The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that Board examinations for Grades 10 and 12 will begin on 17 February 2026. The announcement follows CBSE’s earlier confirmation that, in accordance with recommendations made in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, two Board examinations will be conducted for Class X students each academic year.
Criteria Considered for Exam Scheduling
The Board stated that several important factors were taken into consideration while finalising the examination schedule.
- A sufficient gap has been provided between two subjects generally offered by a student in both classes.
- The dates of major entrance examinations for Class XII students have been reviewed to ensure CBSE examinations are completed well in advance, helping students manage time effectively for both Board and entrance exams.
- During evaluation, teachers of all subjects will not be required to stay away from their schools simultaneously or for extended periods.
- The date sheet has been carefully structured to avoid overlaps in more than 40,000 subject combinations, ensuring no two subjects offered by a student fall on the same date.
- The examination time will begin at 10.30am IST (9am UAE time).
Implementation of NEP-2020 Recommendations
In line with NEP-2020, CBSE’s decision to introduce two Board examinations for Class X is aimed at reducing stress, improving learning outcomes, and promoting continuous assessment. The approach will also allow students to improve their performance by appearing in both sessions if needed.
Supporting Students’ Academic and Career Goals
CBSE’s scheduling strategy reflects its commitment to providing a fair, balanced, and student-centric examination framework. The early completion of Class XII exams is expected to support students preparing for competitive entrance tests across India and abroad, offering them additional preparation time and flexibility.
Take a look at the dates and timings here.
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