New Delhi: The month of January is a critical time for millions of students under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). With the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams scheduled to begin on February 17, 2026, the board has shifted into high gear.
This week, the CBSE officially launched its annual Psycho-Social Counseling service to help students handle exam stress. Meanwhile, schools across India are busy conducting practical exams, and students are anxiously waiting for their Admit Cards. Here is a complete wrap-up of all the “CB” news trending right now.
1. CBSE Counseling 2026: Help is Just a Call Away
Acknowledging the high pressure on students, the CBSE started its first phase of counseling on January 6, 2026.
- What is it? A free service where students and parents can talk to experts about exam anxiety, time management, and preparation strategies.
- Toll-Free Number: Students can dial 1800-11-8004 to access the Interactive Voice Response System (IVRS).
- 24×7 Support: The helpline works round the clock. It offers tips in Hindi and English, FAQs, and stress management guides.
- Live Chats: Tele-counseling is also available from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM on working days, where trained principals and psychologists answer queries personally.
2. Admit Card 2026: When Will It Be Released?
This is the most asked question on social media. Since the exams start on February 17, the board follows a strict timeline.
- Expected Date: Based on previous trends, the CBSE Class 10 and 12 Admit Cards (Hall Tickets) are likely to be released in the first week of February 2026.
- How to Get It:
- Regular Students: You cannot download it yourself. Your school will download it, get it signed by the Principal, and hand it over to you.
- Private Candidates: You can download it directly from the official website cbse.gov.in using your application number.
3. Practical Exams: Strict SOPs for Schools
Practical examinations commenced on January 1, 2026, and are currently in full swing across the country. This year, the board has issued stricter “Standard Operating Procedures” (SOPs) to ensure fairness.
- External Examiners: For Class 12, an external examiner appointed by CBSE must be present. If a school conducts the exam without one, the marks will be cancelled.
- Geo-Tagged Photos: Schools have to upload group photos of students with the external examiner on the board’s server on the same day.
- Marks Uploading: Schools must upload the practical marks daily. Once uploaded, they cannot be changed.
4. Date Sheet Recap
In case you missed the revised schedule released in late December 2025:
- Start Date: February 17, 2026.
- Class 10 End Date: March 18, 2026.
- Class 12 End Date: April 4, 2026.
- Timing: Most papers will be held from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Why This Year is Different
The 2026 board exams are seeing a massive focus on Competency-Based Questions. The board has increased the weightage of these questions (case studies, MCQs, source-based) to 50% for Class 10 and 40% for Class 12. This means rote learning (mugging up) will not work; students need to understand the concepts deeply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does “CB” stand for in this news?
In the context of education news in India, “CB” refers to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), which conducts national-level board exams.
Q2: How can I contact the CBSE counselor?
You can call the toll-free number 1800-11-8004 for free counseling and stress management tips.
Q3: When will CBSE Class 10 Admit Cards 2026 be out?
The admit cards are expected to be released by the first week of February 2026.
Q4: Are the practical exam marks added to the final result?
Yes, practical/internal assessment marks are added to your theory marks to calculate the final percentage. You must pass both separately.
Q5: Is there a change in the exam pattern for 2026?
Yes, there is a higher percentage of “Competency-Based Questions” (MCQs and Case Studies) this year compared to last year.