New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Thursday announced that the public examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 will commence on February 17, 2026.

In a first, the board will conduct Class 10 exams in two sessions in line with the National Education Policy (NEP). While the first session will be held from February 17 to March 6, the second is scheduled between May 15 and June 1. The Class 12 board examinations will begin on February 17 and conclude on April 9.

According to CBSE, nearly 45 lakh students are expected to appear for the examinations this academic year, including candidates from 26 foreign countries.

The board also said it has streamlined the evaluation process. The assessment of answer scripts will begin 10 days after the completion of each subject examination and will be completed within 12 days, enabling early declaration of results.