The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has commenced the Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026 today, with over 4.36 million students appearing across India and 26 other countries. This year, the board has introduced three major changes to the exam process. Additionally, special guidelines have been issued for schools in Delhi due to the AI International Summit at Bharat Mandapam.
Exam Schedule and Subjects
- Class 10 Exams: 17 February – 10 March 2026
- Total students: 2,508,319 (Boys: 1,408,546; Girls: 1,099,773)
- Total subjects: 83
- Exam centers: 8,075
- First exam: Mathematics (Standard & Basic)
- Class 12 Exams: 17 February – 9 April 2026
- Total students: 1,859,551 (Boys: 1,027,552; Girls: 831,999)
- Total subjects: 120
- Exam centers: 7,574
- First exam: Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand (English & Hindi)
Exams will start at 10:30 AM, and students are advised to reach the centers before 10 AM, especially in areas affected by traffic due to the AI Summit.
Special Instructions for Schools near AI Summit Routes
CBSE has issued new instructions for 10 schools in Delhi that will be affected by VIP movements. Around 3,000 students will take exams in these schools. Parents have been provided advisories and route maps.
Schools include:
- Atal Adarsh Senior Secondary School, Tilak Marg & Bapu Gham
- Guru Harkishan Public School
- CM Shri School, Pandara Road
- Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Pandara Road
- Sarvodaya Vidyalaya, Malcha Marg
- Kendriya Vidyalaya 2, Delhi Cantt
- Navyug Senior Secondary School, Vinay Marg
- Navy Public School, Chanakyapuri
Students are instructed to show their admit cards if stopped and are advised to use metro services to avoid delays.
10 Tips to Stay Calm and Focused
- Choose a quiet study area with minimal distractions.
- Study at times when your focus is naturally high—morning, afternoon, or night.
- Follow a timetable for revision and take breaks after each chapter.
- Allocate 15–30 minutes for hobbies or relaxation, such as music, TV, or walks.
- Ensure adequate sleep; avoid caffeine late at night.
- Eat nutritious meals and snacks; avoid junk food.
- Exercise or practice yoga to keep the mind fresh.
- Use “smart study” techniques and practice sample papers and previous 10 years’ questions.
- Avoid studying on beds or sofas; read aloud or use finger tracing.
- Parents should provide motivation and support, especially if the student experiences anxiety, stomach pain, or headaches.
Three Major Changes in 2026
- Class 10 board exams now include two examinations for each student. The first exam is mandatory.
- Class 12 answer sheets will be evaluated using an On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. Answer sheets will be scanned, uploaded, and checked by teachers on computer screens at centers.
- Science and Social Science papers are divided into sections—Science into 3 sections, Social Science into 4. Answers must be written in the corresponding section.
Rules for Retaking Exams
- All students must appear for the first exam in February.
- Students can attempt a second exam in June to improve scores in up to three subjects only: Mathematics, Science, or Social Science.
- Students failing to appear in the first exam for more than three subjects will be placed under Essential Repeat category and can appear only in the next session in February 2027.
- Sports students with exam conflicts can appear in the second exam under Compartment category. Additional subjects after passing Class 10 are no longer allowed.
CBSE Helpline and Counseling
- IVRS Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-8004 (available anytime) for guidance on preparation, time management, and stress management.
- Live Tele-Counseling: 66 principals and counselors will assist students and parents from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
- Support continues until 1 June 2026 to help students manage exam-related stress.
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