CBSE Pre-Boards 2026: Nov-Jan Schedule & Importance

Are you preparing for the CBSE 2026 Board Exams? The Pre-Boards are your crucial mock tests! While the official CBSE final board exams start from February 17, 2026, your school-level Pre-Board exams for Classes 10 and 12 are typically scheduled between November 2025 and January 2026.

Key Takeaways: Pre-Board Tentative Dates

Since CBSE does not release a central Pre-Board date sheet, schools set their own schedules based on the typical academic calendar. Here is the generally observed, tentative schedule for CBSE Class 10 and 12 Pre-Boards for the 2025-2026 session:

Note: It is highly recommended to check the exact timetable with your respective school as schedules can vary significantly between institutions (e.g., some schools conduct one pre-board, while others conduct two or three).

Why are CBSE Pre-Boards Important?

Pre-Board exams are vital for your final preparation. They serve multiple functions:

• Final Preparation: They simulate the actual CBSE board exam environment, helping you manage time and test-day anxiety.
• Syllabus Check: They ensure your full Class 10 or Class 12 syllabus is complete and understood before the winter break.
• Admit Card Requirement: Performance in pre-boards often plays a role in issuing the final Board Admit Card.

CBSE Board Exam 2026 Official Dates

Students should also keep the confirmed final dates in mind for their long-term study plan:

• CBSE Class 10 Board Exams (Phase 1): February 17 to March 10, 2026
• CBSE Class 12 Board Exams: February 17 to April 9, 2026
• CBSE Practical Exams (Regular Schools): Expected to begin from January 1, 2026.

The final, official date sheets for the 2026 Board examinations were released on October 30, 2025, confirming the start date of February 17, 2026.