The CBSE academic calendar 2025-26 has been officially released by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), giving students, parents, and educators a clear roadmap for the entire academic year. This detailed calendar covers everything from school reopening dates to mid-term exams, board exam timelines, holidays, and co-curricular activity windows.
The board has ensured that the academic calendar is aligned with the latest National Education Policy (NEP 2020) recommendations. It balances academic rigor with mental wellness, project-based learning, and preparation for competitive exams. This calendar is now being followed across all CBSE-affiliated schools in India and abroad starting April 1, 2025, and ending March 31, 2026.
Key Dates from the CBSE Academic Calendar 2025–26
The CBSE academic calendar 2025-26 outlines the term divisions, examination months, and important breaks:
| Activity | Dates |
|---|---|
| Academic Session Start | April 1, 2025 |
| Summer Vacation (Tentative) | May 15 – June 30, 2025 |
| Mid-Term Exams | September 10 – September 25, 2025 |
| Winter Break (North India) | December 25, 2025 – January 6, 2026 |
| Pre-Board Exams (Class 10 & 12) | January 15 – January 31, 2026 |
| CBSE Board Practical Exams | February 1 – February 15, 2026 |
| CBSE Final Board Exams | March 1 – March 25, 2026 |
| Academic Year End | March 31, 2026 |
These dates may vary slightly based on regional climates, but the core structure remains consistent nationwide.
Term-Wise Breakdown for All Classes
The CBSE academic calendar 2025-26 divides the year into two primary terms:
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Term 1 (April to September): Covers the first half of the syllabus, internal assessments, periodic tests, and mid-term exams.
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Term 2 (October to March): Focuses on second-half syllabus completion, revision, pre-boards, and final/board exams.
For Classes 9 to 12, both terms include project work, practical sessions, and internal assessments as per CBSE guidelines.
This calendar also includes recommended co-curricular activity weeks for arts, sports, coding, and community service integration into academics.
Holidays and Festival Breaks in 2025–26
Apart from seasonal vacations, the CBSE academic calendar 2025-26 includes observance of major national and religious holidays:
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Independence Day: August 15, 2025 (Friday)
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Gandhi Jayanti: October 2, 2025 (Thursday)
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Diwali Break: October 28 – November 2, 2025
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Christmas Holiday: December 25, 2025
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Republic Day: January 26, 2026
Schools have also been given autonomy to observe regional holidays based on state government notifications, provided minimum instructional hours are maintained.
Special Highlights in the 2025–26 Calendar
The CBSE academic calendar 2025-26 includes new initiatives for holistic learning:
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Skill-based assessments introduced from Class 6 upwards
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Weekly mental health periods in middle and senior schools
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AI and Financial Literacy modules for Classes 9 and 10
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Increased focus on NEP-aligned project-based learning
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Mandatory sports periods and yoga in weekly timetables
These features aim to create a more balanced and dynamic academic year, moving beyond rote learning.
FAQs
When does the CBSE academic year 2025–26 start and end?
The year starts on April 1, 2025, and ends on March 31, 2026, for all CBSE-affiliated schools.
When are the CBSE Board Exams scheduled for 2026?
Final board exams for Classes 10 and 12 are scheduled from March 1 to March 25, 2026, with practicals held in February.
Will there be two terms again this year?
Yes, the CBSE academic calendar 2025-26 follows a two-term structure—Term 1 (April–September) and Term 2 (October–March).
Are the holiday dates fixed for all schools?
Major holidays are fixed, but minor or regional holidays can be adjusted by school authorities based on state guidelines.
Where can I download the full CBSE calendar?
The official calendar is available with your school administration and also circulated via the CBSE regional offices and parent communication platforms.
Click here to know more.