Exam Datesheet 2026
For Class 12 students, the exams are slightly longer and stretch well into April. Here is the detailed subject-wise schedule to follow carefully:
Date |
Day |
Subject |
17 Feb 2026 |
Tuesday |
Biotechnology |
18 Feb 2026 |
Wednesday |
Hindi Elective, Hindi Core |
20 Feb 2026 |
Friday |
English Elective, English Core, Functional English |
23 Feb 2026 |
Monday |
Business Studies, Business Administration |
25 Feb 2026 |
Wednesday |
Chemistry |
27 Feb 2026 |
Friday |
Geography |
02 Mar 2026 |
Monday |
Physics |
04 Mar 2026 |
Wednesday |
Psychology |
06 Mar 2026 |
Friday |
Political Science |
09 Mar 2026 |
Monday |
Mathematics, Applied Mathematics |
11 Mar 2026 |
Wednesday |
Economics |
13 Mar 2026 |
Friday |
Sociology |
16 Mar 2026 |
Monday |
Computer Science, Informatics Practices |
18 Mar 2026 |
Wednesday |
Physical Education |
20 Mar 2026 |
Friday |
Accountancy |
23 Mar 2026 |
Monday |
History |
25 Mar 2026 |
Wednesday |
Biology |
27 Mar 2026 |
Friday |
Painting, Graphics, Sculpture, Applied Art |
30 Mar 2026 |
Monday |
Legal Studies |
01 Apr 2026 |
Wednesday |
Hindi Elective (retest) |
04 Apr 2026 |
Saturday |
Sociology (retest) |
For Class 12, subjects like Physics, Mathematics, Chemistry, and Biology are spread out, giving students some breathing space. However, don’t be fooled, these subjects demand deep conceptual clarity and consistent practice.
Recommended Links:
CBSE Books Class 12 for 2026 Board Exams — Click Here
How to Use This Datesheet Wisely
The datesheet is not just a list of exam days; it works like a personal study calendar for every student. If used wisely, it can actually make your preparation much smoother. One smart way to begin is by starting with the subjects you find most difficult. For many students, subjects like Physics Class 12 or Mathematics often feel heavier and require more practice. Revising them properly before February can give you a sense of confidence and reduce stress later. Another important point is to plan your revision according to the gaps given in the timetable.
For example, in Class 12 there is only a one-day gap between Physics and Psychology. This means you cannot leave either subject for the last moment; you need to divide your time carefully and keep both ready in advance. Finally, students should avoid falling into the trap of last-minute cramming. Instead of reading everything in a rush, it is better to revise your notes slowly and steadily.
Practicing with resources like the best CBSE guide for Class 10 or solving Oswaal Class 10 sample papers and Oswaal sample paper collections will help you test your preparation and keep your mind calm before the real exams. Even picking the right CBSE Class 12 book can make a big difference in making your study routine more effective.
Why Sample Papers Are More Important Than Ever
Once the dates are announced, the next big step is to start practicing in real exam-like conditions. This is where sample papers become every student’s best friend. No student should walk into the board exam hall without solving Oswaal sample papers first. These papers give you a clear idea of the latest CBSE pattern, help you get familiar with different types of questions, and train you to manage time within the given marking scheme.
For Class 10 students, solving Oswaal Class 10 sample papers regularly acts like a safety shield. These papers not only test your knowledge but also provide step-by-step solutions that show you how to frame answers that actually fetch higher marks. It’s no surprise that so many toppers openly recommend the best CBSE guide for Class 10, many of which are trusted Oswaal titles.
For Class 12 students, particularly in demanding subjects like Physics Class 12, practicing with Oswaal’s question banks and guides can make the difference between being “almost prepared” and achieving a “perfect score.” When combined with your regular CBSE Class 12 sample papers ensure that you walk into the exam hall with confidence and clarity.
How Oswaal Books Helps You
Oswaal Books has been creating resources trusted by students, teachers, and even parents for decades. Our team carefully studies the CBSE syllabus and previous year papers to craft guides and sample papers that mirror real exam conditions. Whether you are preparing for English Core, sweating over Mathematics, or revising Physics Class 12, Oswaal has the right set of books to help. The unique advantage is not just the variety of questions but also the detailed explanations, toppers’ handwritten notes, and mind maps included in our editions. Our books aren’t about rote learning. They are about smart preparation, helping you know what to study, how to study, and when to revise.
Final Thoughts
The CBSE 2026 board exams are now official. You have the full dates, and you also have enough time to prepare smartly. Remember, success in boards doesn’t come from endless hours of blind study but from focused revision, concept clarity, and lots of practice. This is where Oswaal comes in. From the best CBSE guide for Class 10 to Oswaal sample papers for all subjects, from practice tests for Physics Class 12 to detailed CBSE Class 12 books, Oswaal Books is here to make your preparation journey smoother.
So mark the dates, make your plan, and keep practicing. The 2026 board exams will be your chance to shine and with Oswaal by your side, you’re already one step ahead.