CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026 Released: Phase 1 & Phase 2 Exam Schedule

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026. The board announced the complete schedule for practical and theory examinations through an official notification dated 30 October 2025. Students can access the date sheet on the official CBSE website, cbse.gov.in.

This year brings a major shift. CBSE will conduct Class 10 board exams in two phases for the first time, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The goal is simple—reduce exam pressure and give students a fair second chance.

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026: Official Overview

CBSE has confirmed that all Class 10 students must appear in Phase 1, while Phase 2 will remain optional. The exams will be held in offline mode, using pen and paper.

Key Highlights at a Glance

Particulars	Details
Board	Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Class	10
Academic Year	2025–26
Date Sheet Release	30 October 2025
Phase 1 Exam Dates	17 February to 10 March 2026
Phase 2 Exam Dates	15 May to 1 June 2026
Exam Mode	Offline (Pen & Paper)
Official Website	cbse.gov.in

Source: Official CBSE Notification, October 2025

What Is New in CBSE Class 10 Exams 2026?

CBSE has introduced the Two-Phase Examination System for Class 10 students. This change follows the vision of NEP 2020, which focuses on flexibility and reduced academic stress.

Earlier, one exam decided everything. Now, students get a second opportunity without losing a year.

Think of it as a safety net—not a shortcut.

CBSE Class 10 Two-Phase Exam Pattern Explained

Phase 1: Main Board Examination (Mandatory)

• Held from 17 February to 10 March 2026
• All students must appear
• Determines pass or fail status
• Covers the full syllabus

Phase 1 is the foundation. Students should treat it as their primary attempt.

Phase 2: Improvement / Compartment Examination (Optional)

• Conducted from 15 May to 1 June 2026
• Only eligible students can appear
• Designed for improvement and compartment cases

Phase 2 helps students who want better scores or need to clear failed subjects.

Who Can Appear for Phase 2 Exams?

CBSE has clearly defined eligibility rules.

Eligible Categories

1. Improvement Candidates
   Students who pass Phase 1 can reappear in up to three subjects:
   • Science
   • Mathematics
   • Social Science
   • One language subject
2. Compartment Candidates
   Students who fail in one or two subjects in Phase 1 can reappear in those subjects.
3. Special Category Students
   • Winter-bound school students
   • National-level sports participants

These students can choose which phase to appear in.

Important Eligibility Rule (Very Important)

If a student fails in three or more subjects in Phase 1, CBSE will mark the student as “Essential Repeat.”
Such students cannot appear in Phase 2 and must wait for the next academic year.

This rule encourages serious preparation for Phase 1.

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026: Phase 1 Subject-Wise Schedule

Exam Timing:
Most exams: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Some papers: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Phase 1 Exam Schedule (Official)

Date	Day	Subject
17 Feb 2026	Tuesday	Mathematics (Standard & Basic)
18 Feb 2026	Wednesday	Home Science
20 Feb 2026	Friday	Skill Subjects
21 Feb 2026	Saturday	English
23 Feb 2026	Monday	Regional Languages
24 Feb 2026	Tuesday	Elements of Business, Urdu
25 Feb 2026	Wednesday	Science
26 Feb 2026	Thursday	Vocational Subjects
27 Feb 2026	Friday	Computer Applications / IT / AI
28 Feb 2026	Saturday	Sanskrit, Arabic, Regional Languages
2 Mar 2026	Monday	Hindi
5 Mar 2026	Thursday	Malayalam, Odia, Kannada
6 Mar 2026	Friday	Painting
7 Mar 2026	Saturday	Social Science
9 Mar 2026	Monday	Telugu, Nepali, Others
10 Mar 2026	Tuesday	French
11 Mar 2026	Wednesday	Foreign Languages, NCC

Source: CBSE Official Notification, Reschedule Notification

CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 Date Sheet 2026 (Compartment & Improvement)

Date	Subject
15 May 2026	Mathematics
16–18 May 2026	Compartment Subjects
19 May 2026	Science
22 May 2026	Social Science
26–30 May 2026	Language Subjects
1 June 2026	Compartment Subjects

Phase 2 focuses on recovery and improvement, not pressure.

Important Rules and Guidelines for CBSE Exams 2026

CBSE has introduced several strict but clear rules.

Attendance Rule

• Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory
• Attendance contributes to internal assessment
• Relaxation only for:
  • Medical cases
  • National-level sports (with approval)

Internal Assessment Rule

• Only one internal assessment for the entire academic year
• Only one practical assessment
• Practicals held before Phase 1

No second chance for internals.

Subject Change Rule

Once schools submit the List of Candidates (LOC) in September 2025,
no subject change is allowed.

Students must plan carefully.

Exam Centre Rule

• Same exam centre for Phase 1 and Phase 2
• No self-centres
• No temporary centres

This ensures fairness and consistency.

When Will CBSE Class 10 Practicals Be Held?

Practicals carry 20 marks and play a major role in final results.

Practical Exam Schedule

• Winter-bound schools:
  6 November to 6 December 2025
• All other CBSE schools (India & abroad):
  From 1 January 2026, before theory exams

Passing Rule

Students must score 33% combined (theory + practical) to pass a subject.

How to Download CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Students can download the date sheet easily.

Steps to Download

1. Visit cbse.gov.in
2. Open the Latest Announcements section
3. Click on CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026
4. Download the PDF
5. Save it for reference

No login details required.

Why the Two-Phase System Makes Sense

Let’s be honest. One bad exam day should not decide a student’s future.

The two-phase system:

• Reduces exam stress
• Offers improvement without waiting a year
• Encourages learning over fear
• Matches global education practices

NEP 2020 focuses on growth, not pressure. CBSE’s move reflects that mindset.

Conclusion

The CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026 brings clarity, structure, and flexibility. The two-phase exam system gives students room to breathe and improve, without lowering academic standards.

Phase 1 remains compulsory. Phase 2 acts as support, not an escape route.

With smart planning, regular attendance, and focused study, students can handle this system well. Prepare seriously for February, and treat May as a bonus opportunity—not a backup plan.

Education is a journey, not a single exam day.

FAQs: CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

When will CBSE Class 10 Phase 1 exams be held?

From 17 February to 10 March 2026.

What are the Phase 2 exam dates?

Phase 2 exams will run from 15 May to 1 June 2026.

Is Phase 2 compulsory?

No. Phase 2 is optional and only for eligible students.

Where can I download the CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026?

From the official website cbse.gov.in.