CBSE Board Exams 2026: Key Updates and Guidelines for Students

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the board exams for Class 10 and 12 will start on February 17, 2026. Significant changes include the introduction of biannual exams for Class 10, with the second exam slated for May 15 to June 1. Students must arrive by 10:00 a.m. and ensure they receive the correct question paper as per their admit card. Incorrect attempts will lead to result cancellations. Schools are also held accountable for adhering to these guidelines. Read on for more details.

By Ambika Singh Feb 17, 2026, 07:26 IST

Important Dates and Subjects for CBSE Board Exams

CBSE Announcement: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that the board examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 will commence on February 17, 2026. The initial exam for Class 10 will be Mathematics, while Class 12 students will begin with Biotechnology and Shorthand. The board has also released essential guidelines and advisories for all examinees.

Exam Arrival and Schedule Changes

Timely Arrival: Students must reach their designated exam centers by 10:00 a.m. to facilitate a smooth examination process.

New Exam Structure: This year marks a significant shift in the Class 10 examination format, with the board conducting exams twice annually. The second round is anticipated to take place between May 15 and June 1, providing students with an additional chance to enhance their performance.

Subject and Question Paper Regulations

No Changes in Subjects: The subjects and question papers will remain unchanged.

Correct Question Paper Requirement: It is crucial that students receive the question paper corresponding to their admit card. For instance, if a student's admit card indicates Mathematics Standard, they must not attempt the Mathematics Basic paper. This rule applies to other subjects, including English, Hindi, Sanskrit, and Urdu, which have distinct codes for different courses.

Consequences of Incorrect Subject Attempt

Result Cancellation Policy: Writing answers for subjects not listed on the admit card will lead to cancellation of results. Students attempting an exam in an unlisted subject will be marked as "absent," and their exam will be annulled, with results adjusted accordingly. This policy aims to ensure adherence to the correct subject guidelines by students and schools.

School Responsibilities

Accountability of Schools: The CBSE will impose penalties on schools that fail to comply with the board's directives. Schools are responsible for ensuring that students receive the correct question papers to prevent any issues or cancellations during the exams.