CBSE 2026 Board Exam Datesheet Sparks Student Concerns: Shiksha Polls Highlight Prep Challenges

As final board exam 2026 dates will be finalized post LOC submission, these polls by Shiksha signal a critical need to balance reform with student support. Check Poll Results

CBSE Class 10, 12 Board exams 2026 will begin on February 17

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) last month announced its tentative datesheet for 2026 Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. Exams are starting on February 17, 2026, with Class 10 Phase 1 ending March 9 and Class 12 concluding on April 9.

With around 40 lakh students set to appear for the board exams, early date release is aimed to help plan it better, but recent polls conducted by us has reveal major student apprehension around preparation gap, clash with other exams.

One of the poll conducted by Shiksha revealed that around 52 percent students consider gap between CBSE Class 12 board exams (ending mid April) and JEE Main and NEET-UG exam ( to be held late April to early May) is "too short" for preparation. With only 30% of the respondents feeling there is "plenty of time" and 19% considering it "just enough."

This tight 2-4 week window has raised concerns among CBSE Class 12 students looking for engineering or medical seats, with teachers and parents noting risk of burnout due to limited revision time.

The CBSE datesheet’s single shift format (10:30 AM to 1:30 PM) though ensures consistency but compresses exam schedule, potentially clashing with major entrance exams. "Students need more time to transition smoothly," said Sumit Jain, teacher a one of leading school chains in Noida.

For Class 10, dual exam format, Phase 1 in February-March and an optional Phase 2 in May-June has garnered mixed feedback from students and parents. A poll taken by class 10 students indicates 44% believe it will "reduce exam stress," aligning with educational reforms. Around 19% think it will "increase preparation duration," and 20% plan to "only take the first session" to avoid extended effort. While, another 15% are "still confused" about the process, waiting for clearer guidelines from CBSE.

Confidence in CBSE 2026 exam preparations varies, with 32% feeling "very confident" thanks to exam timetable, but 27% are "not confident" and 20% "yet to start." With board exam results expected in June, CBSE has asked students to download tentative PDF from cbse.gov.in and begin balanced study plans.

As final board exam 2026 dates will be finalized post LOC submission, these polls signal a critical need to balance reform with student support.