State Wise Board Exams in India: Complete Class 10 & 12 List, Exam Dates, Preparation Guide

Summary: Every year, over 2 crore students across India take Class 10 and 12 board exams conducted not just by national boards like CBSE and ICSE but also by more than 28 state education boards. These boards schedule their exams mostly between February and April, with results coming out by May or June. This guide walks you through the full list of state boards, their websites, exam schedules, how they differ, and tips to help you prepare confidently for 2026.​

Table of Contents

A Warm Welcome to Your Board Exams Journey

Board exams are a big deal—whether you’re stepping into Class 10 or wrapping up Class 12, these exams can open doors to great career opportunities, including government jobs through exams like SSC, NDA, and more. But with so many different boards across India, it can feel confusing to figure out exactly who conducts your exams, what dates to remember, or what resources to trust.

That’s why this guide is here—to cut through the noise and provide you with a clear, easy-to-understand roadmap. Think of it as your one-stop reference for everything about state board exams in India for 2026. With this information at hand, you’ll feel more confident, less overwhelmed, and better prepared to take on those exams with a winning mindset.​

State-Wise Board Exams List

India’s state boards are as diverse as the country itself, designed to respect local languages, culture, and educational priorities. Each state runs its own exams for Classes 10 and 12, and while many follow a general February-to-April schedule, there are subtle differences worth knowing.

Here’s a handy table summarizing the key boards, their official websites, and typical exam months. Checking your state board’s site regularly ensures you never miss exam updates!

State/UT Board Name Official Website Class 10 Exam Month Class 12 Exam Month
Andhra Pradesh Board of Secondary Education Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) bse.ap.gov.in March-April March
Arunachal Pradesh Directorate of Secondary Education dbse.arunachal.gov.in March March
Assam Board of Secondary Education Assam (SEBA/AHSEC) sebaonline.org / ahsec.assam.gov.in February-March February-March
Bihar Bihar School Examination Board (BSEB) biharboardonline.bihar.gov.in February-March February
Chhattisgarh Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education (CGBSE) cgbse.nic.in March March
Delhi Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) cbse.gov.in February-March February-April
Goa Goa Board of Secondary & Higher Secondary Ed. gbshse.gov.in April March-April
Gujarat Gujarat Secondary & Higher Secondary Ed. Board gseb.org February-March February-March
Haryana Board of School Education Haryana (BSEH) bseh.org.in February-March February-March
Himachal Pradesh Himachal Pradesh Board of School Education hpbose.org March March
Jammu & Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) jkbose.nic.in February-March February-March
Jharkhand Jharkhand Academic Council (JAC) jac.jharkhand.gov.in February-March February
Karnataka Karnataka School Examination & Assessment Board kseab.karnataka.gov.in March-April March
Kerala Kerala Board of Public Examinations (DHSE) dhsekerala.gov.in / pareekshabhavan.kerala.gov.in March March
Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh Board of Secondary Education mpbse.nic.in February-March February-March
Maharashtra Maharashtra State Board of Secondary & HSC mahahsscboard.in February-March February-March
Manipur Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BSEM/COHSEM) bsem.nic.in March March
Meghalaya Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) megresults.nic.in February-March February-March
Mizoram Mizoram Board of School Education (MBSE) mbse.edu.in March March
Nagaland Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) nbsenl.edu.in February-March February
Odisha Board of Secondary Education Odisha (BSE)/CHSE bseodisha.ac.in / chseodisha.nic.in February-March February
Punjab Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) pseb.ac.in February-March February-March
Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education Rajasthan (RBSE) rajeduboard.rajasthan.gov.in March March
Sikkim Sikkim Board of Secondary Education sikkimhrdd.org March March
Tamil Nadu Directorate of Govt. Examinations Tamil Nadu dge.tn.gov.in March-April March
Telangana Telangana State Board of Secondary Education bse.telangana.gov.in March March
Tripura Tripura Board of Secondary Education tbse.tripura.gov.in March March
Uttar Pradesh Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Shiksha Parishad upmsp.edu.in February-March February-March
Uttarakhand Uttarakhand Board of School Education (UBSE) ubse.uk.gov.in March March
West Bengal West Bengal Board of Secondary Education (WBBSE/WBCHSE) wbbse.wb.gov.in / wbchse.wb.gov.in February February
Many students take their state board exams with hope and determination but face tough challenges, as recent data showed about 65 lakh students failing these exams in 2023. This highlights that beyond getting the facts right, preparation and guidance are key.​

National Boards Overview

CBSE Board

If your school is affiliated with CBSE, you can expect a uniform national syllabus, largely based on NCERT textbooks. CBSE is famous for preparing students well for competitive exams like JEE and NEET, which many students aspire to crack. The Class 10 and 12 exams usually happen in February to April. CBSE’s pass percentage is consistently high, around 93%.

