The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released its tentative datesheet for the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board exams, triggering widespread concerns among students, parents, and educators. According to the schedule, Class 10 Phase 1 exams are set from February 17 to March 9, with an improvement round from May 15 to June 1. Class 12 exams will take place from February 17 to April 9.
Students and Parents Voice Frustration
The datesheet has ignited a wave of protests online, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), with hashtags like #CBSEDatesheet2026 trending regionally. Many users have criticized the tight schedule and back-to-back exams, highlighting the stress it imposes on students.
One concerned student, Poonam Kaushal (@poonamkaus45663), tweeted:
"Science paper on 25.02.26 comes immediately after Punjabi on 24.02.26. Punjab students will face huge stress—please reconsider the datesheet."
A parent added: "This isn’t preparation—it's panic mode," echoing teachers’ concerns that the board has overlooked regional needs in favor of a uniform schedule.
The Punjabi-Science Clash
The most contentious issue is the scheduling for Class 10 Punjabi-medium students. On February 24, multiple language exams—including Punjabi, Urdu, Bengali, Tamil, Marathi, Gujarati, Manipuri, and Telugu—are scheduled. The very next day, students must take Science, a crucial three-hour exam covering physics, chemistry, and biology.
This leaves students no buffer for rest or revision, leading to fatigue and last-minute cramming. Punjab, home to 2–3 lakh Punjabi-medium students, is expected to be disproportionately affected.
Similarly, Social Science on March 6 follows a full day of language exams on March 5, creating further stress.
Class 12 Concerns
Class 12 students are also facing a packed schedule. For example:
- Physics (Science stream) is slated for February 20, immediately after Physical Education on February 19.
- Commerce and Arts students have Economics and other major papers back-to-back.
- Potential clashes with JEE Main 2026 further exacerbate the tension, as the exam dates for JEE are still pending.
- A Delhi-based teacher noted: "CBSE considered entrance exams last year, but this schedule feels rushed and inconsiderate."
Social Media Reaction
Students and educators have flooded social media with memes, petitions, and complaints. A student from Chandigarh (@punjabibachcha) tweeted:
"Punjabi on 24th, Science on 25th? CBSE, are you testing our stamina or our sanity? #FixTheDatesheet"
Meanwhile, DelhiTutorHub highlighted that the tight gaps contradict the NEP’s focus on student wellness:
"Punjab schools already mandate Punjabi. This schedule ignores mental health and revision needs. Time for petitions."
Exam Timings and Scale
CBSE will conduct exams in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, covering 204 subjects for approximately 45 lakh students nationwide.
The board has yet to release the final confirmed schedule, leaving students and parents awaiting possible adjustments.
