CBSE Board Exams 2026 to Begin from February 17

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will commence the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Examinations from 17 February 2026 across India and abroad. Nearly lakhs of students are expected to appear for these crucial examinations that determine academic progression and higher education opportunities.

The exams will be conducted in offline (pen-and-paper) mode at designated examination centres following strict protocols to ensure transparency, discipline, and fairness.

Strict Reporting Time and Entry Schedule

CBSE has issued clear instructions regarding reporting time at examination centres. Students must reach their centres well in advance to complete verification and security checks.

• Entry to centres will generally begin around 9:00 AM
• Gates will close by 10:00 AM
• Question papers will be distributed at 10:15 AM
• Examination will begin at 10:30 AM

Late entry will not be permitted under any circumstances. Students have been advised to plan their travel accordingly and avoid last-minute delays.

Dress Code Guidelines for Candidates

To maintain uniformity and avoid security complications, CBSE has introduced specific dress code guidelines:

• Regular school candidates must wear their school uniform
• Private candidates should wear simple and light-coloured clothing
• Shoes with thick soles, metal accessories, belts, jewellery, and fancy outfits are discouraged
• Footwear should preferably be simple slippers or sandals

The dress code is intended to make security checks faster and smoother at examination centres.

Permitted Items Inside Examination Halls

Students are allowed to carry only essential and transparent items into the examination hall, including:

• Admit card and valid school ID
• Transparent pouch with pens, pencils, erasers, and geometry instruments
• Transparent water bottle
• Simple analogue watch (if permitted)

Students are advised to carry only necessary materials to avoid delays during frisking.

List of Prohibited Items

CBSE has strictly banned the following items inside exam centres:

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, and calculators
• Bags, wallets, purses, and electronic gadgets
• Notes, books, chits, or any written material
• Cameras, headphones, and digital storage devices
• Food items, except in special medical cases with prior permission

Possession of any prohibited item may result in disciplinary action under the board’s unfair means rules.

Security Measures and Discipline

Multiple levels of security checks, CCTV surveillance, and invigilator monitoring will be in place to ensure smooth conduct of examinations. Students must strictly follow the instructions of centre superintendents and invigilators.

Any form of misconduct, including attempting to carry prohibited materials or spreading rumours about question papers, will invite strict penalties.

Advisory for Students and Parents

CBSE has urged students and parents to rely only on official instructions issued by schools and examination centres. Candidates are advised to:

• Reach centres early
• Carry required documents
• Maintain calm and discipline
• Avoid rumours and misinformation
• Follow exam-day instructions carefully

With the board examinations approaching, authorities have emphasised the importance of cooperation from students, parents, and school administrations to ensure a fair and stress-free examination process.