CBSE Latest News 2026: Class 10 & 12 Exam Updates

CBSE Latest News 2026

As per the latest news released by the CBSE, various significant developments have taken place. In the following sections, we have mentioned a few of the latest updates on board exams and other events:

CBSE Board Exam 2026: Class 12 Evaluation to Go Digital with On-Screen Marking

The Central Board of Secondary Education has introduced a major change in the evaluation process for the CBSE Board Exam 2026. Starting this year, Class 12 answer sheets will be assessed through On-Screen Marking (OSM), shifting to a fully digital evaluation system. However, Class 10 answer books will continue to be checked in physical mode for the 2026 examinations.

CBSE conducts Class 10 and Class 12 board exams annually in India and across 26 countries, covering nearly 46 lakh students. The Board stated that the new digital system aims to enhance transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in the marking process. OSM is expected to eliminate totalling errors, minimise manual intervention, speed up evaluation, and reduce transportation time and costs.

Teachers will be able to evaluate answer sheets from their respective schools, ensuring broader participation, including from affiliated institutions overseas. CBSE also indicated that the need for post-result verification of marks may significantly reduce due to improved accuracy.

Schools have been directed to ensure proper technical infrastructure, including updated systems, reliable internet connectivity, and uninterrupted power supply. Training sessions, dry runs, and technical support will be provided for smooth implementation.

CBSE Admit Card 2026 Released

The Central Board of Secondary Education released the CBSE admit card 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations on its official website. The download portal for the CBSE Board Exam 2026 admit card was activated, and the links were made live for schools and students.

Students are advised to visit the official CBSE website and collect their admit cards at the earliest. Regular candidates can obtain their hall tickets through their respective schools, while private candidates can download them directly using the required login credentials.

It is mandatory to carry the CBSE admit card to the examination centre on all exam days. Students must carefully check details such as their name, roll number, subjects, exam dates, and centre information mentioned on the hall ticket.

CBSE Practical Exam 2026

The practical exam for both Class 10 and Class 12 was conducted from January 1 to February 15, 2026. The CBSE practical exam for the winter-bound schools was conducted from November 6 to December 6, 2025. The board released the detailed CBSE practical exam guidelines 2026 for Class 10 and Class 12 students.

CBSE 2026 Revised Date Sheet Released

On December 30, the board released the revised CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheet. This year, the board will conduct Class 10 in two phases. Class 12 exams were held in a single phase from February 17 to April 10, 2026.

CBSE Class 10th, 12th Board Exam Schedule 2026

CBSE Private Candidate Forms 2026 Released

The CBSE private candidate forms 2026 were released on September 9, 2025. Students could apply until September 30, 2025, through cbse.gov.in. Eligible candidates include those under the Fail, Compartment, or Essential Repeat categories, as well as students looking to improve marks for CBSE Class 10 and 12. The process involves filling out the form, paying the fee, and uploading documents. Complete details on the CBSE private candidate form can be accessed by clicking on the link provided

CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026 (Twice a Year)

• The Central Board of Secondary Education will conduct the CBSE 10th exams twice a year.

• The final exam schedule is available on the official website of CBSE. The CBSE 10th Phase 1 and Phase 2 exam dates can be accessed by clicking on the link provided.

• The dual-exam approach is aimed at reducing the exam pressure and providing students with an additional opportunity to improve their performance.

• CBSE 10th term 1 and term 2 exams will be conducted on the full current CBSE 10th syllabus 2025-26, with no reduction, and the same examination centres will be allotted for both terms.

• The CBSE 10th results 2026 for Phase I exams will be declared by April 20, 2026, and results for CBSE 10th Phase 2 exams will be declared by June 30, 2026.

CBSE Class 12 Board Exam Schedule 2026

• CBSE also announced the CBSE 12th exam schedule 2026.

• Similar to Class 10, the CBSE Class 12 exams will be based on the full CBSE 12th syllabus, with no changes in the scheme of studies.

• Around 20 lakh students are expected to appear for the CBSE Class 12 exams 2026.

• The CBSE 12th exam 2026 was held from February 17 to April 10, 2026.

CBSE Open Book Exams for Class 9th from 2026-27

• Another major reform under the latest CBSE news 2026 is the introduction of CBSE Open-Book Exam (OBE) for Class 9 students, beginning from the 2026-27 academic session.

• The subjects that will be covered include Language, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science

• The frequency of OBE 9th exams will be each term of the academic year.

• The purpose of CBSE 9th OBE is to encourage application-based learning and reduce rote memorisation among students. Students can read the complete story and its impact on the Class 10 board exams by clicking on the link provided above.