CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026 Tentative Datesheet Released: Check Subject-wise Schedule
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the tentative schedule for the Class 12 board examinations 2026. The announcement was made on September 24, 2025, through the board’s official website cbse.gov.in.
This early release of the datesheet is a significant step that allows students, teachers, and schools to plan effectively for the upcoming academic year. The Class 12 exams are set to begin from February 17, 2026, with the first papers being Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Shorthand (English/Hindi).
CBSE Class 12 Exam 2026: Key Highlights
| Overview | Details |
|---|---|
| Event Name | CBSE 12th Exam 2026 Tentative Schedule |
| Exam Name | CBSE 12th Annual Board Examination 2026 |
| Board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Academic Year | 2025–26 |
| Class | 12 |
| Exam Start Date | February 17, 2026 |
| Nature | Tentative |
| Official Website | cbse.gov.in |
Exams Covered in the 2026 Schedule
According to the official CBSE notification, the tentative schedule covers multiple examinations:
Main Examinations for Classes X and XII
Examinations for Sports Students (Class XII)
Second Board Examinations (Class X)
Supplementary Examinations (Class XIII)
The evaluation of answer scripts will begin approximately 10 days after each exam and will conclude within 12 days. For example, if the Class XII Physics exam is held on February 20, 2026, evaluation is expected to start on March 3, 2026 and finish by March 15, 2026.
CBSE Class 12 Tentative Exam Schedule 2026
The CBSE Class 12 board exams will be conducted in morning sessions (10:30 AM – 1:30 PM). Below is a subject-wise list of important exam dates:
February 17, 2026: Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand (English/Hindi)
February 18, 2026: Physical Education
February 19, 2026: Engineering Graphics, Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathakali, Horticulture, Cost Accounting
February 20, 2026: Physics
February 21, 2026: Business Studies, Business Administration
February 23, 2026: Psychology
February 24, 2026: Fashion Studies
February 26, 2026: Geography
February 28, 2026: Chemistry
March 9, 2026: Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
March 12, 2026: English Elective, English Core
March 18, 2026: Economics, Physical Activity Trainer
March 23, 2026: Political Science
March 25, 2026: Informatics Practices, Computer Science, IT
March 27, 2026: Biology
March 28, 2026: Accountancy
March 30, 2026: History
April 4, 2026: Sociology
April 9, 2026: Sanskrit Core, Multimedia, Data Science
(Note: This is a partial list. Students must refer to the official datesheet for the complete subject-wise schedule.)
Why the Tentative Schedule is Important
The tentative release of the exam schedule provides several benefits:
Better Planning for Students – Students can design a well-structured study plan and prepare effectively for each subject.
Academic & Administrative Readiness for Schools – Schools can align teacher deployment, resource management, and exam duty assignments well in advance.
Convenience for Teachers & Families – Teachers can schedule vacations or personal commitments around exam and evaluation duties.
Reduced Anxiety – Early clarity helps students reduce last-minute stress and focus on conceptual preparation.
Final Note
While this is only a tentative schedule, the CBSE has provided an excellent opportunity for students to get a head start in their preparation. Students are advised to:
Stay updated via the official CBSE website.
Stick to the tentative timetable while planning revision schedules.
Keep an eye on the final datesheet, which will be released closer to the exam.
With the Class 12 exams being one of the most crucial milestones in a student’s academic journey, this early datesheet is a welcome move to ensure clarity, preparation, and confidence.
FAQs on CBSE 12th Exam 2026
Q1. When will CBSE 12th Exams 2026 start?
The exams will start from February 17, 2026.
Q2. Where can I download the CBSE 12th Exam Datesheet 2026?
Students can download it from the official website cbse.gov.in.
Q3. Is the CBSE 2026 datesheet final?
No, it is tentative. The final datesheet will be released closer to the exams.
Q4. What is the exam timing for CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026?
All exams will be conducted from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.