The CISCE board has officially released the full exam timetable for ICSE Class 10 and ISC Class 12 for the 2026 board exams. The exams will begin earlier than the previous year, giving students more clarity and preparation time. The announcement covers complete subject-wise schedules, exam timings, reading time rules, and the updated evaluation pattern that students must understand.
The following detailed news report includes complete date sheets for both classes inside the content, along with analysis and key information.
Why Has CISCE Announced the 2026 Exam Schedule Earlier Than Before?
CISCE has shifted to an earlier schedule to streamline evaluation, reduce overlaps, and give schools sufficient time to complete internal assessments. Early announcements help students plan their revision phase more effectively. Many educators believe this approach improves performance by reducing last-minute stress and encouraging structured preparation.
Students also depend on early timetables for planning coaching sessions, mock tests, and subject-wise practice. This trend aligns with national boards that have also moved their exams to February–March sessions in recent years.
This early release promotes:
- Better revision planning
- Timely completion of practicals
- Reduced scheduling conflicts
- A smoother evaluation cycle
- Improved student wellbeing
When Will the ICSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026 Be Conducted?
The ICSE Class 10 exams will begin on February 17, 2026, and conclude on March 30, 2026. This gives students about six weeks of examination time with comfortable gaps between core subjects. Most exams start at 11:00 AM, while a few art papers begin at 09:00 AM. The ICSE includes 75 subjects ranging from languages and sciences to vocational electives. Students will receive 15 minutes of extra reading time before the writing begins.
Complete ICSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026 (Full Schedule)
| Date | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 17 | 11:00 AM | English Language – Paper 1 |
| Feb 20 | 11:00 AM | Literature in English – Paper 2 |
| Feb 21 | 09:00 AM | Art Paper 1 (Still Life) |
| Feb 23 | 11:00 AM | Group III Elective – Section B (Robotics, AI, Data Entry, Dietetic Aide, Cashier, Physical Activity Facilitator, Auto Service) |
| Feb 26 | 11:00 AM | Hindi |
| Feb 27 | 09:00 AM | Art Paper 2 (Nature Drawing/Painting) |
| Feb 28 | 09:00 AM | Art Paper 3 (Original Composition) |
| Mar 2 | 11:00 AM | Mathematics |
| Mar 6 | 11:00 AM | Indian & Foreign Languages (Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Urdu, French, Spanish, German, and others) |
| Mar 7 | 09:00 AM | Art Paper 4 (Applied Art) |
| Mar 9 | 11:00 AM | Physics – Science Paper 1 |
| Mar 11 | 11:00 AM | Chemistry – Science Paper 2 |
| Mar 13 | 11:00 AM | Biology – Science Paper 3 |
| Mar 16 | 11:00 AM | History & Civics – H.C.G. Paper 1 |
| Mar 18 | 11:00 AM | Geography – H.C.G. Paper 2 |
| Mar 23 | 11:00 AM | Group III Elective – Section A (Commercial Applications, Computer Applications, Drama, Cookery, Yoga, Music, Home Science, and more) |
| Mar 25 | 11:00 AM | Commercial Studies / French (Group II Electives) |
| Mar 27 | 11:00 AM | Economics (Group II Elective) |
| Mar 30 | 11:00 AM | Environmental Science (Group II Elective) |
This structured timetable offers adequate preparation space between Science, Mathematics, and Humanities subjects, ensuring a balanced exam load.
What Are the Important Details Students Should Note About ICSE 2026?
Students appearing for the ICSE exam must pay attention to the reporting rules and reading time guidelines. They must arrive 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute delays. The board has placed high-weightage subjects at strategic intervals to maintain a fair workload. The ICSE exam continues to focus on conceptual understanding, structured writing, and application-based questions. Students should revise diagrams, maps, and numerical concepts thoroughly.
Important instructions include:
- Report at least 30 minutes before the exam
- Use the 15-minute reading time wisely
- Carry only permitted stationery
- Follow all answer-sheet writing guidelines
- Manage time efficiently during long papers
When Will the ISC Class 12 Exams 2026 Take Place?
The ISC Class 12 exams will be conducted from February 12, 2026, to April 6, 2026. This long schedule reflects the greater number of subjects offered across Science, Commerce, and Humanities streams. Most papers begin at 11:00 AM, with a few practical-based subjects having varied timings.
