The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the tentative date sheet for the Class 10 board examinations in 2026. According to the schedule, the exams will be conducted from February 17 to March 9, giving students and schools a clear framework to begin preparations well in advance. The announcement is significant as nearly 45 lakh students are expected to take part in the examinations across a wide range of subjects. The tentative timetable is designed to help schools, teachers, and students organize their study plans and ensure smooth academic coordination before the final schedule is confirmed.

Key Dates for CBSE Class 10 Exams

The tentative calendar outlines that the Class 10 board exams will commence on February 17 and conclude on March 9, 2026. This window provides a structured timeline for both theory papers and practical assessments. While this schedule serves as a guideline, CBSE has clarified that the final version will be issued after schools submit their complete lists of candidates.

Subjects and Student Participation

This year’s examination cycle is expected to witness participation from approximately 45 lakh students nationwide. The board has listed exams across as many as 204 subjects, reflecting the diversity of academic streams available at the secondary level. The wide subject coverage ensures that students from different academic interests are accommodated within the same examination framework.

Importance of a Tentative Schedule

By releasing a draft timetable months ahead of the exams, CBSE aims to provide ample preparation time for all stakeholders involved in the process. Schools can align their teaching schedules more effectively, while teachers can plan revision sessions and practical assessments with greater clarity. For students, this early release serves as an essential tool for time management and structured study planning.

Theory Papers, Practicals, and Evaluation

The upcoming examinations will include not only written theory papers but also practical components where applicable. Evaluation procedures are also part of the outlined schedule, ensuring that both academic performance and applied knowledge are assessed comprehensively. This balanced approach reflects CBSE’s emphasis on holistic learning outcomes rather than focusing solely on theoretical knowledge.

Final Date Sheet Pending Confirmation

While the tentative dates provide a reliable roadmap, CBSE has emphasized that the final date sheet will only be issued after schools complete their submission of candidate lists. This step ensures accuracy in scheduling and prevents any last-minute discrepancies in exam planning across thousands of institutions nationwide.

The release of the tentative schedule marks an important milestone for students preparing for one of the most significant academic milestones in their school journey. With clear timelines now available, candidates can begin focused preparation while awaiting confirmation of the final timetable from CBSE in due course.