CBSE date sheet 2026 faces backlash over lack of preparation gaps; students demand more time

Several students appearing for board exams have expressed disappointment in CBSE date sheet 2026, complaining that there are hardly any gaps for major subjects leaving no time for preparation. Candidates are especially demanding more time for science papers.

The Central Board of Secondary Education recently issued the CBSE tentative date sheet for Class 10, 12 board exams 2026. CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 will be held twice a year, phase 1 from February 17 to March 9 and phase 2 from May 15 to June 1.

Science students who have opted physical education as their secondary subject are stressed over lack of sufficient time as the exam is scheduled for February 18 while physics paper has been scheduled for just two days later on February 20.

Similarly, Tamil paper is scheduled for February 24 while the science exam is on the next day, February 25, resulting in “unnecessary”, “unwarranted” stressful situations.

While most of the examinees are worried about the one-day gaps between language and science papers, some also pointed out that 20 days have been provided for English while only two days are left for accountancy and economics papers, putting commerce students under stress.

CBSE date sheet 2026

Highlighting that there is enough time between February 28 and March 5, many students and parents asked the board to revise the CBSE exam dates 2026.

“Biology students who’ve taken psychology and physical education have barely any gap before their physics exam. Physics should be moved to March,” an X user said in a post.

A student seeking changes in CBSE board exam date sheet 2026, wrote on X, “There is not enough time for preparatory holiday. We are given only one day which is not enough as we have length chapter and heft weightage in both the subjects . I hope the regarded authorities look into the matter and changes the dates.”

Another student, demanding more time for physics, said, “there is plenty of time between chemistry on 28th and English on 12th so kindly adjust these dates and give some extra time for physics.”

“Not a good date sheet for science subjects. Less gap between physics and chemistry and fine arts and chemistry, just a day gap! Why? Chemistry has a huge syllabus. Science is the most neglected stream for CBSE,” charged another X user.

Explaining how all Punjabi students will face issues, a user sought a revised date sheet. She said, “In the tentative datesheet posted yesterday for grade 10, science paper (on 25.02.26) has no holiday for the students attempting Punjabi exam too (on 24.02.26) All Punjab students will have a problem in this regard. Kindly reconsider the datesheet.”

Demanding revision of French exam date, a student wrote, "Completely insensitive schedule for students taking the French exam. Leaves just one prep day for French, and also for science. The French exam should also be moved to March 3 (along with other language papers). Kindly do the needful."