CBSE Board Exams 2026: The CBSE board examinations for Classes 10 and 12 are set to commence tomorrow, February 17, 2026, with more than 46 lakh students expected to participate across India and in 26 countries internationally. The exams will begin at 10:30 AM, and students are recommended to arrive at their designated centres by 10:00 AM.
Day 1 Exam Schedule
- Class 10: Mathematics (Standard and Basic) – 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM
- Class 12: Biotechnology Entrepreneurship – 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM; Shorthand (English/Hindi) – 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM
CBSE has directed all schools to assist students and parents with travel arrangements, and students are encouraged to visit their examination centres ahead of time to prevent delays. The advisory also points out possible traffic disruptions due to national and international summits, high-level meetings, and other events scheduled during the examination period.
Two Board Examinations Rule
Starting in 2026, Class 10 students are required to take the first board examination to qualify for the second exam. Important points include:
- Mandatory First Exam: Students are required to take the first exam.
- Improvement Opportunity: Eligible students may enhance their scores in up to three subjects (Science, Mathematics, Social Science, and languages).
- “Essential Repeat” Category: Students who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be categorized as such and can only take the main examination the following year.
- Compartment Category: Students with a compartment result may sit for the second exam under the same category.
- No Additional Subjects: Students are not permitted to take stand-alone additional subjects after successfully completing Class 10.
The board has stressed that no exceptions will be made for students who do not fulfill these requirements.
Ensuring Correct Distribution of Question Papers
CBSE has provided stringent directives for the distribution of question papers in accordance with the Admit Cards. For subjects that have multiple codes (such as Mathematics Standard/Basic, English/Hindi/Sanskrit/Urdu), only the designated paper is to be provided. Any deviation from this will lead to the student being marked absent, and the examination for that subject will be annulled. Schools that do not comply will face action from the board.
Traffic Advisory Amid AI Summit
In light of the India AI Summit taking place from February 16 to 20, which coincides with board examinations, the Delhi Police has released a traffic advisory aimed at reducing disruptions. Students who present their admit cards or date sheets will be assisted to facilitate their movement to examination centres. The police have collaborated with the Education Department and have briefed schools and nodal officers to ensure effective management.
Digital Evaluation For Class 12
For the examinations in 2026, CBSE has implemented On-Screen Marking (OSM) for the answer books of Class 12, while evaluations for Class 10 will proceed in the conventional physical format. Teachers have been directed to complete practice sessions on the Digital Evaluation Platform starting February 16 to guarantee preparedness. Login credentials will be sent via registered email addresses, and activity monitoring will take place throughout the practice duration. CBSE has encouraged all students to meticulously plan their travel, arrive at centres punctually, and strictly follow all examination protocols to ensure the smooth execution of the 2026 board exams.
