Hold on to your textbooks! CBSE just dropped a bombshell that’s changing how students prepare for board exams. The Class 10 exams for 2026 will begin on February 17 – but here’s the twist. The final schedule arrived a shocking 110 days earlier than usual!
Why The Big Change?
CBSE isn’t just being nice. This move comes straight from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 reforms. Starting 2026, Class 10 students will face two board exams each year. The first phase runs February 17 to March 10. The second exam dates will come later.
“This is the first time we’ve released dates so early,” CBSE stated. They credit schools for submitting student lists on time. The early schedule helps everyone:
- Students get more prep time
- Parents can plan vacations
- Schools arrange exam centers
Download Your Date Sheet Now
Get the official CBSE Class 10 date sheet PDF here: Direct Download Link
Major Subject Exam Dates (Class 10)
| Date | Subjects |
|---|---|
| Feb 17 | Mathematics (Basic & Standard) |
| Feb 21 | English |
| Feb 25 | Science |
| Mar 7 | Social Science |
| Feb 27 | Computer Applications & IT |
New Exam Patterns Explained
CBSE added surprising gaps between tough subjects. For example:
- 6 days between Science and Social Science
- 4 days between Math and English
- No same-day major exams
“We’ve ensured no clash with entrance exams,” CBSE confirmed. JEE Main aspirants must use their Class 11 registration numbers when applying.
What Students Should Do Now
- Download and print your personal schedule
- Mark revision periods between exams
- Check if your optional subjects match the dates
- Plan your study breaks wisely
Languages & Vocational Subjects
Over 50 languages appear in the schedule! Some unique options:
- Japanese (March 3)
- Russian (March 9)
- Bhutia (March 3)
- Artificial Intelligence (Feb 27)
Vocational courses like Beauty & Wellness (Feb 20) and Data Science (Feb 20) have shorter exam durations – mostly 2 hours instead of 3.
Why This Matters
Education experts praise the early timeline. “Students gain 3 extra prep months,” says Mumbai-based counselor Rhea Mehta. “But they must start now to avoid last-minute stress.”
CBSE warns schools: “Any date changes will only happen for major disasters.” The board confirms this is the final schedule unless extreme situations occur.
Bookmark the official CBSE site for updates: cbse.gov.in
