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
- Improvement Candidates
Students who pass Phase 1 can reappear in up to three subjects:- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Science
- One language subject
- Compartment Candidates
Students who fail in one or two subjects in Phase 1 can reappear in those subjects. - 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
- Visit cbse.gov.in
- Open the Latest Announcements section
- Click on CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026
- Download the PDF
- Save it for reference
No login details required.
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.