The CBSE Academic Calendar 2025–26 is the ultimate planning tool for students, parents, and teachers. This year brings the most significant change in decades: the introduction of the "Twice-a-Year" Board Exam policy for Class 10.
Released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), this calendar runs from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. Whether you are planning your study schedule or family vacations, this guide covers everything—including the new exam format, confirmed holiday dates, and practical exam schedules.
CBSE Academic Calendar 2025-26: Key Dates at a Glance
| Date / Month | Event / Schedule |
| April 1, 2025 | New Academic Session Begins |
| May 11 – June 30, 2025 | Summer Vacation (Dates vary by region) |
| Mid-September 2025 | Half-Yearly / Mid-Term Exams (School Level) |
| Oct 20, 2025 | Diwali Holidays |
| Dec 29, 2025 – Jan 15, 2026 | Winter Vacation (North India / Delhi) |
| Jan 1 – Feb 14, 2026 | Practical Exams (Class 10 & 12) |
| Early February 2026 | Admit Card Release |
| Feb 17, 2026 | Board Exam 1 Begins (Mandatory for Class 10 & 12) |
| March 9, 2026 | Class 10 Board Exam 1 Ends |
| April 9, 2026 | Class 12 Board Exam Ends |
| April 2026 | Result Declaration (Board Exam 1) |
| May 15, 2026 | Board Exam 2 Begins (Class 10 Optional Improvement) |
| June 2026 | Result Declaration (Board Exam 2) |
The New "Two-Board Exam" Policy (Class 10 Only)
Applicable from the 2025-26 Academic Session
Unlike the old "Term 1 / Term 2" system where the syllabus was split, the new policy allows students to take the Full Syllabus Board Exam twice.
- Exam 1 (February 2026): Mandatory for all students. This is the main board exam.
- Exam 2 (May 2026): Optional. Students who wish to improve their score in any subject can appear for this exam.
- Final Score: The best of the two scores will be retained for the final marksheet.
- Syllabus: Both exams will cover the 100% syllabus. There is no syllabus division.
Note for Class 12: As of the latest updates, Class 12 will continue with the Single Board Exam pattern (Feb–April 2026), followed by a Supplementary Exam in July 2026.
Board Exam Schedules
CBSE’s new policy for 2025–26 introduces two board exams for Class 10, allowing students to appear for board exams twice in 2026 and using their best score. Here’s the accurate schedule, based on CBSE’s draft policy:
- Class 10 Board Exams:
- First Exam: February 17–March 9, 2026
- Second Exam: May 15–June 1, 2026 (also serves as a supplementary exam for students who fail the first attempt)
- Students can choose subjects for each exam. The results will be declared by April 30 (first exam) and June 30 (second exam). The higher score is used for the final marksheet.
- Class 12 Board Exam:
- Single exam, will begin on 17 February 2026 and end on 9 April 2026 (exact dates to be confirmed by CBSE).
- Supplementary exam in July 2026 for students who want to improve their scores.
CBSE Class 10 Datesheet 2026 Download PDF
CBSE Class 12 Datesheet 2026 Download PDF
Practical Exam Schedules
Practical exams carry 20 marks (Class 10) and 30 marks (Class 12).
- Dates: January 1, 2026 – February 14, 2026.
- Internal Assessment: Conducted once a year (usually in Jan). The marks obtained here are carried forward to both Board Exam 1 (Feb) and Board Exam 2 (May). You do not need to sit for practicals twice.
- External Examiners: Mandatory for Class 12; Class 10 practicals are usually conducted by school teachers under board guidelines.
Vacation Schedules
CBSE includes seasonal breaks to promote student well-being. Here are the tentative schedules, with Delhi-specific dates as a reference:
- Summer Vacation:
- Dates: May 11–June 30, 2025 (Delhi schools).
- Regional Variations: May start earlier (e.g., early May in Rajasthan) or be shorter in hilly areas (e.g., 4–6 weeks). Check your school’s calendar.
- Winter Vacation:
- Dates: December 29, 2025–January 7, 2026; January 1–15, 2026 (Delhi schools).
- Regional Variations: Longer in colder regions (e.g., 2 months in hilly areas) or shorter in milder climates (10–15 days).
When does the CBSE academic year 2025–26 start and end?
The CBSE academic year runs from April 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026 for all affiliated schools in India and abroad.
What is the new two-board-exam policy for Class 10 in 2026?
Class 10 students can appear for two board exams during 2026. The first will be held from February 17 to March 9, and the second from May 15 to June 1. Students can choose subjects for each and their best scores will count for the final marksheet.
Is there a supplementary exam for Class 12?
Yes. Class 12 will have the main board exam from 17 February–9 April 2026, and a supplementary exam in July 2026 for those seeking score improvement.
When are summer and winter vacations scheduled?
Summer vacation (Delhi schools): May 11–June 30, 2025
Winter vacation (Delhi schools): December 29, 2025–January 7, 2026 or January 1–15, 2026, depending on region.
Regional variations apply; check your school’s specific calendar for local dates.
Will practical exams be held twice for Class 10 students?
No. Practical exams for Classes 10 and 12 will likely be held only once, from January 1 to February 14, 2026. The scores will be carried forward for both Class 10 board exam attempts.
Holidays and Co-Curricular Activities
The CBSE Academic Calendar 2025–26 includes a mix of compulsory holidays, national celebrations, and co-curricular events to promote holistic development:
Also See: CBSE Holiday List 2025–26: Month-Wise Calendar & PDF Download
| Category | Event / Festival / Activity | Date |
|---|---|---|
| National Holidays | Republic Day | January 26, 2025 & 2026 |
| Independence Day | August 15, 2025 | |
| Mahatma Gandhi’s Birthday | October 2, 2025 | |
| Religious Holidays | Id-ul-Fitr | March 31, 2025 (tentative) |
| Diwali | October 20, 2025 (tentative) | |
| Guru Nanak’s Birthday | November 5, 2025 | |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2025 | |
| Co-Curricular | Junior Sports Meet | January 21, 2026 |
| Senior Sports Meet | January 24, 2026 | |
| Arts, Coding & Community Service Weeks | Throughout the year | |
| Regional Holidays | Onam (Kerala) | Varies |
| Bihu (Assam) | Varies | |
| Pongal (Tamil Nadu) | Mid-January |
The CBSE Academic Calendar 2025–26 offers a structured yet flexible framework for students, parents, and educators. With the new two-board-exam policy for Class 10, updated vacation schedules, and NEP-driven initiatives, it’s designed to balance academics and well-being. Stay ahead by checking cbse.gov.in for updates. Have questions? Leave a comment below or explore our other guides on CBSE Class 10 Syllabus and Exam Preparation Tips!
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