CBSE Class X (10th) Date Sheet & Student Guide (2026)

CBSE released class 10th tentative date sheets on 24 Sept 2025. Final dates will be confirmed once schools submit the final list of candidates; always check cbse.gov.in for the final circular and PDF. now you can check out CBSE Class 10th Final Date sheet 2026 (Phase – I) here.

CBSE Class X (10th) Date Sheet 2026

Quick overview (what every student needs to know)

  • Exam window (Tentative): Phase-1 main examinations: 17 February – 9 March 2026. A second board examination window (for second attempts/optional improvements) is scheduled later — mid-May to early June 2026. These two phases and the concept of a second board exam were announced by CBSE.
  • Timing (typical): Most theory papers are scheduled in the morning — commonly 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM or 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM depending on subject and exam circular. Confirm subject-wise timing on the official PDF.
  • Practical / internal assessments: Practical, project and internal assessment schedules are announced separately and may begin earlier (some internal/practical work is scheduled around/after festival breaks for certain schools). Schools will notify students of practical dates.
  • Tentative means tentative: CBSE explicitly states these are tentative; final timetables depend on final candidate lists submitted by schools. Always use the CBSE PDF on cbse.gov.in as primary. 

CBSE Class 10th Tentative Date Sheet 2026

CBSE Class 10th Date Sheet 2026

Printable Date Table (concise — based on CBSE tentative schedule)

Use this table as a study road-map. For the authoritative subject-wise, date-wise printable PDF, download the CBSE “Tentative Date Sheets” PDF from cbse.gov.in.

PhaseExam window (Tentative)Who it’s for
Phase-1 (Main Exam)17 Feb – 9 Mar 2026All registered Class X students (compulsory main board exam)
Phase-2 (Second board / improvement window)15 May – 1 Jun 2026 (approx.)Students choosing second attempt/improvement in up to allowed subjects (optional) 

(Subject-wise dates, day and session are listed in the official PDF. Schools will distribute the final date sheet to candidates after candidate list submission.)

Subject-Wise Time-Table (Tentative)

(Based on the official tentative date-sheet released by CBSE on 24 Sept 2025)

 Phase 1 (Compulsory main exam)

DateDayTimeSubject
17 Feb 2026Tuesday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMMathematics
(Std & Basic)
18 Feb 2026Wednesday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMMajor vocational subjects / applied subjects
21 Feb 2026Saturday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMEnglish (Communicative / Language & Literature)
23/24 Feb 2026Monday/Tuesday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMRegional languages (e.g., Urdu, Punjabi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Gujarati, etc.)
25 Feb 2026Wednesday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMScience
28 Feb 2026Saturday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMSanskrit (Communicative) / Sanskrit / minority-language papers etc.
2 Mar 2026Monday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMHindi
(Course-A & Course-B)
7 Mar 2026Saturday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMSocial Science

Phase 2 (Optional/Improvement / Second board window)

DateDayTimeSubject
15 May 2026Friday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMMathematics (Std & Basic) – improvement/second attempt
19 May 2026Tuesday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMScience – improvement/second attempt
22 May 2026Friday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMSocial Science – improvement/second attempt
26 May 2026Tuesday10:30 AM – 1:30 PMLanguage papers – improvement/second attempt

Note: The above dates are based on the tentative schedule and may be subject to change once the final date-sheet is released by CBSE. Always verify with your school’s official notice.

CBSE Class 10th Tentative Date Sheet 2026

How to download the official CBSE date sheet (step-by-step)

  1. Go to www.cbse.gov.in.
  2. Open the “Examination” or “Latest @ CBSE” section.
  3. Look for “Tentative Date Sheets for Board Examinations Classes-X and XII – 2026” or the PDF titled Tentative_DateSheet_24092025.pdf.

Download and print the PDF — keep one copy at home and one copy in your school bag. 

Concrete exam-day instructions (based on CBSE guidelines and common practice)

  • Arrive early: Reach the exam center at least 45–60 minutes before the start time. Carry admit card, school ID (if required), stationary in a transparent pouch, and a wristwatch (if allowed).
  • Admit card: Ensure you have the original admit card issued by the school. Verify name, roll number, subjects and photograph. Schools will issue the admit card after candidate lists are uploaded.
  • Stationery rule: Use only permitted pens/pencils and calculators (where allowed). Read the subject instructions on the question paper carefully.

Health & rest: Two good nights’ sleep before each exam is more valuable than last minute cramming. Eat a light, nutritious breakfast on exam day.