ICSE Board

ICSE schools emphasize an English medium curriculum that’s broad and detailed, focusing on writing skills, critical thinking, and creativity. Exams tend to be more descriptive and challenging, preparing students for careers requiring strong English communication. If you’re in ICSE, expect your board exams in similar months to CBSE.

CBSE vs ICSE vs State Boards: What’s the Difference?

Choosing between CBSE, ICSE, and your state board can feel like a big decision. Here’s how they compare in a nutshell:

Feature CBSE ICSE State Boards
Curriculum Standardized NCERT textbooks Broad, in-depth, English medium Regional languages and local syllabus
Difficulty Level Moderate Generally tougher, descriptive Generally easier, varies by state
Language Hindi and English English only Regional + English
Pass Percentages Around 93% Around 88-92% Roughly 70-90%, varies widely
Suitable For National competitive exams Creative careers, strong English focus Regional government jobs, affordability
Number of Students About 25 lakh per year Around 3 lakh per year Over 1.7 crore per year
If you want to compete nationally for exams like UPSC, JEE, or NEET, CBSE is often recommended. State boards are perfect if you prefer lessons in your regional language or aim for government jobs in your state. ICSE is ideal if you want a rigorous English based curriculum that prepares you for higher studies abroad or in English-medium fields.​

When Are State Board Exams Scheduled?

Generally, state board exams are held between February and April:

  • Northern states (like UP, Bihar, Punjab) typically start exams in February.

  • Southern states (like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka) often hold exams as late as April.

  • Results mostly come out between May and June.

Slight date variations occur yearly, so keep an eye on official board notifications. For example:

  • Maharashtra held its 2025 exams from Feb 21 to March 15, while

  • Tamil Nadu’s public exams ran from March 28 to April 15.

Timely checking of official board websites is critical so you don’t miss important dates.​

Choosing the Right Board for Your Future

What’s the best board for you? It depends on your ambitions:

  • If cracking national-level competitions like SSC, NDA, or IIT JEE is your dream, CBSE’s syllabus and exam style will suit you well.

  • If pursuing a local government job or you prefer studying in your mother tongue, your state board is a solid choice and more affordable.

  • If you want to sharpen your English skills and explore creative fields, ICSE is the way to go.

No matter your board, consistent effort and good study habits are the real key!​

How to Prepare for Your Board Exams

  • Know your syllabus well: Download your state or national board syllabus and focus on the prescribed topics first.

  • Make a study plan: Allocate time according to the exam calendar. Early starters can cover more ground comfortably.

  • Practice past papers: This sharpen your exam-taking skills and helps reduce anxiety.

  • Use trusted resources: Your board’s official website offers sample papers, solution guides, and updates.

  • Stay healthy: Balanced meals, sleep, and breaks improve focus and memory.

  • Leverage online help: Video lessons, coaching classes, and discussion forums can clarify difficult concepts.

Remember, smart study beats hard study. Build confidence by preparing steadily and clearing doubts regularly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many state boards are there in India?

India has more than 28 major state education boards alongside CBSE and ICSE, totaling over 50 recognized bodies under the Council of Boards of School Education in India (COBSE).​

What is the full state wise board exams list for Class 10 and 12?

Please refer to the detailed table above which lists every major state’s education board, their official website, and typical exam schedules.​

When are state board exams usually conducted?

Exams are generally held between February and April, but exact dates vary yearly so always check your board’s official site for the current schedule.​

What are the key differences between CBSE, ICSE, and state board exams?

CBSE follows a national study pattern ideal for competitive exams; ICSE emphasizes English and creative skills; state boards focus on regional relevance and affordability, with exam difficulty levels varying widely.​

How many students appear each year for state board exams?

Approximately 2 crore students across India take state board exams annually, with some states accounting for millions of these examinees. In 2023, over 65 lakh students failed, emphasizing the importance of strong preparation.

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