Updated 12 October 2026 | Verified against official CBSE notices

CBSE has published the date sheet for the Class XII Special Examinations 2026 for eligible candidates in West Asia. The PDF is dated 8 October and appeared on the Board’s official website on 9 October. Admit cards can be downloaded from 12 October 2026 onwards through the same login used for the application.

The examinations are scheduled for 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28 October 2026. This is a special examination for a defined group affected when some Class 12 examinations could not be held in West Asia during March–April 2026. It is not a general exam opportunity for all CBSE students in India.

Key dates

• Admit cards: From 12 October 2026
• Exam dates: 23, 24, 26, 27 and 28 October
• Usual timing: 10:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; selected skill papers end at 12:30 p.m.
• Official date sheet (PDF)

Why has CBSE announced a special exam?

In a circular dated 15 September 2026, CBSE said Class 12 examinations in 40 subjects could not be conducted in West Asian countries during March–April 2026 because of the prevailing situation. Eligible regular and private candidates subsequently received results under an assessment scheme. CBSE then decided to conduct examinations in affected subjects for eligible candidates whose results were declared under that scheme. The circular refers to the Supreme Court’s order in CWP-815 of 2026.

This arrangement is separate from the regular CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for 2027 and from the Class 10 second-board examination system. Students should rely on the exact conditions in the official notice rather than social-media summaries.

Who is eligible?

The 15 September circular limits eligibility to specific candidates from Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

• Regular candidates: Students of CBSE-affiliated schools in the listed countries whose LOC was submitted for the 2026 main examination and whose results were declared under the assessment scheme.
• Private candidates: Candidates from those countries who had submitted forms for the 2026 main examination and whose results were declared under the assessment scheme.
• Subjects: Candidates may appear in subjects of their choice subject to the circular and date sheet. Subject changes are not permitted.
• Fee: CBSE states that no examination fee will be charged.

Candidates absent during the 2026 main examinations for any reason are not eligible. A new candidate who did not appear in the 2026 main examinations is also not eligible. Exams will be held only in the affected West Asian countries, not in India or other countries. Read the official eligibility circular dated 15 September 2026.

Subject-wise timetable

The table summarises CBSE’s published date sheet. Check your admit card for the subject code, examination centre and candidate-specific instructions.

Sunday, 25 October is not listed as an examination day. This table is a quick reference only; the official PDF and admit card take precedence.

How to download the admit card

CBSE’s notice says candidates should download admit cards from 12 October onwards using the same login used while applying. The official CBSE homepage lists the admit-card link under “Latest @ CBSE”.

1. Open the official homepage and select the Class XII Special Examinations for West Asia – 2026 admit-card link.
2. Use the same application login.
3. Download and save the card; print a copy if required by the instructions.
4. Check your name, roll number, subject and code, date, centre and instructions immediately.

If you cannot access the portal or find an error, contact your school examination in-charge or official CBSE support promptly. Do not wait until exam morning or share login credentials publicly.

Last-minute preparation plan

With the first paper on 23 October, focus on syllabus-based revision and timed practice rather than collecting new notes.

• 12–14 October: Confirm the admit card and subjects, gather material used for the 2025–26 exam and list weak topics.
• 15–18 October: Revise the prescribed content for the first paper. Practise textbook-based questions, concepts, formulae, diagrams, case studies or writing formats relevant to your subject.
• 19–21 October: Attempt an official sample paper under timed conditions. Use its marking scheme to identify errors and revise those areas.
• 22 October: Do light revision, check exam instructions and travel plans, and avoid an all-night study session.
• Between papers: Switch to the next subject after each exam instead of spending hours debating the previous paper.

Use CBSE Academic’s Class XII sample papers and marking schemes for 2025–26 and the official 2025–26 curriculum. Select the exact subject and use the syllabus applicable to the 2026 examination. Do not assume that a 2026–27 sample paper automatically applies to this special exam. Sample papers help with question formats and time management; they do not guarantee which questions will appear.

What students and schools should do now

• Candidates: Download the admit card as soon as available and verify every detail.
• Regular candidates: Stay in touch with the school examination in-charge.
• Private candidates: Use the same application login and follow CBSE’s directions.
• Schools and families: Share the timetable with eligible candidates and plan travel only after checking the admit card.

CBSE’s 15 September circular says the result of this special examination will be final and will replace the candidate’s earlier performance. It also says post-result declaration facilities will not be available. Candidates should follow the official instructions carefully.

Frequently asked questions

When do the exams begin?

The first papers are scheduled for Friday, 23 October 2026, followed by papers on 24, 26, 27 and 28 October.

When are admit cards available?

From 12 October 2026 through the same login used for the application.

Can a student in India apply?

No. This special examination is for eligible Class XII candidates in the specified West Asian countries whose 2026 results were declared under the assessment scheme.

Can a candidate who was absent from the 2026 main exam take this paper?

No. CBSE’s circular says candidates absent from the 2026 main examinations for any reason are not eligible.

Where can I confirm details?

Use the CBSE homepage, the official date sheet and the eligibility circular.

Official sources and related TeachGyan resources

• CBSE homepage — latest notices and admit-card link
• CBSE West Asia special-exam date sheet (PDF)
• CBSE eligibility circular dated 15 September 2026 (PDF)
• CBSE Academic — Class XII sample papers, 2025–26
• CBSE Academic — curriculum for 2025–26

For broader notices, read TeachGyan’s October 2026 CBSE, NCERT and NIOS update and browse TeachGyan Class 12 resources.

Editorial note: This guide reflects official CBSE documents available on 12 October 2026. If CBSE publishes a revised notice, the latest circular and admit-card instructions take precedence.