The Central Board of Secondary Education has released the Class 10 second board exam timetable for 2026, with exams scheduled between May 15 and May 21. The six-day exam window covers core, language, elective and skill subjects, offering students a crucial second opportunity to improve scores.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the schedule for the Class 10 second board examinations for 2026. As per the official notification issued on April 23, the exams will be conducted from May 15 to May 21, 2026.
The date sheet covers all major subjects, including core, languages, electives and skill-based papers for students opting for the second examination cycle.
CBSE Class 10 second exam timetable 2026
| Day | Date | Time | Subject |
| Friday | May 15 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Mathematics (Standard & Basic) |
| Saturday | May 16 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | English (Communicative & Language and Literature) |
| Monday | May 18 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Science |
| Tuesday | May 19 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Languages (Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Urdu, etc.) + electives |
| Wednesday | May 20 | 10:30 AM – 12:30/1:30 PM | Skill subjects: Sanskrit, IT, AI, Painting |
| Thursday | May 21 | 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM | Social Science |
The examination cycle will begin with Mathematics papers and conclude with Social Science. While most exams will run from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, select skill-based subjects will end earlier at 12:30 PM.
English papers are scheduled for May 16, followed by Science on May 18. A wide range of language and elective subjects will be held on May 19, while skill and additional subjects are lined up for May 20.
Second board system
CBSE introduced the two-board exam system last year, allowing students another opportunity to improve their scores. The system is being fully implemented this academic year to offer flexibility and reduce exam-related pressure.
Who can appear?
Students eligible for the second board exams include:
- Those who appeared in at least three subjects in the first exam cycle
- Students who have passed Class 10 and want to improve their marks
- Candidates placed in the compartment category
- Students who replaced a subject with a sixth subject
- Eligible candidates under the UFM Category 1
- Students from the 2025 compartment batch
- Those opting to improve up to three main subjects
- Candidates appearing for compartment or improvement attempts
- Sports category students permitted by CBSE
The second board exam cycle is expected to benefit thousands of students by offering a structured chance to enhance performance without waiting an entire academic year.
Published: 23 Apr 2026, 12:54 pm IST
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