CBSE Pre-Board 2025: Class 10 and 12 Exams to Begin in December — Check Complete Schedule and Key Details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the schedule for the pre-board examinations for Classes 10 and 12. These exams, which serve as a crucial practice run for the final board exams, will begin in December 2025. The announcement has brought a wave of urgency and excitement among students and schools, as they now gear up to assess their preparation levels before the main board examinations begin in February 2026.

Pre-Board Exams Begin from December 11

According to the Directorate of Education, the pre-board examinations for Class 10 will commence on December 11 and continue until December 20, 2025, while Class 12 pre-board exams will run from December 11 to December 27, 2025. These exams will be conducted in a centralized format to ensure uniformity in evaluation and to give students a realistic experience of the final board exam environment.

The Directorate has also stated that the pre-board exams will be conducted in two shifts to manage logistics and accommodate the large number of students appearing for the exams.

Two Shifts Announced for Pre-Boards

The pre-board examinations will be held in two sessions daily. The morning shift will be conducted from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, while the afternoon shift will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Students will receive the question paper 15 minutes before the exam begins, allowing them sufficient time to read and understand the questions thoroughly before starting to write.

This 15-minute reading period is considered crucial as it helps students plan their answers effectively, manage time better, and reduce exam-related anxiety.

Both Government and Private Schools to Conduct Exams

While the pre-board exams will be mandatory in all government and government-aided schools, private schools affiliated with CBSE are also expected to conduct their own pre-board exams during the same period. However, the exact dates may vary slightly from one institution to another.

The pre-board examinations play a vital role in helping students identify their weak areas before the final exams. Teachers also use these results to design last-minute revision sessions and personalized guidance for each student.

First Papers and Subject Details

For Class 10 students, the first paper will be Science, which will be followed by other subjects in a phased manner. On the other hand, Class 12 students will begin with Mathematics and Geography papers. The detailed subject-wise timetable has been shared with schools, and any remaining subjects not listed in the centralized schedule will be managed internally by respective schools.

The Education Department has instructed schools to communicate any changes or updates to students well in advance so they can plan their studies without confusion.

Preparing for the Final Boards

The pre-board exams act as a final rehearsal for students before they appear for the actual board exams. These assessments help them get accustomed to the exam pattern, question types, and time management. Additionally, they boost confidence and highlight the areas where additional preparation is required.

CBSE has already confirmed that the final board examinations for Class 10 and 12 will begin on February 18, 2026, and conclude by March 12, 2026.

As the countdown to the pre-boards begins, students are advised to focus on revision, practice previous year papers, and work on improving their writing speed and accuracy. Teachers and parents, too, are playing a crucial role in ensuring that students remain stress-free and confident during this important phase of their academic journey