The 2026 Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 12 board examinations are being taken by thousands of students at the highest academic level under the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE). The board exams are being held from 10 February 2026 to 11 March 2026, with students from various streams such as Science, Commerce, Arts, and Vocational courses appearing for their final school-level assessment.
Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026 – Dates and Overview
Contents
- 1 Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026 – Dates and Overview
- 2 Exam Dates
- 3 Maharashtra HSC Exam Dates & Shifts
- 4 Subject-Specific Examination Highlights
- 5 Exam Day Instructions
- 6 Paper Analysis & Answer Key Updates
- 7 Security Measures and Malpractice Policy
- 8 What Comes After the Exams
- 9 Preparation Advice for Maharashtra HSC Exams
- 10 Final Summary
The annual Maharashtra HSC Board Exams aim to assess Class 12 students’ academic performance and determine their eligibility for higher education and career opportunities. These exams are conducted in offline format (pen and paper). Students appear for theory papers, while practical exams and internal assessments are completed before the main written examination schedule.
Exam Dates
The HSC board exams are being conducted from 10 February 2026 to 11 March 2026. Practical examinations and internal evaluations are completed between January and early February to ensure students are fully prepared for the written papers. The written exams are conducted in two shifts at multiple examination centres across Maharashtra.
Maharashtra HSC Exam Dates & Shifts
The Maharashtra Board has officially published the HSC examination timetable with a subject-wise breakdown of dates. Due to the large number of candidates appearing across the state, examinations are conducted in two sessions each day.
Shift Timings
- Morning Shift: 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM
- Afternoon Shift: 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Candidates are strongly advised to check their admit cards carefully, as specific reporting instructions may vary depending on the assigned shift and centre.
Subject-Specific Examination Highlights
The complete timetable includes subjects from multiple streams. Students should refer to the official schedule for full details. Some of the key examination dates are listed below:
- 10 February 2026: English (Common Paper)
- 11 February 2026: Hindi / Other Languages
- 12 February 2026: Marathi / Regional Subjects
- 14 February 2026: Commerce and Management Subjects
- 16 February 2026: Logic, Physics
- 18 February 2026: Chemistry and Political Science
- 21 February 2026: Mathematics and Statistics
- 23 February 2026: Child Development, Agricultural Science
- 25 February 2026: Biology, History and Music
- 26–28 February 2026: Accountancy, Geology and Other Subjects
- 2–10 March 2026: Elective and Group Papers
- 11 March 2026: Sociology (Last Exam)
Students are advised to carefully consult their admit cards and the official timetable for exact subject dates and reporting times.
Exam Day Instructions
To ensure a smooth and fair examination process, the board has issued important guidelines that all students must strictly follow on exam day.
Students should:
- Arrive at the examination centre at least 30 minutes before reporting time.
- Carry their HSC Admit Card and a valid School ID Card.
- Bring only permitted stationery such as pens and pencils.
- Avoid carrying mobile phones, smart watches, or any electronic devices inside the exam hall.
- Follow all instructions given by invigilators and examination centre staff.
- Use the additional reading time provided before writing begins wisely.
Following these instructions carefully can help students avoid unnecessary stress or disqualification.
Paper Analysis & Answer Key Updates
During the examination period, unofficial answer keys and paper analyses for subjects like English and Marathi are being shared online. These analyses provide insights into question patterns, difficulty levels, and expected answers to help students estimate their performance. However, students should remember that only official answer keys released by the board are considered final.
Security Measures and Malpractice Policy
To maintain the integrity of the HSC board examinations, MSBSHSE has introduced strict security measures. Sensitive examination centres have additional monitoring, and staff arrangements have been strengthened to prevent malpractice.
Strict action will be taken against students or staff found to be involved in unfair practices. These measures are designed to ensure fairness and transparency throughout the examination process.
What Comes After the Exams
After the final exam on 11 March 2026, the board begins the evaluation of answer sheets. The evaluation process typically continues for a few weeks. Results are generally announced between April and May 2026.
Students can check their results online using their roll numbers and required credentials. Based on their performance, students can proceed with higher education admissions and career planning.
Preparation Advice for Maharashtra HSC Exams
Success in board exams requires consistent preparation, time management, and discipline. Students should prepare strategically and follow a structured study plan.
Here are some useful preparation tips:
- Understand the exam pattern and marking scheme thoroughly.
- Prioritize subjects based on weightage and available preparation time.
- Practice previous years’ question papers to identify important topics.
- Take regular mock tests to improve confidence and time management.
- Revise consistently and clear doubts as early as possible.
A balanced combination of planning, revision, and practice can significantly improve performance and reduce exam anxiety.
Final Summary
The Maharashtra HSC Board Exams 2026 are being conducted from 10 February to 11 March 2026 across multiple streams and subjects. Students must follow the official timetable and adhere strictly to exam-day guidelines. With enhanced security measures in place, the board aims to ensure a fair and smooth examination process for all candidates.
