"Timeline infographic for Class 10th Board Exam 2026, showing key dates for CBSE and State Boards from Date Sheet release in December 2025 to Result declaration in May 2026."

The Class 10th Board Exam is often called the “gateway” to higher education in India. It is the first time students face a standardized evaluation on such a massive scale. For the academic year 2025-26, millions of students across CBSE, ICSE, and various State Boards are gearing up for this challenge.

If you are a student searching for the CBSE 10th exam date 2026, or a parent worried about the Telangana SSC exam time table 2026 10th class, this guide is designed specifically for you. We have compiled every piece of information—from tentative dates to secret study tips—to help you navigate this crucial year with confidence.

Part 1: Class 10th Board Exam 2026 – Central Boards (CBSE, ICSE)

The central boards set the tone for the academic calendar across India. Here is a detailed look at what to expect.

1. CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is the most popular board.

  • Announcement Date: The CBSE date sheet 2026 class 10 subject wise is historically released in December 2025.
  • Exam Start Date: As per recent trends, the CBSE 10th exam date 2026 will likely start on February 15, 2026.
  • Exam End Date: The major papers usually wrap up by mid-March 2026.

Key Changes to Watch For:

CBSE has been introducing “Competency-Based Questions.” This means rote learning won’t work. You need to understand concepts. Expect 50% of the paper to be case-based or source-based questions.

Tentative CBSE Schedule 2026:

| Subject | Tentative Date Range |

| English | Late February 2026 |

| Science | Early March 2026 |

| Social Science | Mid-March 2026 |

| Mathematics (Standard/Basic) | Mid-March 2026 |

| Hindi/Regional Languages | Late February 2026 |

Note: Always check the official cbse.gov.in for the final PDF.

2. ICSE Class 10 Exam 2026

The Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) is known for its extensive English syllabus.

  • ICSE 10th exam date 2026: Usually starts in late February.
  • Pattern: ICSE exams are often lengthier. The English Language paper is typically the first exam.

3. NIOS (Open Schooling) 2026

For students who need flexibility, the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) is a lifesaver.

  • Block 1 Exams: April/May 2026.
  • Block 2 Exams: October/November 2026.
  • Flexibility: You can choose to appear for a few subjects now and the rest later.

Part 2: State Board Exam Dates 2026 (State-Wise Breakdown)

State boards cater to the specific curriculum of each region. Here is a detailed forecast for the major states.

North India

Uttar Pradesh (UPMSP)

The UP Board is one of the largest in the world.

  • 10th Exam Date: usually February 22 to March 9, 2026.
  • Result Info: Keep an eye on Sarkari Result Info or upmsp.edu.in. The time table is usually released in January.

Rajasthan (RBSE)

Students often search for the RBSE Class 10 board exam time table 2026 PDF download.

  • Timing: The Rajasthan Board typically conducts exams in March.
  • Download Process: Visit rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in -> Click on “Time Table 2026” (available in Jan 2026).

Bihar (BSEB)

The Bihar board 10th exam date 2026 is the earliest among all state boards.

  • Start Date: Likely February 1, 2026.
  • Shifts: Exams are held in two sittings (9:30 AM and 1:45 PM).
  • Admit Card: Released in January.

West India

Maharashtra (SSC Board)

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) manages the SSC exams.

  • SSC Exam Date 2026: Usually begins on March 1 or 2, 2026.
  • Preparation Tip: Students should solve the Marathi question paper 10th SSC exam 2025 to understand the difficulty level. The language papers (Marathi, Hindi, English) are critical here.

Gujarat (GSEB)

  • SSC Exam Date: Generally starts in the second week of March.

South India

Telangana (TS bse)

Students frequently ask: “When is 10th board exam 2026 SSC Telangana?”

  • 10th exam date 2026 Telangana: Expected to start around March 18, 2026.
  • Time Table: The Telangana SSC exam time table 2026 10th class will be released in December/January.

Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP)

  • Exam Date: Similar to Telangana, usually starts in mid-March.

Tamil Nadu (TN SSLC)

  • 10th Exam Date 2026 Tamil Nadu: TN exams are often held later, in April.
  • 10th Public Exam Date: This gives students extra time for revision during the hot summer months.

Karnataka (KSEEB)

  • SSLC Exam: usually scheduled for late March to early April.

East India

West Bengal (WBBSE)

  • Madhyamik Pariksha: Usually held in February.

Odisha (BSE Odisha)

  • Odisha 10th exam date 2026: The Matriculation exam usually starts in the third week of February.

Part 3: Subject-Wise Preparation Masterclass

Knowing the 10th exam date 2026 is useless if you aren’t prepared. Here is a subject-wise strategy to score 95%+.

1. Mathematics (The Game of Practice)

  • Standard vs. Basic: If you chose Basic Math in CBSE, stick to the NCERT book. If you chose Standard, you must solve Exemplar problems and R.D. Sharma.
  • Formula Sheet: Make a chart of all formulas (Mensuration, Trigonometry, Statistics) and paste it on your wall.
  • Daily Habit: Solve at least 10 problems daily. Math cannot be “read”; it must be “done.”

2. Science (Concept is King)

  • Physics: Focus on “Light” (Ray diagrams) and “Electricity” (Numericals). These are high-scoring.
  • Chemistry: Memorize the Periodic Table trends and Carbon compounds. Balancing chemical equations is a must.
  • Biology: Diagrams are everything. Practice drawing the Heart, Brain, and Reproductive systems. Label them neatly.

