The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released the tentative timetable for Class 12 board examinations 2026, giving students from Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams a clear direction for their preparation. According to the schedule available on the official website, cbse.gov.in, the exams are set to begin on February 17, 2026, and continue until April 9, 2026.
This early release of the date sheet is a major relief for lakhs of students who were awaiting confirmation to streamline their revision plans. CBSE has clarified that these are tentative dates and subject to changes depending on logistics, evaluation timelines, and school submissions.
Exams to Cover Science, Commerce, and Humanities
CBSE has published a comprehensive date sheet covering all major and minor subjects. The schedule includes popular subjects such as Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology, Accountancy, Business Studies, Economics, History, Political Science, Psychology, and English, along with electives and skill-based courses like Entrepreneurship, Legal Studies, Fashion Studies, Computer Science, and Artificial Intelligence.
The wide coverage ensures that students from every stream: Science, Commerce, and Humanities can access the exam plan in advance. The distribution of papers has been made in such a way that there is an adequate gap between high-weightage subjects, giving students time for revisions.
Key Highlights of CBSE Class 12 Exams 2026
Here are key highlights related to the CBSE Class 12 board exam 2026:
| Feature | Details |
| Start Date | February 17, 2026 |
| End Date | April 9, 2026 |
| Streams Covered | Science, Commerce, Humanities |
| Exam Timing | 10:30 am – 1:30 pm (3 hours for theory papers) |
| Students Appearing | Nearly 25 lakh students across India and 26 other countries |
| Tentative Nature | Dates are provisional; final schedule may change with CBSE approvals |
Is the datesheet final or will CBSE change it?
This is a tentative datesheet, so CBSE might tweak a few dates — especially if there are overlaps with JEE Main, CUET, or other competitive exams. Small changes are normal, so keep checking the official CBSE website for updates.
Why are Physics and Physical Education so close together? I feel there’s no gap!
Yes, many students are worried about back-to-back papers (like Physics–PE or Chemistry–Painting clusters). That’s why you should finish revision for these papers before February, so you can focus only on key formulas and PYQs during those short gaps.
Will this early release of the datesheet really help me?
Yes! Seeing the dates early allows you to create a structured 12-week plan. Don’t just keep revising randomly — decide which weeks will cover which chapters. For example, dedicate January to past-year papers and mock tests.
I’m scared that I won’t be able to cover the entire syllabus. What should I do?
Focus on high-weightage chapters first (your teachers can guide you). Then solve sample papers, PYQs, and competency-based questions to get exam-ready. Even if you miss 1–2 small chapters, strong preparation in major topics can still get you a great score.
CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 Streamwise - Tentative Schedule
Here are some of the key exam dates students should note:
SCIENCE STREAM
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 (Tue) | Biotechnology |
| 18 Feb 2026 (Wed) | Physical Education |
| 19 Feb 2026 (Thu) | Engineering Graphics |
| 20 Feb 2026 (Fri) | Physics |
| 28 Feb 2026 (Sat) | Chemistry |
| 02 Mar 2026 (Mon) | Electrical Technology |
| 06 Mar 2026 (Fri) | Electronics & Hardware |
| 09 Mar 2026 (Mon) | Mathematics / Applied Mathematics |
| 12 Mar 2026 (Thu) | English Core / English Elective |
| 14 Mar 2026 (Sat) | Home Science |
| 25 Mar 2026 (Wed) | Informatics Practices / Computer Science / IT |
| 27 Mar 2026 (Fri) | Biology |
| 01 Apr 2026 (Wed) | Medical Diagnostics |
| 02 Apr 2026 (Thu) | Food Nutrition & Dietetics |
COMMERCE STREAM
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 17 Feb 2026 (Tue) | Entrepreneurship |
| 18 Feb 2026 (Wed) | Physical Education |
| 21 Feb 2026 (Sat) | Business Studies / Business Administration |
| 09 Mar 2026 (Mon) | Mathematics / Applied Mathematics |