Class 12 exams carry high significance because results influence college admissions. Therefore, the timetable includes comfortable gaps between core subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, Business Studies, and Psychology.
Complete ISC Class 12 Date Sheet 2026 (Full Schedule)
| Date | Time | Subject |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 12 | 11:00 AM | Psychology |
| Feb 13 | 11:00 AM | English Language – Paper 1 |
| Feb 16 | 11:00 AM | Electives (Varies by school) |
| Feb 18 | 11:00 AM | Physics – Paper 1 |
| Feb 20 | 11:00 AM | Commerce / Sociology |
| Feb 22 | 11:00 AM | Chemistry – Paper 1 |
| Feb 24 | 11:00 AM | Mathematics |
| Feb 26 | 11:00 AM | Political Science |
| Feb 28 | 11:00 AM | Accounts |
| Mar 3 | 11:00 AM | Biology – Paper 1 |
| Mar 5 | 11:00 AM | Business Studies |
| Mar 7 | 11:00 AM | Computer Science |
| Mar 10 | 11:00 AM | Economics |
| Mar 13 | 11:00 AM | Geography |
| Mar 17 | 11:00 AM | History |
| Mar 20 | 11:00 AM | Environmental Science |
| Mar 24 | 11:00 AM | Elective Papers (School-level combinations) |
| Mar 28 | 11:00 AM | English Literature – Paper 2 |
| Apr 6 | 11:00 AM | Final Elective / Arts Papers |
Note : ISC schools offer over 50 subjects, so practical exam timings vary.
How Many Students Will Appear for CISCE ICSE & ISC 2026 Exams?
Approximately 2.6 lakh students are expected to write the ICSE exam and nearly 1.5 lakh students will appear for the ISC exam. These numbers remain consistent with previous years, showing stable participation from CISCE-affiliated schools. The increase in vocational, skill-based, and application-focused subjects has attracted a diverse pool of students across streams.
Highlights include:
- Strong participation in languages
- Rising interest in Computer Applications and Robotics
- Steady growth in Commerce stream subjects
- High enrolment in core Science subjects
What Changes Have Been Introduced by CISCE in Recent Years?
CISCE removed compartment exams from 2024 and replaced them with improvement exams, allowing students to appear in up to two subjects within the same academic year. This system helps students avoid losing an entire year due to low marks in one or two papers.
The board has also standardised evaluation, allowed more transparency in re-evaluation, and introduced new skill-based electives.
Changes include:
- Re-evaluation introduced for students needing review
- Improvement exams for up to two subjects
- Better spacing between major exams
- School-wise coordination for practicals
- Enhanced student-friendly guidelines
When Will CISCE Declare the 2026 Results?
The results for ICSE and ISC 2026 are expected in April–May 2026. In recent years, the board has consistently released results on time, ensuring students can apply early for admissions and entrance exams. Students unsatisfied with their marks can request re-evaluation or appear in improvement exams, following the new CISCE policy.
FAQs About CISCE ICSE & ISC 2026 Exam Date Sheet
What is the ICSE Class 10 exam start date for the 2026 board exams?
The ICSE Class 10 exams will begin on February 17, 2026.
When will the ISC Class 12 exams for 2026 start and end?
The ISC Class 12 exams start on February 12 and conclude on April 6, 2026.
Which subject will be the first paper for ICSE Class 10 in 2026?
The first ICSE paper is English Language – Paper 1 scheduled on February 17.
Which subject opens the ISC Class 12 timetable in 2026?
The ISC exam begins with Psychology on February 12.
How much extra reading time will students get before each CISCE exam?
Students are given 15 minutes of reading time before they start writing.
How many students are expected to appear for ICSE 2026?
Nearly 2.6 lakh students will write the ICSE Class 10 examination.
How many candidates are set to appear for ISC 2026?
Around 1.5 lakh students will take the ISC Class 12 examination.
What is the daily reporting time for CISCE 2026 exams?
Students must report at least 30 minutes before the exam begins.
What are the common exam timings for ICSE and ISC 2026?
Most exams start at 11:00 AM, while a few Art papers begin at 09:00 AM.
Has CISCE discontinued compartment exams for 2026?
Yes, CISCE replaced compartment exams with re-evaluation and improvement exams.
How many subjects can students choose for improvement exams under CISCE rules?
Students may appear for improvement exams in up to two subjects.
When will CISCE announce the results for ICSE and ISC 2026?
Results are expected during April–May 2026.