Picture this: You’re gearing up for your most important school exams ever, only to discover they’re starting earlier than anyone predicted. That’s exactly what’s happening for lakhs of Maharashtra students right now!
Why the 2026 Exam Dates Matter Now
The Maharashtra State Board just dropped a bombshell announcement. The HSC Class 12 exams for 2026 will kick off on February 10 – nearly two weeks earlier than previous years. This changes everything for students currently in Class 11.
Key Changes You Can’t Afford to Miss
- HSC exams begin February 10 (vs February 20 last year)
- SSC exams start February 20
- Morning papers now run 11 AM to 2 PM
- Afternoon sessions: 3 PM to 6 PM
Complete HSC Exam Schedule Breakdown
Here’s what the crucial first week looks like for Class 12 students:
| Date | Subject | Stream | Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 10 | English | All streams | 11 AM – 2 PM |
| Feb 12 | Marathi/Hindi | Arts & Commerce | 11 AM – 2 PM |
| Feb 14 | Mathematics | Science | 3 PM – 6 PM |
The full timetable continues through March 11, with science students facing back-to-back chemistry and physics papers in late February. Commerce students get their key accountancy exam on March 3.
SSC Students Face Tight Schedule Too
Class 10 pupils aren’t getting any breaks either. Their exams launch just 10 days after HSC begins:
- February 20: First Language papers
- February 23: Second Language
- February 26: Mathematics
- March 2: Science & Technology
- March 5: Social Sciences
Special Arrangements You Should Know
The board has confirmed special provisions:
- Extra time for differently-abled students
- Separate seating for vocational courses
- On-call medical support at exam centers
Why This Early Start Changes Everything
Education experts warn this compressed schedule means:
- Less revision time between main subjects
- Earlier completion of school syllabus
- Tighter college admission timelines
- Potential clash with competitive exams
“Students must start planning now,” says Mumbai-based career counselor Anjali Deshpande. “That 10-day head start disappears quickly when you account for festival holidays and study breaks.”
3 Critical Steps to Take Right Now
Don’t wait until next year to prepare:
1. Verify Your Seat Number
Schools will soon distribute unique seat numbers through the MSBSHSE portal. Check yours immediately for errors.
2. Map Your Weak Subjects
Identify tough subjects falling close together. For example, science students have physics on February 24 and chemistry on February 27 – just 3 days apart!
3. Adjust Your Study Plan
With exams starting earlier, your December/January study routine needs overhauling. Most tutors recommend beginning revisions by October 2025.
Where to Find Official Updates
Watch these official channels for changes:
- MSBSHSE website: mahahsscboard.in
- Board’s mobile app (Android/iOS)
- Registered school email alerts
Remember last year’s paper leak scandal? The board promises tighter security this time, including encrypted question papers and AI-powered surveillance at centers.
The Bottom Line
This timetable shift isn’t just about dates – it’s about your entire preparation strategy. The 10-day advance start might seem small now, but it could make or break your scores. Smart students are already recalculating their study hours, booking tutor sessions, and marking their calendars.
One final tip: Download the complete timetable from the official Indian Express coverage here and stick it where you’ll see it daily. Your future self will thank you!
