CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026: Dates, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Admit Card & Results

CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026 Overview

The Central Board of Secondary Education has released the complete schedule and guidelines for the CBSE Board Exam 2026. Students appearing for the Class 10 examination must be familiar with all the essential details to plan their preparation effectively. The board has released the date sheet well in advance, giving students approximately 110 days to prepare systematically.

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

The CBSE has officially released the final date sheet for Class 10 Board Exams 2026 on October 30, 2025. In a significant change from previous years, CBSE will conduct the Class 10 examinations in two phases from the 2026 session onwards. This aligns with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes flexibility and reduced examination stress for students. The first phase is mandatory for all students, while the second phase is optional and designed for those who wish to improve their scores.

CBSE Class 10 Exam Schedule 2026 - Phase 1

Important Points About CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

Students must note the following key aspects of the CBSE 10th time table 2026:

• All examinations will be conducted in a single shift starting at 10:30 AM
• Students must reach the examination centre by 10:00 AM
• Question papers will be distributed at 10:15 AM for reading
• Writing time begins at 10:30 AM and ends at 1:30 PM
• Phase 2 examinations are optional and meant for improvement
• The best score between Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be considered for final results

CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026 has been designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core concepts while aligning with the NEP 2020 guidelines. The board released the updated syllabus on March 28, 2025, with a focus on competency-based learning and reduced content load. Understanding the complete syllabus and chapter-wise weightage is crucial for effective exam preparation.

CBSE Class 10 Mathematics Syllabus 2026

CBSE Class 10 Science Syllabus 2026

CBSE Class 10 Social Science Syllabus 2026

CBSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026

The CBSE Board Exam Pattern 2026 has been designed to assess students' conceptual understanding and application abilities. Following NEP 2020 guidelines, the question papers include a higher proportion of competency-based questions. Understanding the exam pattern helps students prepare strategically and manage time effectively during the examination.

Key Features of CBSE Class 10 Question Paper Pattern 2026

Question Paper Structure

The CBSE Class 10 question papers typically follow this structure:

• Section A: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) - 20 marks
• Section B: Very Short Answer Questions (2 marks each)
• Section C: Short Answer Questions (3 marks each)
• Section D: Long Answer Questions (5 marks each)
• Section E: Case-Based/Source-Based Questions (4 marks each)

CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Marking Scheme 2026 follows a standardized pattern where each subject is evaluated out of 100 marks. The distribution between theory examination and internal assessment varies slightly for subjects involving practical components. Understanding the marking scheme helps students allocate their preparation time effectively.

Subject-wise Marks Distribution

Internal Assessment Components

The 20 marks for internal assessment are distributed as follows:

• Periodic Tests: 10 marks (Average of best two out of three tests)
• Notebook Submission: 5 marks
• Subject Enrichment Activities: 5 marks

CBSE Class 10 Grading System 2026

CBSE follows a 9-point grading system for Class 10 examination results. This relative grading system ensures fair evaluation by comparing students' performance with their peers. Grades are awarded based on the student's position among all passed candidates in that subject.

CBSE 9-Point Grading Scale

CBSE Class 10 Passing Marks 2026

Students must secure minimum passing marks to clear the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026. The passing criteria is consistent across all subjects and includes separate requirements for theory and internal assessment components.

Passing Criteria for CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026

Important Passing Rules

• Students must pass theory and internal assessment separately
• Minimum 75% attendance is mandatory to appear for board exams
• Failing in more than 2 subjects will result in compartment
• An additional subject can replace a failed elective subject

CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026 is an essential document required for appearing in the board examination. CBSE is expected to release the admit cards in the last week of January 2026 for Phase 1 examinations. Regular students must collect their hall tickets from their respective schools, while private candidates can download directly from the official website.

CBSE 10th Admit Card 2026 Release Schedule

How to Download CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026

Regular students will receive their admit cards from schools. Private candidates can follow these steps:

• Visit the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in
• Click on the "Pariksha Sangam" section
• Select "Private Candidates" option
• Enter your Application Number and Date of Birth
• Click Submit and download the admit card
• Take a printout and verify all details

Details Mentioned on CBSE 10th Admit Card

• Student's Name and Photograph
• Roll Number
• Father's/Guardian's Name
• Date of Birth
• School Name and Code
• Examination Centre Name and Address
• Subject-wise Exam Dates and Timings
• Important Instructions for Exam Day

CBSE Class 10 Practical Exam 2026

CBSE conducts practical examinations for Class 10 students before the theory exams. The practical exams assess students' hands-on skills and application of theoretical concepts. For the 2025-26 session, practical examinations will be conducted from January 1 to February 14, 2026, for regular schools.

