When Will CBSE Term 2 Exams Be Conducted? Latest Guidelines

Exams are one of the crucial parts of education that decides the ability of students and hard work for the whole year. And exams like the CBSE board have their own importance. 

Every year school, parents and students wait to get an update on CBSE Board exams. Everyone is curious to get early and latest updates on exams like CBSE term. 

In 2026, the academic reforms announcement changed or updated the familiar “Term-1 / Term-2” rhythm.

If you are a facilitator, parent or student, it’s crucial to understand the important updates on what’s new updates, how to track and When will CBSE Term 2 exams be conducted?

The guide will provide detailed information about exam dates and other information for class 10th and 12th.

What is CBSE Term 2 Examination? 

In the 2021-22 academic year “Term 2” examinations were first started by the Central Board of Secondary Education. It is scheduled in April 2022 for class 10th and 12th students. 

CBSE split academic here into two summative assessment parts “Term 1” and “Term 2”. 

The main aim of implementing guidelines by CBSE is to reduce the stress of examination by splitting the syllabus into two parts. An approximate timeline of these two terms is first is in November – December and second term in April. 

The guideline was introduced for a temporary basis during COVID-era. Now at 2025 CBSE official website announced 2026 new guidelines for examination. 

Let’s understand the important updates in detail. 

When CBSE Term 2 Exam Will Be Conducted- For Classes 10th and 12th

The CBSE Term 2 examinations usually were conducted from April. However, as per Central Board of Secondary Education came up with a new and important update from 2026.

The CBSE has discontinued the “Term 2” examination system. For the academic year 2026, the board follow a new exam pattern for Class 10 students in which have a CBSE Two-Phase System:

Class 10 (Two-Phase System)

• Phase 1 (Main Exam): February 17 – March 6, 2026
• Phase 2 (Improvement/Optional): May 5 – May 21, 2026

• Class 12 (Single Annual Exam): February 17 – April 4, 2026

NOTE: The above mentioned are the expected official exam windows released by the Central Board of Secondary Education. 

The detailed information on the subject-wise date sheet will be announced on the official website in November 2025. 

CBSE Term 2 Exams: Where to Find Latest Updates

If you are looking for the latest and official updates here you can find all the information:

1. CBSE’s official website / notifications page

Visit to CBSE official website for announcements or circulars related to the examination. For example, dates, yearly guidelines, latest updates etc. 

2. School Circulars

Students and parents can also visit school or school website to get the updated information related to exams. 

CBSE Class 10 “Phase 2” Exam Dates 2026 (Replaces Term 2)

CBSE recently announced an important update on class 10th examination of 2026 in which the exams are designed and scheduled in two phases. The dates are assumed to be: 

• Phase 1 (mandatory): February 17 – March 6, 2026. 

• Phase 2 (optional/improvement): May 5 – May 21 (or May 20–22 in some draft mentions), 2026.

Notes for Students:

The exact subject wise dates will be shared later by CBSE. Phase 2 is only for improvement. 

Key Differences of CBSE Old Term 2 System Vs New Phase 2 System

Given below is a quick comparison between CBSE Old Term 2 System Vs New Phase 2 System:

S No.	Particulars	Old Term 2 System	New Phase 2 System
1.	Structure:	The old model includes two separate term exams contributing to final grade.	The new model of 2026 includes Class 10: Two phases (Phase 1 mandatory; Phase 2 optional)Class 12: Single annual exam.
2.	Purpose:	Old Term 2 split aimed at reducing stress and diversifying assessment.	The new policy keeps flexibility (second attempt) but strengthens eligibility or attendance norms and internal assessment requirements.
3.	Timing:	Term 2 used to be a distinct winter/spring window.	New Phase 1 is mid-Feb to early March and Phase 2 is in May which gives a clear improvement window before results.
4.	Syllabus of Class 10th:	The syllabus is divided into two parts for Term 1 and Term 2.	The syllabus covered in both Phase 1 and 2 examinations.

Important Dates Timeline 2025-2026

To understand the approximate date and time of 2025 to 2026 given below is a quick information:

• Feb 17 – Mar 6, 2026: 

CBSE Class 10 Phase 1 (mandatory). 

• Feb 17 – Apr 4, 2026: 

CBSE Class 12 single-window annual examinations (approx. window reported). 

• May 5 – May 21, 2026: 

CBSE Class 10 Phase 2 (optional/improvement window). 

Remember, the final day range may vary slightly when the date sheet is released. 

• Nov 2025 (expected): 

CBSE will release the formal date sheet for Phase 1 of Class 10th and Class 12.

How to Download CBSE Exam Date Sheet 2026?

For downloading CBSE Exam Date Sheet 2026 learners need to visit the official website. Below is a step-by-step guide one can follow:

• Visit official portal

Go to the official website of the Central Board of Secondary education. 

• Look for the PDF

Search the link or PDF for the data sheet. Give a prompt “CBSE Class X Date Sheet 2026” or “CBSE Class XII Date Sheet 2026.”

• Download and Save

Then download and save the document on the phone or computer. 

• Verify with school

Schools also have the latest information on dates, centers and candidate lists. One must verify or reconfirm with the school for security. 

• Follow the instructions

Follow the instructions mentioned in the PDF for smooth and timely procedure. 

Conclusion

CBSE always offers a suitable and comfortable approach especially for examinations. 

For 2026 the “Old Term 2 System” is replaced and a CBSE Two-Phase System arranged for class 10th and Single Annual Exam for class 12th examination. 

Explore the importance of examinations.

Hope above mentioned details help you to understand dates changes and other needful updates. However, before proceeding remember to go through the official website of the Central Board of Secondary Education. 

For latest information an official portal or school authority can be a right choice

CBSE