CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026: Exam Schedule, Phases, Timings, and Key Guidelines

It has been confirmed that the tentative schedule of Class 10 board examinations 2026 has been scheduled by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). This year, the board is launching a two-molded examination order, which will not only provide students with an obligatory attempt but also with an opportunity to enhance it. It is expected that the new structure will provide students with more freedom and a lower amount of stress associated with exams.

When the Class 10 date sheet is announced, it marks the start of a major countdown for students who are ready to commence one of the most important milestones in their school life. The board has already released the full schedule, stages, and exam times, with the exams scheduled to start as early as 17 February 2026. Students and parents should know all the following.

Key Highlights

• Exams Begin: 17 February 2026
• Phase 1 (Mandatory): 17 February to 9 March 2026.
• Phase 2 ( Optional / Improvement / Compartment): 15 May -1 June 2026.
• Exam Times: Majority of them are between 10.30 AM and 1.30 PM; a few are between 10.30 AM and 12.30 PM.
• Time Reading: 15 minutes before the commencement of the exam.
• Status of Date Sheet: Provisional and awaiting ultimate approval.

Understanding the Two-Phase Structure

Phase 1 – Mandatory Exams

• Phase 1 exams should appear in all registered Class 10 students.
• The exams would encompass all the major subjects (like Mathematics, Science, Social Science, English, Hindi, and Languages) as well as the electives.
• The exams will start on 17 February 2026 and end on 9 March 2026.

Phase 2 – Optional / Improvement / Compartment Exams

• To be performed between 15 May 2026 and 1 June 2026.
• Students who are not satisfied with their results in Phase 1 can pick up to three subjects to improve.
• The ones who fail in a subject have an opportunity to re-emerge in Phase 2 as well.
• This is an optional phase of participation, although it is a good second chance.

This two-part process is a reformist move, which grants flexibility as well as being fair in the process of evaluation.

Exam Timings and Duration

• Core and elective: 10:30 AM- 1:30 PM (3 hours).
• Vocational and chosen subjects: 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM (2 hours).
• Learners will have 15 minutes to read and then write answers.
• Admission to exam centres closes at 10:15 AM, and this makes time very important.

How to Download the CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet

To find the date sheet, students can follow some steps, which are easy to follow online:

1. Go to the official site of the CBSE ( cbse.gov.in).
2. Follow the link to Class 10 Date Sheet 2026.
3. The date sheet PDF will be displayed on the screen.
4. The reference is available as a PDF, downloaded and saved.
5. Print out and affix it on either your study desk or wall so that it is easily seen.

What the Date Sheet Includes

The CBSE Class 10 date sheet PDF includes the necessary information, including:

• Code of the subject and subject names.
• Dates of exam in chronological order.
• Check-out schedule (morning schedule).
• Guidelines to the candidates, including a time limit on reading and a compulsory requirement.
• Elucidation of vocational and elective subject schedules.

This makes the students well aware of the sequence of their examination.

Preparation Tips for Students

Since the exam dates have been published, planning is necessary. Here are some tips:

• Make a schedule: Separate the subjects according to the intervals between exams and focus on the weak points.
• Past paper practice: Word processing. The past papers are solved, and the sample papers are also solved, to interpret patterns.
• Periodically update: Have some notes on revising as short notes available.
• Simulate exam: Take practice tests within a 3-hour time. Practice to develop speed and accuracy.
• Concentrate on Phase 1: Although Phase 2 is possible, you have to do your best during Phase 1 so that you will not rely on reattempts.

Important Instructions for Students

• The released date sheet is provisional; it can be updated later. Hence, visit the website of the board frequently.
• Bring your admit card, a valid photo ID, and stationery to the examination centre.
• Students have to be in at least 30 minutes before the start of classes to ensure people are not in a hurry to get to school.
• Adhere to the board-directed rules and regulations of the school dress code or uniforms.
• The 15 minutes of time spent reading is time to plan your answers.
• In the case of the Phase 2 choice, registration is required to be done after the notification.

Summary of CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Important Links for CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When are the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026?

The examinations will begin on 17 February 2026.

Q2. What purpose should phase 2 exams have?

Phase 2 is optional and occurs between 15 May 2026 and 1 June 2026, and allows students to resit or remodel compartment subjects or get higher marks.

Q3. Aren’t any students supposed to be displayed in both stages?

No, Phase 1 is mandatory for everyone, but Phase 2 is optional.

Q4. In 2026, what are the 10th Class CBSE Class 10 exams?

Most of the subjects will be taken between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm, but some of the electives will be between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm.

Q5. How do the students obtain the date sheet?

The students will be in a position to include the date sheet in PDF format on the official site of CBSE.