Board exams for Class 10 and 12 students in 2026 are nearing. Some education boards in India have already announced their exam dates. This update gives you the important dates from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and Maharashtra Board (MSBSHSE) . It also tells you when other state boards and ICSE/ISC might release their timetables. Students must regularly check the official websites of their respective boards for the most accurate and latest information.
CBSE Board Exams 2026
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has shared its likely exam dates for Class 10 and Class 12 for the 2026 board exams. These dates are currently tentative , which means they might change slightly. Students should keep an eye on the official CBSE website for any final announcements.
- For CBSE Class 10 exams, the tentative period is from February 17 to March 18, 2026 .
- For CBSE Class 12 exams, the tentative period is from February 17 to April 4, 2026 .
CBSE has also mentioned that both Class 10 and Class 12 exams will start at 10:30 AM . A key update from CBSE for Class 10 students is about a "two-exam system". This means if a Class 10 student needs to retake an exam under the Essential Repeat or Compartment category, they will have a chance to appear in a second exam.
Maharashtra Board Exams 2026
The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has released its confirmed date sheet for both Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) board exams for 2026. This gives students in Maharashtra clear dates to plan their studies.
- Maharashtra SSC (Class 10) theory exams will be held from February 20 to March 18, 2026 . Practical and oral exams for Class 10 will begin on February 2, 2026 .
- Maharashtra HSC (Class 12) theory exams will be held from February 10 to March 18, 2026 . Practical and oral exams for Class 12 will begin on January 23, 2026 .
These dates are set for exams conducted in the pen and paper format across the state.
JKBOSE Board Exams (Oct-Nov 2025)
The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) has already announced dates for its October-November 2025 exams. While most boards focus on the Feb-Mar 2026 schedule, JKBOSE has a different cycle for this specific exam session.
- For JKBOSE Class 10 (Oct-Nov Exam), dates are from November 8 to December 3, 2025 .
- For JKBOSE Class 12 (Oct-Nov Exam), dates are from November 3 to November 27, 2025 .
Other State Boards and ICSE/ISC
Many other major education boards, including ICSE and ISC, Uttar Pradesh Board (UP Board), Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSEB), Tamil Nadu Board, Kerala Board, Madhya Pradesh Board, and Bihar Board, are expected to release their date sheets for 2026 soon. Historically, most board exams in India begin in February or March. Students from these boards should regularly check their official websites for updates.
Summary of Exam Dates
Here is a quick look at the announced and tentative exam dates:
| Board/State | Class 10 (SSC) | Class 12 (HSC) |
|---|---|---|
| CBSE | February 17 to March 18, 2026 (tentative) | February 17 to April 4, 2026 (tentative) |
| Maharashtra | February 20 to March 18, 2026 (Practical/Oral from Feb 2, 2026 ) | February 10 to March 18, 2026 (Practical/Oral from Jan 23, 2026 ) |
| JKBOSE (Oct-Nov Exam) | November 8 to December 3, 2025 | November 3 to November 27, 2025 |
| Kerala | To be released soon | To be released soon |
| HBSE | To be released soon | To be released soon |
How to Download Your Board Exam Date Sheet
Once your board releases the official date sheet, you can follow these simple steps to download it from the internet:
- Step 1: Go to the official website of your education board.
- Step 2: Look for the "Notification" or "Latest Updates" section on the homepage.
- Step 3: Click on the link for "Board Exam Date Sheet 2026" for Class 10 or Class 12.
- Step 4: The date sheet will open on your screen. You can then download and save it on your device.
- Step 5: It is a good idea to take a printout for easy reference during your exam preparation.
Students are advised to start their preparation well in advance and stay updated by checking official board websites regularly for any changes or new announcements.