CBSE Class 10 Practical Exam Schedule 2026

Subjects with Practical Component

• Science - Lab experiments and practical file (20 marks)
• Computer Applications - Practical exam (50 marks)
• Information Technology - Practical exam (50 marks)
• Home Science - Practical work (30 marks)

CBSE Class 10 Result 2025 Analysis

The CBSE Class 10 Result 2025 was declared on May 13, 2025, with encouraging performance statistics. Analyzing previous year results helps students understand the examination trends and set realistic targets for their preparation.

CBSE Class 10 Result 2025 Statistics

Region-wise Pass Percentage (2025)

CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Question Papers

Practicing CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Question Papers is one of the most effective preparation strategies for board examinations. These papers help students understand the exam pattern, question types, and marking scheme while building confidence for the actual examination.

Benefits of Solving Previous Year Papers

• Understand the actual exam pattern and question distribution
• Identify frequently asked topics and concepts
• Improve time management skills
• Get familiar with the marking scheme
• Build exam temperament and reduce anxiety
• Identify weak areas requiring more practice

CBSE Class 10 Previous Year Question Papers Download Links

CBSE Class 10 Preparation Tips 2026

Effective preparation for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 requires a strategic approach combining conceptual understanding, regular practice, and smart time management. With examinations scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, students should focus on completing syllabus revision and intensive practice.

Subject-wise Preparation Strategy

Mathematics Preparation Tips

• Focus on high-weightage chapters: Algebra (20 marks), Geometry (15 marks), and Trigonometry (12 marks)
• Practice NCERT exercises thoroughly - all examples and back exercises
• Maintain a formula notebook and revise daily
• Solve at least 5 sample papers under timed conditions
• Focus on step-wise solving as CBSE awards marks for each step
• Practice previous year questions from chapters like Coordinate Geometry and Statistics

Science Preparation Tips

• High-scoring chapters: Life Processes, Chemical Reactions, Electricity, Light
• Draw neat, labelled diagrams for Biology sections (Heart, Nephron, Human Brain)
• Learn chemical equations with proper balancing for Chemistry
• Practice numerical problems from Physics chapters
• Focus on NCERT in-text questions and activities
• Memorize important definitions and terminologies

Social Science Preparation Tips

• Important chapters: Nationalism in India, Power Sharing, Resources and Development, Sectors of Indian Economy
• Practice map-based questions regularly
• Make short notes with timelines for History chapters
• Focus on case studies and source-based questions
• Learn key terms and definitions for Political Science
• Understand graphs and data interpretation for Economics

English Preparation Tips

• Read prescribed textbooks (First Flight and Footprints Without Feet) thoroughly
• Practice writing formats: Letter, Article, Notice, Poster
• Focus on grammar sections for quick marks
• Understand character sketches and themes from literature
• Practice comprehension passages daily
• Revise poems with their central themes and literary devices

General Preparation Tips

• Complete the syllabus by January 2026 and reserve time for revision
• Solve CBSE Sample Papers 2025-26 released by the board
• Create a realistic study timetable allocating time to all subjects
• Take regular breaks to avoid burnout
• Attempt at least 3 full-length mock tests before the exam
• Focus on weak areas identified during practice
• Maintain proper sleep schedule and healthy diet during preparation

CBSE Class 10 Important Chapters 2026

Based on previous year trends and chapter-wise weightage analysis, certain chapters consistently carry higher marks in CBSE Class 10 examinations. Students should prioritize these chapters while ensuring complete syllabus coverage.

High-Weightage Chapters for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam

New Changes in CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026

CBSE has introduced several significant changes for the Class 10 examination 2026, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020. Students and parents should be aware of these changes to prepare accordingly.

Key Changes for CBSE Board Exam 2026

• Two Board Exams Per Year: From 2026, Class 10 students can appear for board exams twice a year. Phase 1 is mandatory, and Phase 2 is for improvement.
• Competency-Based Assessment: 50% of questions will be competency-based, focusing on application and understanding rather than rote learning.
• Dual-Level Examinations: Science and Social Science will have two levels - Standard and Advanced (similar to Mathematics).
• Section-wise Answer Writing: Students must organize answers by predefined sections in Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) and Social Science (History, Geography, Political Science, Economics).
• Enhanced Internal Assessment: Continuous evaluation through periodic tests, projects, and activities carries 20 marks.
• 75% Attendance Mandatory: Students must have minimum 75% attendance to appear for board exams.

