CBSE Announces Pre-Board Exam Schedule for Classes 10 and 12
Overview of Pre-Board Exams
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the timetable for the pre-board examinations for students in Classes 10 and 12. These exams, which are essential for students to gauge their readiness for the final board exams, are set to commence in December 2025. This announcement has generated excitement and urgency among students and educational institutions as they prepare for the upcoming assessments before the main board exams scheduled for February 2026.
Pre-Board Exam Dates
The Directorate of Education has confirmed that the pre-board exams for Class 10 will start on December 11 and will run until December 20, 2025. For Class 12, the exams will take place from December 11 to December 27, 2025. These assessments will be conducted in a centralized manner to ensure consistent evaluation and to provide students with a realistic experience akin to the final board exams.
Exam Shifts and Logistics
To accommodate the large number of students, the pre-board exams will be organized in two shifts each day. The morning session will be held from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon session will occur from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Students will receive their question papers 15 minutes prior to the start of the exam, allowing them ample time to review the questions before beginning.
Participation of Schools
The pre-board exams will be compulsory for all government and government-aided schools. Private schools affiliated with CBSE are also expected to conduct their pre-board exams during this timeframe, although specific dates may vary slightly between institutions.
Subject Details and First Papers
For Class 10, the first subject will be Science, followed by other subjects in a scheduled order. Class 12 students will start with Mathematics and Geography. A detailed timetable has been provided to schools, and any subjects not included in the centralized schedule will be managed by the respective schools.
Importance of Pre-Board Exams
The pre-board exams serve as a final practice for students before the actual board exams. They help students familiarize themselves with the exam format, types of questions, and time management strategies. Moreover, these assessments build confidence and pinpoint areas needing further attention.
CBSE has announced that the final board examinations for Classes 10 and 12 will commence on February 18, 2026, and conclude by March 12, 2026.
Final Preparations
As the pre-board exams approach, students are encouraged to focus on revision, practice past exam papers, and enhance their writing speed and accuracy. Teachers and parents are also crucial in supporting students to remain calm and confident during this significant phase of their academic journey.