CBSE Class 10, 12 Exams 2026 On March 3 Postponed, Check Revised Schedule

In a significant update for millions of students across India, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the postponement of the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations that were originally slated for March 3, 2026. The decision, issued late last week, comes amid administrative considerations and aims to ensure a smooth and efficient conduct of exams without affecting the overall timeline of the 2026 board exam cycle.

What’s Changed: CBSE Class 10, 12 Revised Exam Dates Announced

According to the official notification circulated by the CBSE on December 29, 2025, specific papers previously scheduled for March 3 have been rescheduled to new dates, while all other exams in the Class 10 and Class 12 timetable will proceed as initially planned.

• Class 10 Board Exams
  The subjects originally set for March 3 — including several regional and foreign language papers — will now be conducted on March 11, 2026.

• Class 12 Board Exams
  The Legal Studies paper, which was also scheduled for March 3, has been postponed and is now slated for April 10, 2026.

CBSE has made it clear that no other examination dates have been altered, and the overall board calendar remains intact.

CBSE Class 10, 12 Exam Postponed: Why the Change?

The board has attributed the rescheduling to administrative reasons, without specifying detailed operational challenges behind the move. In its circular, CBSE urged school principals to communicate the updated schedule promptly to students, parents, and internal staff, ensuring that preparation plans remain aligned with the revised timetable.

Officials have reassured stakeholders that the change is limited in scope and should not disrupt the broader examination process, which is designed to be conducted in a single shift for both Class 10 and Class 12 students from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on all days of examination.

CBSE Class 10, 12 Board Exam Timeline

The CBSE 2026 board exam season is scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, with both Class 10 and Class 12 papers commencing simultaneously. Major subjects like Mathematics (Standard and Basic) — for Class 10 — and Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand (English), and Shorthand (Hindi) — for Class 12 — are among the first examinations in the cycle.

While the bulk of exams will unfold over the next several weeks, the adjustment for March 3 subjects ensures that students affected by the postponement gain a modest extension of preparation time. Education experts say that even relatively minor shifts in the timetable can provide crucial breathing space for students to consolidate learning and reduce pressure toward the mid-point of the board exam schedule.

What Subjects Are Affected?

The rescheduled Class 10 papers span a range of elective subjects that include:

• Regional languages and lesser-common syllabi such as Tibetan, Bhoti, Bodo, Tangkhul, Mizo, Kashmiri

• Foreign languages including German, Japanese, Spanish, Bahasa Melayu

• Elective and service-oriented courses like National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Elements of Book Keeping and Accountancy

Similarly, the Class 12 Legal Studies paper — an important subject for students pursuing humanities and law-related fields — is the sole senior secondary examination to be postponed to April 10, 2026.

Instructions for Schools, Students & Parents

CBSE has instructed all affiliated schools to update their internal date sheets, ensure the changes are reflected in student admit cards, and communicate amendments clearly to avoid confusion. Parents are also encouraged to stay in touch with school administration and routinely check the official CBSE website for any subsequent updates.

Experts stress that while the rescheduling affects only a small fraction of the vast national examination calendar, efficient dissemination of information will be key to maintaining confidence among stakeholders. Effective communication will help mitigate stress among students, especially those who may have already planned their preparation strategies around the original timetable.

Student and Educator Reactions

Social media and student forums have quickly picked up the news, with reactions ranging from relief among students who welcome extra study time, to concern among parents about potential clashes with study schedules and academic commitments in the interim period. Teachers and coaching professionals have advised students to continue with regular revision cycles, integrate the revised dates into their study plans, and use the additional time to fine-tune weaker areas of the syllabus.

What Happens Next?

With the revised schedule in place, students now have clear new dates to plan their board exam strategy. The board has reiterated that results timelines are unchanged and that the postponement should not delay the announcement of final results. Schools are preparing to issue updated admit cards soon, ensuring students have the correct dates well ahead of exam days.

CBSE is expected to release a revised date sheet PDF on its portal, which students and parents can download for reference. As the board exam season approaches, the administration has pledged to monitor all arrangements closely to ensure a smooth examination experience across exam centers nationwide.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

View all posts →