CBSE Board Class 10, 12 exams start today: Check full date sheet, guidelines, what's allowed, what's not

The Central Board of Secondary Examinations (CBSE) has started the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations today, Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Lakhs of students from India and abroad are appearing for the examinations this year. The CBSE has issued clear instructions for students appearing for this year's board examinations. The Board has stated that no student will be allowed to enter the examination centre after 10:00 AM for the morning session. The exams will begin at 10:30 AM.

CBSE Board exams date sheet 2026

Here’s the CBSE Class 10 & 12 Board Exams 2026 date sheet (subject‑wise) as per the official release

CBSE 2026 Board Exam Dates & Timings

• Exam start date: 17 February 2026
  
  
• All exams start at: 10:30 AM (single shift)
  
  
• Class 10 exams: 17 Feb – 18 Mar 2026
  
  
• Class 12 exams: 17 Feb – 04 Apr 2026
  
  

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Day & Date	Time	Subject
Tue, 17 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Mathematics (Standard / Basic)
Wed, 18 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Home Science
Sat, 21 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	English (Lang. & Lit.)
Wed, 25 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Science
Fri, 27 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Hindi (Course‑A/B)
Mon, 2 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Social Science
Tue, 3 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Other Subjects / Languages
Note: This is the finalised schedule as released officially.

CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026

Day & Date	Time	Major Subjects
Tue, 17 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand
Wed, 18 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Physical Education
Thu, 19 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Various Minor Subjects
Fri, 20 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Physics
Sat, 21 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Business Studies / Business Administration
Mon, 23 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Psychology
Tue, 24 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Fashion Studies
Wed, 25 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Minor Subjects / Others
Thu, 26 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Geography
Fri, 27 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Biology
Sat, 28 Feb 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Chemistry / Accountancy
Mon, 2 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Minor Subjects
Wed, 4 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Economics
Thu, 5 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Major Subjects
Thu, 12 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	English Core
Fri, 20 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Optional Minor Subjects
Tue, 24 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	AI / CS
Wed, 25 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Computer Science / IT
Mon, 30 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	History
Tue, 31 Mar 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Rest of Minor Subjects
Fri, 9 Apr 2026	10:30 AM–1:30 PM	Final Scheduled Papers

CBSE Class 10, 12 Board examination instructions: No entry after 10 am

-The Board has announced that the gates of all examination centres will close at 10:00 AM. Students arriving after 10:00 AM will not be allowed to enter under any circumstances.

-Students falling under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category will receive additional time as per CBSE rules.

-Candidates are strongly advised to reach the centre well before the closing time. Arriving by 9:30 AM is recommended to allow time for admit card verification, locating the exam room, and completing other formalities.

-Schools have been instructed to inform parents and students about the strict reporting time.

-CBSE has reminded students that a hard copy of admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination hall.

-Entry won't be allowed for students who don't come in their school uniforms and carry their school identity cards.

-Students have been instructed to carry their own stationery and also carry a transparent water bottle, if needed.

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CBSE exam instructions: No mobiles, calculators

-Students are not allowed to carry electronic items such as mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, or any communication device. Candidates found with such items will not be allowed to appear for the examination.

-Students will be given 15 minutes to read the question paper before writing begins. Answers must be written using only blue or black pens.

During the reading time, candidates are allowed to:

Carefully read all sections of the question paper.

Check the internal choices provided.

Plan the order in which they wish to attempt the questions.

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However, writing answers during this period is strictly prohibited. The reading time is meant to help students understand the paper’s pattern and structure before they start writing.

-CBSE has also warned students and parents not to believe rumours on social media related to paper leaks or unofficial question papers. Only information issued by CBSE should be trusted.

CBSE Class 10, Board examinations Bell Pattern

A long bell will ring at 10:30 AM to signal the start of the examination.

A long bell will also be rung at the end of the paper.

Short bells will indicate different time intervals during the exam.

A warning bell will be sounded 15 minutes before the exam concludes.

Students are advised to pay close attention to these signals and manage their time wisely across all sections.

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Important writing instructions under OSM

While the exam pattern remains the same, CBSE has asked students to follow these instructions carefully:

Map sheets in subjects like History and Geography must be attached at the end of the answer book

Answers must be written question-wise and within the given sections

Writing outside designated areas may affect evaluation during scanning