Practicals, internal assessments & projects

CBSE issued guidance that practical/project/internal assessment dates are scheduled separately — some beginning soon after festivals in October–November for certain schools that are winter-bound. Schools will publish these internal schedules. If your subject has a practical or project (science, art, vocational subjects), check with your school immediately and prepare the project files, laboratory records and attendance requirements.

Evaluation & result timeline (what to expect)

CBSE indicated evaluation of answer scripts typically begins about 10 days after a subject’s examination and may take roughly ~12 days to complete (this is a general guideline CBSE shared). Results release dates will be posted on cbse.gov.in.

Study plan & last-minute checklist (practical, human advice)

Two-Month Personalized Study Schedule

You have ~8 weeks leading up to the main exams starting 17 Feb 2026 (assuming you begin in January). The schedule below splits into 4 weeks of focused preparation + final 4 weeks of revision & mock-tests. You can adjust based on when you start and which subjects are your weaker/stronger ones.

Weeks 1–4: Build Foundation

WeekFocusTasks
Week 1Mathematics & Science• Revise first half syllabus of Maths.• Review core concepts of Science (Physics + Chemistry) for these two weeks.• Make formula/keyword sheets.
Week 2Social Science & Languages• Revise major chapters of Social Science (History, Geography).• Work on language (English/Hindi) – literature + writing practice.• Solve at least two past papers for Social Science under timed condition.
Week 3Remaining Maths & remaining Science• Cover the second half of Maths (if strong) or allocate more time if weak.• Finish remaining units in Science (Biology, practical-linked chapters).• Do practice questions of varying difficulty.
Week 4Project/practical/internal assessment + Mock 1• Ensure all project/practical work is complete and submitted.• Take a full subject-wise test (Maths + Science) under exam conditions.• Spend time on the weakest topic(s) identified.

Weeks 5–8: Revision & Mock Tests

WeekFocusTasks
Week 5Mock Tests & Weak Subject Focus• Take full length mocks for Social Science and Language papers.• Revise mistakes and weak topics.• Use 1:1 schedule: 2 hours practice, 1 hour review.
Week 6Full Length & Time Management• Do full length mock each subject sequentially (Maths, Science, Social Science, Language).• Work on time management (finishing sections, checking answers).
Week 7Final Touch-ups• Revision of all formulas, maps, definitions.• Quick revision sheets per subject.• Sleep and rest habits improved (bed by 10 pm, wake 6-7am).
Week 8Pre-Exam Week• Light revision only — avoid new topics.• Pack exam bag, check admit card, stationery.• One full mock on Week’s first day; rest of week split into quick refresh sessions.• Ensure restful sleep and good nutrition.

How to Adapt for Your Subjects & Strengths

  • If you’re strong in a subject (say Maths), reduce new coverage time and allocate more to weaker ones (e.g., languages or Social Science).
  • If your school has internal/practical assessments early (e.g., November/December), use that time (before the 8-week window) to wrap them up.
  • For each subject, maintain: (a) list of important topics/chapters, (b) summary sheet, (c) glossary of key terms, (d) at least two full past papers.
  • Keep Sundays (or one day per week) for light revision + exercise/relaxation — a refreshed mind absorbs better.

Final Checklist

  • Print the subject-wise time-table above and stick it on your study wall.
  • Enter each exam date into your phone calendar with a 1-day reminder.
  • Ensure your admit card is collected from school at least a week before exams.
  • Keep stationery ready, bag packed, uniform agreed by school rules.
  • Avoid last-minute cramming — better to have a rested mind.

Short FAQ (students often ask)

  • Q: Are these dates final?
    A: No — the 24 Sept 2025 circular is tentative. Final dates will be confirmed after schools submit final candidate lists. Verify the final PDF on cbse.gov.in.
  • Q: What if I miss Phase-1?
    A: CBSE provides a second examination window for certain subjects; rules and eligible subjects are in CBSE circulars. Talk to your school immediately.

Q: Where are practical dates published?
A: Practical and internal assessment schedules are communicated by schools based on CBSE guidelines; check with your school.

Conclusion

This date sheet and guide are prepared from the CBSE official tentative timetable and circulars so you can plan calmly and sensibly. Use the dates to make a realistic study calendar, stay healthy, and ask teachers for help with weak topics — steady, small wins each day beat panic. For the most accurate information, always refer to the official CBSE PDF/circulars and your school’s notifications.

Also check out CBSE Class 12th Date Sheet 2026 here.