New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced that practical examinations, projects, and internal assessments for Classes 10 and 12 in winter-bound schools will be held from November 6 to December 6, 2025, for the academic year 2025–2026.
These exams were originally set to begin on January 1, 2026, but due to severe winter conditions in certain regions that force schools to remain closed in January, the board has decided to conduct them earlier.
Winter-bound schools are institutions located in regions that experience heavy snowfall and extreme cold, resulting in closures during January. These schools typically follow a modified academic calendar to accommodate the winter break.
CBSE Written Exams from February 17 to July 15, 2026
According to CBSE’s official notification, written examinations for both Classes 10 and 12 will be held from February 17 to July 15, 2026, between 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Over 45 lakh students are expected to appear this year, an increase of around three lakh students compared to the previous session.
The board also emphasized that students who fail to attend the internal assessments or practical exams will be deemed ineligible for qualification, and their results will not be declared.
New Academic Structure from 2026
Starting in 2026, CBSE will treat Classes 10 and 12 as complete programs. This means students must complete both Classes 9 and 10 to be eligible for the Class 10 Board Exams, and both Classes 11 and 12 to appear for the Class 12 Board Exams.
Two Board Exams for Class 10 Students
CBSE has also confirmed that there will be two board examinations for Class 10. Students who fail or miss the first exam will get another opportunity under the “Essential Repeat” or Compartment category. Additionally, those who wish to improve their scores can also appear in the second board exam.
The second board exams for Class 10 are scheduled to begin on May 15, 2026, and continue until May 30, 2026. Compartment exams for specific subjects will take place on June 1, 2026, during the same 10:30 am to 1:30 pm slot.
Key Highlights
- Practical exams (winter-bound schools): November 6 – December 6, 2025
- Written exams (all schools): February 17 – July 15, 2026
- Class 10 second board exams: May 15 – May 30, 2026
- Compartment exams: June 1, 2026
- Exam timings: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
- Students expected: Over 45 lakh nationwide
With these updates, CBSE continues its effort to streamline exam schedules and provide fair opportunities for all students, ensuring that regional challenges like extreme winter weather do not affect academic timelines.
