The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) released its tentative exam schedule on September 24, 2025, setting off discussions among students, parents, and teachers about possible overlaps with national-level entrance tests.
According to the timetable, CBSE Class 10 exams will conclude on March 9, 2026, while CBSE Class 12 exams will wrap up on April 9, 2026. This timeline is later than in 2025, when Class 12 exams were held between February 15 and April 4, and Class 10 exams ran from mid-February to mid-March.
Impact on Competitive Exam Preparation
The shift in CBSE’s schedule has sparked worries about the preparation window for entrance exams such as JEE Main, CUET-UG, and NEET-UG.
- In 2025, JEE Main Session 2 was held on April 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9, immediately after board exams ended. A similar timeline in 2026 would coincide almost directly with the last week of Class 12 board exams, leaving students with little to no gap for focused preparation.
- CUET-UG is expected to take place in May and June 2026, as it did this year.
- NEET-UG 2025 was conducted on May 4. If the 2026 schedule follows the same pattern, students will have only about four weeks after their boards to prepare.
This narrow window has left many anxious. Parents and teachers fear that students could face increased pressure, especially those juggling both board exams and competitive test prep.
Stakeholders Voice Concerns
Educators and coaching institutes are now reassessing their crash courses and revision timetables. Many believe that unless national-level exam dates are adjusted, the overlap could significantly impact performance.
Teachers are advising students to complete core revisions well in advance, so the limited period after boards can be devoted to mock tests and quick reviews.
Awaiting Final Schedules
With CBSE releasing tentative dates, the education community is now awaiting official announcements for JEE Main Session 2 and NEET-UG 2026, expected in the coming weeks. The final schedules will confirm whether the anticipated clashes become a reality.
