UPSC Engineering Services Final Result with Marks 2025

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially released and recently revised the date sheet for the 2026 board examinations. The exams are scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, for both Class 10 and Class 12.

📅 CBSE Board Exam Time Table 2026

Most exams will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Notably, CBSE has rescheduled all exams originally set for March 3, 2026, due to administrative reasons.

Class 10 Main Subjects (Revised)

Class 12 Main Subjects (Revised)

📚 Syllabus & Exam Pattern Overview (2025-26)

The syllabus for the current academic session focuses on Competency-Based Learning, moving away from rote memorization toward practical application.

• Internal Assessment: 20 marks for most subjects (Periodic Tests, Portfolio, Subject Enrichment).
• Theory Paper: 80 marks.
• Question Type: Increased focus on MCQs (20%) and Competency-Focused Questions (50% in Class 10; 40-50% in Class 12).
• New Subjects: CBSE has introduced new vocational electives like Design Thinking & Innovation and Electronics & Hardware.

🗺️ Key Highlights for 2026

1. Biannual Exams: For the first time, Class 10 will follow a two-phase structure. Phase 1 (Main) is in February, and Phase 2 (Optional/Improvement) is scheduled for May 15 to June 1, 2026.
2. Admit Cards: Expected to be issued by schools in January 2026.
3. Calculators: Basic calculators are only permitted for Class 12 Accountancy students.

Since you are looking for an in-depth, comprehensive guide regarding the CBSE 2026 Board Examinations, I have expanded the details to cover the updated syllabus structure, the shift in exam philosophy, and a deep dive into the revised timetable.

The Ultimate Guide to CBSE Board Exams 2026: Schedule, Syllabus, and Strategy

The 2025–26 academic year marks a significant turning point in the history of the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). With the integration of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the board is transitioning toward a system that values “learning how to learn” over simple memorization.

1. The Official Revised Time Table (Class 10 & 12)

The exams for both classes begin on February 17, 2026. This year, CBSE has emphasized providing sufficient gaps between major papers to reduce student stress.

Class 10 Secondary School Examination

• February 17: Mathematics (Standard/Basic) – A bold move starting with a core subject.
• February 21: English (Language & Literature)
• February 25: Science
• March 2: Hindi (Course A & B)
• March 7: Social Science
• March 11: Rescheduled Electives (Originally March 3)

Class 12 Senior Secondary Examination

• February 17: Physical Education
• February 20: Physics
• February 24: Business Studies / Entrepreneurship
• February 28: Chemistry
• March 9: Mathematics / Applied Mathematics
• March 12: English Core
• March 27: Biology
• April 10: Legal Studies (Originally March 3)

2. The Shift in Syllabus: Competency-Based Education

The syllabus for 2026 is not just about the volume of chapters; it is about the depth of understanding. CBSE has redesigned the assessment pattern to focus on “Competency-Focused Questions.”

• Class 10 Pattern: 50% of the paper consists of competency-based questions (MCQs, Case-based studies, and Source-based integrated questions).
• Class 12 Pattern: 40% to 50% competency-based questions, ensuring students are prepared for entrance exams like CUET, JEE, and NEET.
• No Reductions: Unlike the pandemic years, the syllabus is “Full Syllabus.” Students must cover every unit mentioned in the NCERT textbooks.

Key Subject Breakdown:

• Science (Class 10): Heavy focus on Effects of Current and Natural Resources. Practical marks (20) are strictly based on lab performance and record books.
• Commerce (Class 12): Accountancy now includes more analytical problems regarding Ratio Analysis and Cash Flow, while Business Studies focuses on real-world Case Studies.
• Humanities: History and Political Science papers now require a deep understanding of timelines and global map work.

3. The New “Two-Exam” System (Biannual Boards)

One of the biggest updates for 2026 is the introduction of the Biannual Examination system for Class 10.

• Phase 1 (February/March): The traditional board exam.
• Phase 2 (May/June): An optional second window. Students who feel they could perform better or missed an exam due to illness can sit for these exams.
• Best of Two: The board will allow students to retain the best score from the two attempts, significantly lowering the “high-stakes” pressure associated with a single day of testing.

4. Administrative Guidelines & Rules

To ensure a smooth examination process, CBSE has issued strict protocols for the 2026 session:

1. Reporting Time: Students must be inside the exam hall by 10:00 AM. No entry is permitted after this time.
2. Reading Time: From 10:15 AM to 10:30 AM, students are given a “cool-off” period to read the question paper. Writing is strictly prohibited during these 15 minutes.
3. Digital Attendance: For the first time, some centers will pilot Aadhaar-linked digital attendance to prevent impersonation.
4. Prohibited Items: Smartwatches, mobile phones, and any electronic gadgets remain strictly banned. Only transparent water bottles and stationery pouches are allowed.

5. Effective Preparation Strategy (The 1000-Word Philosophy)

Success in the 2026 boards requires a multi-layered approach:

• The NCERT Foundation: 90% of the CBSE paper is derived directly or indirectly from NCERT text. Read the “boxes” and “summary” points in every chapter.
• Sample Paper Mastery: CBSE releases official sample papers in the late third quarter. Solving these under a 3-hour timer is the only way to master time management.
• The “Error Log”: Maintain a notebook specifically for mistakes made during practice tests. Reviewing this “Error Log” the night before the exam is more effective than re-reading the whole textbook.
• Mental Well-being: With the exams starting in February, the “pre-board” season in December/January is often the most stressful. Focus on a consistent sleep cycle (7-8 hours) to ensure cognitive retention.

6. Summary of Key Dates for Your Calendar

Final Note: The 2026 exams are designed to reward students who understand the “Why” behind the facts. Whether it’s the derivation in Physics or the logic behind a History movement, focus on the narrative and the application.

Would you like me to generate a 30-day subject-wise revision plan or provide the specific weightage for a particular subject?