| 12 Mar 2026 (Thu) | English Core / English Elective |
| 16 Mar 2026 (Mon) | Hindi Core / Elective (optional) |
| 18 Mar 2026 (Wed) | Economics |
| 20 Mar 2026 (Fri) | Marketing |
| 25 Mar 2026 (Wed) | Informatics Practices / Computer Science / IT |
| 28 Mar 2026 (Sat) | Accountancy |
| 01 Apr 2026 (Wed) | Financial Market Management |
| 06 Apr 2026 (Mon) | Banking |
| 08 Apr 2026 (Wed) | Taxation |
HUMANITIES STREAM
| Date | Subject |
|---|---|
| 18 Feb 2026 (Wed) | Physical Education |
| 23 Feb 2026 (Mon) | Psychology |
| 26 Feb 2026 (Thu) | Geography |
| 12 Mar 2026 (Thu) | English Core / English Elective |
| 14 Mar 2026 (Sat) | Home Science |
| 16 Mar 2026 (Mon) | Hindi Core / Elective |
| 17 Mar 2026 (Tue) | Regional Languages |
| 18 Mar 2026 (Wed) | Economics |
| 23 Mar 2026 (Mon) | Political Science |
| 25 Mar 2026 (Wed) | Informatics Practices / Computer Science / IT |
| 30 Mar 2026 (Mon) | History |
| 01 Apr 2026 (Wed) | Agriculture |
| 02 Apr 2026 (Thu) | NCC |
| 04 Apr 2026 (Sat) | Sociology |
| 06 Apr 2026 (Mon) | Knowledge Traditions & Practices of India |
| 08 Apr 2026 (Wed) | French |
This structured spread ensures that no stream feels rushed, and each gets fair preparation breaks.
How to Download the CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026
Students can access the complete timetable from the official CBSE portal:
- Visit cbse.gov.in.
- Click on the Examinations section.
- Select “CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026”.
- Download the PDF and save it for reference.
Download the Official Datesheet PDF here:
Note: It is also advisable to take a printout and paste it on the study desk for quick reference.
What about JEE / NEET prep? Will these exam dates clash?
CBSE usually ensures that board exam dates don’t clash with major entrance tests. Since this is tentative, final dates may still shift slightly to avoid overlaps. Use your board exam prep to strengthen your concepts — it will help for JEE/NEET too.
When will we get admit cards and what if there’s a mistake?
Admit cards are released about two weeks before exams. Download it as soon as it’s out, check your details carefully (name, roll number, subjects). If there’s an error, contact your school immediately.
How soon will results be out, and will that help with entrance exams or college admission timelines?
This year, CBSE plans faster evaluation, with results likely out by the first week of May—helpful for entrance exams and college admissions, as you’ll have your marks in hand well before deadlines.
How is this year’s datesheet different from previous batches?
Many online voices say this datesheet is “earlier,” “more cramped,” and sometimes “uneven.” While core subjects (PCM, Commerce, Humanities) remain mostly unchanged, gaps and sequencing can vary each year.
Also See: How to Write Perfect NCERT-Based Answers for CBSE Exams
Reforms and Student-Friendly Initiatives
In line with NEP 2020 guidelines, CBSE has introduced reforms to make the examination process more flexible and student-friendly.
- Dual Exam Window: Students may be allowed to appear for an optional re-exam/improvement phase to reduce exam-related stress.
- Extended Exam Period: With exams spread across nearly two months, the board ensures smoother logistics and better management of evaluation.
- Additional Subjects Option: Students in Class 12 can opt for one extra subject apart from their core subjects, depending on school resources and approvals.
- Eligibility Requirements: To appear for exams, students must have at least 75% attendance and have participated in internal assessments.
CBSE Class 10 Datesheet 2026 Download PDF
Importance of Early Date Sheet Release
The advance release of the tentative schedule has several benefits:
- Better Planning: Students can plan their revisions strategically, focusing on weak subjects first.
- Practical Exams Coordination: Schools can finalize practical exam schedules accordingly, reducing last-minute confusion.
- Reduced Stress: Knowing the tentative gaps between subjects helps students maintain a balanced preparation routine.
- Parental Involvement: Parents can assist children in creating a realistic study timetable.
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