3. Social Science (The Syllabus Beast)

  • History: Do not memorize dates blindly. Make a timeline of events (e.g., Nationalism in India: 1915-1947). Understand the story.
  • Geography: Map work is free marks! Practice locating dams, soil types, and major crops on a blank map of India.
  • Civics/Pol Science: Understand the definition of Federalism, Power Sharing, and Democracy.
  • Economics: This is usually the easiest section. Be clear on “Sectors of Economy” and “Money and Credit.”

4. Languages (English/Hindi/Regional)

  • Format: Know the format of formal letters, analytical paragraphs, and essays. Formats carry marks.
  • Literature: Read the chapters like a storybook. Memorize the names of poets and authors.
  • Grammar: Practice editing and omission exercises regularly.

Part 4: The 3-Month Study Plan (Sample Timetable)

If the CBSE 10th exam starts in February, your serious prep must start by November. Here is a sample schedule for a student attending school.

Time: 3 Months Before Exams (Nov-Jan)

Time SlotActivity
6:00 AM – 7:00 AMMemory Heavy Subject: Science or Social Science (Theory).
7:00 AM – 2:00 PMSchool/Classes.
3:00 PM – 4:00 PMRest/Nap (Crucial for brain recovery).
4:00 PM – 6:00 PMPractice Subject: Mathematics (Solve problems).
6:00 PM – 7:00 PMLanguage: English/Hindi (Read one chapter).
7:00 PM – 8:00 PMDinner & Family Time.
8:00 PM – 10:00 PMRevision: Review what was taught in school or solve a Sample Paper.

Pro Tip: On Sundays, simulate the exam environment. Sit from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (standard board timing) and solve a previous year’s 10th board exam paper without breaks.

Part 5: Hall Tickets and Admit Cards

The Admit Card is your passport to the exam hall.

  • Release Date: Most boards (CBSE, UPMSP, SSC) release admit cards in January.
  • Where to get it: Regular students get it from their schools. Private candidates must download it from the official website (e.g., cbse.gov.in, bse.telangana.gov.in).
  • Checklist:
    1. Spelling of your name and parents’ names.
    2. Date of Birth.
    3. Subject Codes: Ensure the codes match the subjects you studied.
    4. Exam Center Address: Visit the center one day before the exam to know the route.

Part 6: Exam Day Guidelines (Don’t Miss This!)

On the 10th public exam date 2026, panic is your enemy. Follow these rules:

  1. Uniform: Wear your school uniform (for regular students). It must be clean and proper.
  2. Stationery: Carry transparent pouches. Blue/Royal Blue ball pens are best. Gel pens can smudge. Carry a pencil, eraser, sharpener, and a clear ruler.
  3. Prohibited Items: Smartwatches, mobile phones, calculators, and digital items are strictly banned.
  4. Reporting Time: Reach the center by 9:30 AM. Gates usually close at 10:00 AM.
  5. Reading Time: You get 15 minutes (10:15-10:30 AM) to read the paper. Use this to choose which “Option” questions you will attempt.

Part 7: Post-Exam: Results and Stream Selection

After the 10th board exam 2026 is over, relax! But keep an eye out for results.

Result Declaration

  • Bihar Board: Usually first to declare (March/April).
  • CBSE/ICSE: May 2026.
  • Maharashtra/South States: May/June 2026.
  • Websites: Use official sites or aggregators like Sarkari Exam for quick links.

Compartment Exams

If you fail in one or two subjects, don’t lose hope.

  • Dates: usually held in July 2026.
  • Process: Fill the form immediately after results. It gives you a second chance to save your year.

Choosing Your Stream

This is the big decision based on your Class 10 marks and interest.

  • Science (PCM/PCB): For Engineering, Medicine, Research. Requires strong Math/Science base.
  • Commerce: For CA, CS, Banking, Business. Requires interest in Numbers and Economics.
  • Humanities (Arts): For UPSC, Law, Journalism, Design. Requires interest in History, Pol Science, Language.

Part 8: Frequently Asked Questions (Detailed)

Q1: How can I download the UP Board 10th Time Table 2026?

A: Go to upmsp.edu.in. Look for the “Important Information and Downloads” section. The PDF usually appears there in January.

Q2: Will the 10th exam date 2026 CBSE be delayed due to elections?

A: Usually, boards adjust dates around elections. However, since 2026 is not a major General Election year in India (General Elections are 2024 and 2029), exams should proceed on the standard February-March schedule.

Q3: What is the passing percentage for Class 10?

A: For CBSE, you need 33% (Theory + Internal Assessment combined). For some state boards like Maharashtra, the passing mark is 35%.

Q4: Can I change my board after Class 10?

A: Yes! Many students switch from State Board to CBSE or vice versa in Class 11. You will need a “Migration Certificate” from your current board.

Q5: Is the 10th Practical Exam Date 2026 the same for everyone?

A: No. Practicals are conducted internally by schools. The board gives a window (e.g., Jan 1 to Feb 14), and your school decides the specific date within that window.

Q6: Where can I find the 12th exam time table 2026?

A: The Class 12 dates usually release simultaneously with Class 10 dates on the same official websites.

Conclusion: You Are Ready!

The Class 10th Board Exam 2026 is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you are checking the 10th exam date 2026 Odisha or the CBSE 10th board exam date, remember that the dates are just deadlines. The real work happens in the quiet hours of study.

Use this guide as your roadmap. Bookmark it and check back for updates as the year progresses. Download your syllabus, buy your NCERTs, and start today.

All the best for your preparations! Make 2026 your year of success.

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