CBSE Class 10 Result 2026

The CBSE Class 10 Result 2026 Phase 1 is expected to be declared in April-May 2026, while Phase 2 results will be announced in June 2026. Students can check their results through multiple platforms including the official website, DigiLocker, and UMANG app.

Expected CBSE 10th Result 2026 Dates

How to Check CBSE Class 10 Result 2026

• Visit cbse.gov.in or results.cbse.nic.in
• Click on "CBSE Class 10 Result 2026" link
• Enter Roll Number and School Code
• Submit and view result
• Download and save the marksheet

Alternative Ways to Check Result

• DigiLocker: results.digilocker.gov.in
• UMANG App: Download from App Store/Play Store
• SMS Service: Send message to designated number
• Schools: Collect original marksheet from school

CBSE Class 10 Compartment Exam 2026

Students who fail in one or two subjects in the CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 are eligible to appear for the compartment examination. The compartment exams are expected to be conducted in July 2026.

Compartment Exam Eligibility

• Students failing in one or two subjects can appear
• Failing in more than two subjects requires re-appearing in all subjects
• Compartment facility is available for a period of up to 6 years
• Students must apply separately for compartment exam

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About CBSE Class 10 Exam 2026

1. When will CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 start?

The CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026 Phase 1 will commence on February 17, 2026, and continue till March 10, 2026. The Phase 2 examinations for improvement will be conducted from May 15 to June 1, 2026.

2. What are the passing marks in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam 2026?

Students need to score minimum 33% marks in each subject to pass the CBSE Class 10 examination. For theory papers out of 80 marks, the passing marks are 26, and for internal assessment out of 20 marks, students need at least 7 marks.

3. Is NCERT enough for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam preparation?

Yes, NCERT textbooks form the base of the CBSE examination. All questions in the board exam are based on NCERT syllabus. However, students should also solve sample papers and previous year question papers for better preparation.

4. How many times can I appear for CBSE Class 10 Board Exam in 2026?

From 2026 onwards, CBSE is conducting Class 10 board exams twice a year. The first phase is mandatory for all students, while the second phase is optional for those who wish to improve their scores. The best score among both attempts will be considered for the final result.

5. What is the difference between Mathematics Standard and Mathematics Basic in CBSE Class 10?

Mathematics Standard is for students who wish to pursue Mathematics in Class 11-12, while Mathematics Basic is for students who do not want to continue with Mathematics in higher classes. Students opting for Basic level cannot choose Mathematics in Class 11-12.

6. How to download CBSE Class 10 Admit Card 2026?

Regular students must collect their admit cards from their respective schools. Private candidates can download the admit card from cbse.gov.in using their application number and date of birth. The admit cards are expected to be released in the last week of January 2026.

7. Are all question paper sets equally difficult in CBSE Class 10 exam?

Yes, CBSE ensures that all question paper sets maintain the same difficulty level. The sets contain different questions but follow the same blueprint, marking scheme, and difficulty standards. Performance in any set depends on the student's preparation, not the set received.

8. What happens if I fail in CBSE Class 10 Board Exam?

Students failing in one or two subjects can appear for the compartment examination conducted in July 2026. Those failing in more than two subjects need to repeat the entire academic year and reappear for all subjects in the next session.

9. How is CGPA calculated in CBSE Class 10?

CGPA (Cumulative Grade Point Average) is calculated by adding the grade points of all main five subjects and dividing by 5. To convert CGPA to percentage, multiply the CGPA by 9.5. For example, if your CGPA is 8.0, your approximate percentage would be 8.0 × 9.5 = 76%.

10. Can I change subjects between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of CBSE Class 10 exam?

No, students cannot change their subjects between Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the examination. The subjects registered for Phase 1 remain fixed for Phase 2 as well. The second phase is only for improving marks in the same subjects.

11. What documents should I carry to the CBSE Class 10 examination centre?

Students must carry their original admit card and school identity card to the examination centre. Both documents are mandatory for entry into the exam hall. Additionally, students should carry required stationery like blue/black pens, pencil, geometry box, and transparent water bottle.

12. When will CBSE release the Class 10 Result 2026?

The CBSE Class 10 Phase 1 Result 2026 is expected to be announced in April-May 2026. Phase 2 results will be declared in June 2026. Students can check their results on cbse.gov.in, results.cbse.nic.in, DigiLocker, and UMANG app using their roll number and school code.