The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the final date sheet for Class 12 board examinations 2026. The board exams will be conducted in pen-and-paper mode and are scheduled to run from mid-February to early April 2026. This early release gives students, teachers and parents ample time to plan revision, practicals and mock tests.
What’s new this year
CBSE’s 2026 date sheet was published officially on 30 October 2025, following a tentative timetable that the board had issued earlier in September. The board has kept the overall exam window wide — allowing sufficient gaps between major subjects — and reiterates that practical examinations and internal assessments will be conducted as per school-level schedules announced separately.
Key dates at a glance
Exam window (Class 12): 17 February 2026 – 9 April 2026
Below is a clear, stream-wise presentation of the subject-wise dates (Science, Commerce, Humanities) for easy reference. Students should still download the official CBSE PDF and confirm their subject codes and exam centres. Source: Toofan Express
Stream-wise Date Sheet (Class 12 — 2026)
Science Stream
- 20 Feb: Physics
- 28 Feb: Chemistry
- 09 Mar: Mathematics
- 12 Mar: English
- 25 Mar: Computer Science / Informatics Practices
- 27 Mar: Biology
Note: Practical exams are scheduled by schools in January 2026 or earlier for winter-bound schools.
Commerce Stream
- 24 Feb: Accountancy
- 12 Mar: English
- 16 Mar: Hindi
- 18 Mar: Economics
- 25 Mar: Computer Applications / Informatics Practices
- 28 Mar: Business Studies
Humanities (Arts) Stream
- 26 Feb: Geography
- 05 Mar: Psychology
- 12 Mar: English
- 14 Mar: Home Science
- 16 Mar: Hindi
- 23 Mar: Political Science
- 30 Mar: History
- 04 Apr: Sociology
- 08 Apr: Sanskrit
Students appearing for elective and vocational papers should check the official CBSE date sheet PDF for exact subject codes and any regional variations. Source: Toofan Express
How to download and verify the date sheet
The official Class 12 date sheet PDF is available on the CBSE website. Students should:
- Visit the CBSE website (cbse.gov.in) and go to the ‘Date Sheet’ section.
- Download the official PDF and cross-check subject names, codes and exam timings.
Reliable education portals and mainstream news outlets have also published the timetable and quick summaries for students who prefer multiple references. Source: Toofan Express
FAQ — Quick Answers Students Often Ask
1. When do Class 12 exams start and end?
CBSE Class 12 exams will begin on 17 February 2026 and conclude on 9 April 2026. This wide schedule ensures adequate preparation time between major subjects.
2. Where can I download the official date sheet?
Students can download the date sheet directly from the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.
3. What are the standard exam timings?
The majority of the theory exams begin at 10:30 AM and continue for three hours unless otherwise stated in the paper instructions.
4. When are practical exams held?
Practical exams and internal assessments will be conducted by schools in January 2026. For winter-bound schools, they may begin earlier depending on local conditions.
5. Are exams offline or online?
All CBSE Class 12 board exams will be conducted in pen-and-paper (offline) mode, following the traditional examination pattern.
6. Can I request a change in exam centre?
Exam centres are allocated by the board through schools. Students must contact their school immediately if a genuine issue arises.
7. Will there be an additional chance or re-test window?
CBSE may consider supplementary exams based on the academic calendar, but students should always refer to official notifications for confirmation.
8. How many subjects will a typical Class 12 student appear for?
Most students appear for five to six subjects, including compulsory language papers and electives.
9. What should students do now to prepare?
Students should prepare a realistic study timetable, practice previous year papers, and take mock tests to improve time management and accuracy.
10. Where will results be declared?
CBSE Class 12 results will be declared on the official CBSE website. Students should monitor cbse.gov.in and school notices for updates.
11. Who can I contact for discrepancies?
Students can reach out to their school examination coordinator who will liaise with CBSE for any corrections related to the List of Candidates or exam roll numbers.
Conclusion
The early release of the CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 gives students a valuable opportunity to plan ahead and prepare strategically. With exams spanning from mid-February to early April, students should use this time to revise consistently and manage stress effectively. Download the official PDF, verify subject codes, and follow the schedule carefully. Regular practice, clarity of concepts, and balanced preparation are key to success in the 2026 CBSE Board Exams.
Report by Toofan Express