Students in Class 10 and Class 12 across India are now preparing for important exams. Many students and their parents are wondering when the pre-board exams will take place. However, it is important to understand that the two main education boards in India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) , do not release a special timetable for these pre-board exams.
Pre-board exams are tests organised by individual schools. They are internal exams, meaning each school decides when to hold them. The main purpose of these exams is to help students get ready for their final board exams. By taking pre-boards, students can check how well they have understood their subjects. These exams also give them practice with the actual board exam format, helping them manage their time and feel less nervous during the final tests.
CBSE Board Exam Dates 2026 Announced
For the upcoming 2026 academic year, CBSE has already announced the likely period for its main Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. These crucial exams are expected to be held between February 15, 2026 , and April 09, 2026 . This early announcement helps schools and students plan their study schedules effectively.
This timeline for the main board exams is very important for schools. They use it to schedule their own pre-board exams and practical tests. Typically, schools conduct pre-board exams for both Class 10 and Class 12 students in the months of December and January . This timing is chosen to give students enough time to revise their entire syllabus after the pre-boards, right before the final board exams begin.
Apart from written exams, practical exams are also a key part of the board assessment. Schools usually aim to complete all practical exams in early 2026 . This ensures that students have finished all parts of their assessment before the main theory papers start.
What School Principals Say
CSP Singh , who is the principal of a CBSE school in Ghaziabad, explained how schools plan these important exams. He said, "We make sure to finish teaching the entire syllabus by late November. Then, we start the pre-board exams by mid-December. This schedule is very helpful as it gives our students a good amount of time to revise all their lessons before they face the final board examinations."
A head of an ICSE school in Chandigarh shared a similar approach. They stated, "Our school conducts practice exams in December. These mock exams are designed to help our students become familiar with the format and style of the CISCE board papers." They also added that because CISCE generally releases its final exam timetable later than CBSE, each ICSE school decides its pre-board dates on its own, based on its academic calendar.
Why Pre-Board Schedules Differ
The dates for pre-board exams can vary from one school to another for several reasons. Each school has its own pace for completing the syllabus. Also, local holidays or special school events can affect the timing of these internal exams. This is why students should not expect a single, nationwide timetable for pre-boards.
How to Get Official Updates
To ensure they have the correct information, students and their parents should always check their own school’s circulars and official announcements. For any updates regarding the main board exams (like the final date sheet), it is essential to visit the official websites of the respective boards.
- For CBSE updates, visit cbse.gov.in .
- For CISCE updates, visit cisce.org .
It is very important for everyone to get information only from these official sources. Do not trust unverified news or posts that are shared on social media or other unofficial platforms. Relying on accurate and confirmed information will help students prepare better and avoid confusion.
