CBSE Board Exam Guidelines for Class 10 & 12: Download Official Instructions PDF.Understanding the CBSE board exam instructions 2026 is crucial for students preparing for the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations. While academic preparation helps you answer questions confidently, knowing the CBSE exam day guidelines ensures you avoid unnecessary stress or penalties on the big day. These instructions include everything from reporting time and permitted items to hall conduct and dress code, making them an essential part of your final exam planning.Â
Following the official CBSE instructions for Class 10 and 12 helps maintain fairness across exam centres and avoids last-minute confusion, ensuring smooth entry and exit procedures. Whether it’s knowing what stationery to carry or understanding what is strictly prohibited, these rules are formulated to streamline the examination process. With the complete CBSE board exam instructions at your fingertips, you can approach your exams with confidence, focus entirely on your performances, and minimize distractions.
Paying attention to these exam day rules is as important as studying the syllabus itself because even small mistakes can lead to disqualification or marks not being counted.
Overview: CBSE Board Exam Instructions 2026
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Authority | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Applicable Classes | Class 10 & Class 12 |
| Exam Year | 2026 |
| Key Focus | Exam Day Rules, Permitted & Barred Items, Conduct |
| Dress Code | Uniform (regular) / Light clothing (private) |
| Reporting Time | Gates open ~1 hour before exams |
| Prohibited Items | Electronic devices, unauthorized notes |
| Special Support | Extra time or scribe for eligible students |
| Main Purpose | Fair & smooth conduct of CBSE board exams |
| Official Website | https://www.cbse.gov.in/ |
CBSE Board Exam Timeline (2026)
Before reviewing instructions, students should remember that the CBSE Class 10 & 12 exam dates for 2026 have been finalized. Exam dates help candidates plan and follow the CBSE exam day instructions closely.
- CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026: February 17 to April 9, 2026
- CBSE Class 10 Board Exams 2026: February 17 to March 10, 2026
CBSE Board Exam Instructions – Key Rules
Knowing the CBSE board exam instructions 2026 is necessary for every aspirant. These rules help prevent confusion, ensure fairness, and set clear expectations for students entering the exam hall.
Reporting Time
Students must report early. Gates generally open about one hour before the exam starts and close around 15–30 minutes before the scheduled time. Late arrival can result in denial of entry, even with a valid reason.
Seating Arrangements
Follow the seating plan displayed at the centre. Sitting elsewhere can raise suspicion of malpractice and lead to issues.
Answer Sheet Protocol
Accurately fill in your roll number, subject code, and personal details exactly as instructed. Errors in this section may lead to answers not being evaluated.
Hall Conduct
Students should stay calm, follow invigilator instructions, and avoid unnecessary movement or communication during the exam.
Permitted Items – What You Can Carry
Understanding what is allowed can smooth entry into the exam hall. The CBSE board exam instructions list the following items as permitted:
- Admit Card and Valid Photo ID (School ID for regular students / Government ID for private students)
- Stationery: Pens (blue or black), pencils, erasers, scale, and writing pad in a transparent pouch
- Analogue watch (smartwatches are prohibited)
- Transparent water bottle and travel essentials like metro cards, bus passes, or cash
Keeping items organized in a transparent pouch helps pass security checks quickly.
Barred Items – What to Avoid
CBSE strictly prohibits the following inside the examination hall:
- Electronic devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, health bands
- Unauthorized material: Notes, cheat sheets, printed books, pen drives, calculators (unless approved for disabled students)
- Personal items: Wallets, handbags, pouches, and food items (except for medically permitted items)
Even accidentally carrying a banned item can be considered malpractice.
Dress Code for CBSE Board Exams
Adhering to the dress code is part of the CBSE board exam instructions 2026:
- Regular students: Must wear school uniform
- Private candidates: Recommended to wear simple, light clothing
- Accessories: Avoid metal items like bracelets and large belt buckles to speed up checking
Strict Hall Rules
During the exam:
- Sit according to the allocated seat and wait for instructions
- Avoid talking or sharing items with others
- Complete all entries on the answer sheet carefully
- Hand over the main and any supplementary sheets before leaving
Special Instructions for Students with Disabilities
CBSE offers accommodations for students with disabilities if pre-approved:
- Extra time and scribe assistance may be granted
- Supportive seating or separate hall arrangements might be provided
Students must submit all necessary documentation ahead of the exam day to qualify.
CBSE Malpractice Rules
CBSE defines categories of unfair means with strict penalties:
- Possession of previous year papers or copying material can lead to exam cancellation
- Using electronic devices, impersonation, or abusive behavior results in cancellation of exams for multiple years
FAQs: CBSE Board Exam Instructions 2026
Q1. What are the official CBSE board exam instructions 2026?
They are rules and guidelines to be followed on exam day for Class 10 & 12 board exams.
Q2. What items are allowed in CBSE board exams?
Students can carry their admit card, valid ID, required stationery, analogue watch, and transparent water bottle.
Q3. What items are strictly banned?
Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, notes, and unauthorized stationery are prohibited.
Q4. Do CBSE board exams have a dress code?
Yes, regular students must wear uniforms; private students should wear simple clothes.
Q5. Can students with disabilities get extra time?
Yes, extra time or scribe support may be provided with proper pre-approval.
