The CBSE board exams come with a detailed rulebook that every student needs to understand well before the first paper. These instructions are not just formal guidelines they shape how smoothly your exam day goes. One small mistake at the centre can cost you time, marks, or even entry into the hall.
Board exam ready? Make sure you’re CBSE hall-ready – follow these important instructions!…
Students often focus on the syllabus but ignore the exam-day requirements. CBSE has made it clear that reporting time, allowed items, behavior inside the hall, and answer sheet protocols are non-negotiable. These rules help maintain fairness across thousands of exam centres.
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CBSE Board exam candidates, knowing the instructions is just as important as preparing for the paper. When you walk into the exam hall with confidence, clarity, and the right documents, half the stress disappears. Continue reading the article and know the complete details about the CBSE exam instructions to follow.
CBSE Class 10th & 12th Date Sheet 2026 (Final) Released
Before going into instructions, students should note that the final date sheets are now out. This helps you plan your preparation and understand how close the exams really are.
- CBSE Class 12th Date Sheet 2026 (Final): The exams will be held from 17 February to 9 April 2026.
- CBSE Class 10th Date Sheet 2026 (Final): The exams will be held from 17 February to 10 March 2026 (Phase 1).
With the schedule confirmed, it becomes even more important to follow all exam-day guidelines strictly.
CBSE Board Exam Instructions
Before entering the exam hall, it’s important to understand the official instructions. These rules cover everything from reporting time to permitted items and hall behavior. Following them carefully ensures smooth entry and avoids confusion.
- Reporting Time: Gates open about an hour before the exam and close 15–30 minutes before the scheduled time. Arriving late can mean losing the opportunity to take the exam, even with a valid reason.
- Seating Arrangements: Students must sit according to the seating plan. Randomly sitting elsewhere may lead to unnecessary issues or suspicion of malpractice.
- Answer Sheet Guidelines: Fill in your roll number, subject code, and personal details exactly as instructed. Mistakes here can lead to marks not being counted.
- General Conduct: Follow all instructions from invigilators calmly and politely. Avoid unnecessary movement, talking, or any action that could be misinterpreted.
By keeping these points in mind, students can enter the exam hall with confidence and focus entirely on their paper.
Permitted Items for CBSE Board Exam 2026
Knowing exactly what you are allowed to carry is essential. Carrying only the permitted items reduces stress during security checks and prevents accidental violations.
- Admit Card and ID: Regular students need their school ID; private students should carry a government-issued photo ID. Always check that your ID is valid and legible.
- Stationery: A transparent pouch containing blue or black pens, pencils, erasers, a scale, and a writing pad is allowed. Do not carry extra items like markers, colored pens, or highlighters unless specifically permitted.
- Other essentials include analogue watches (smartwatches are prohibited), a transparent water bottle, and travel essentials such as metro cards, bus passes, or cash.
Tip: Keep your stationery organized in a transparent pouch to ensure quick and smooth security checks. This small step saves time and prevents panic.
Barred Items in CBSE Board Exam 2026
CBSE clearly lists items that are not allowed. Carrying any of these can lead to strict penalties, including cancellation of the exam.
- Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, cameras, and health bands are strictly banned, even if switched off. Invigilators may confiscate them.
- Unauthorized Stationery: Notes, chits, printed books, pen drives, calculators (unless approved for students with disabilities), and log tables are prohibited.
- Personal Belongings: Wallets, handbags, pouches, and food items (except diabetic students) should be left outside or at home.
Tip: Always check your bag before leaving for the exam centre. Even an accidentally packed item like a pen drive or snack can be considered malpractice.
CBSE Board Exam Class 10 & 12 Dress Code
Following the dress code is important for a smooth entry and to avoid unnecessary delays at the gate.
- Regular Students: Must wear their school uniform. Uniform helps invigilators identify students quickly.
- Private Students: Light, simple clothing is recommended. Avoid layers, jackets, or complicated clothing that can slow down frisking.
Tip: Keep accessories minimal. Avoid metal bracelets, watches, or belts with large buckles, as they may be flagged during frisking.
CBSE Board Exam Hall Rules Class 10 & 12
Students must follow all hall rules carefully. Even small mistakes, like talking to another student or leaving your seat unnecessarily, can be misinterpreted.
- Sit according to the seating plan and wait for instructions before starting.
- Avoid talking, borrowing stationery, or leaving your seat without permission.
- Fill in roll number, subject code, and other details exactly as instructed.
- Hand over your answer sheet and supplementary sheets properly before leaving.
Tip: Listen carefully when invigilators explain the answer sheet procedure. Many students lose marks due to filling in the wrong roll number or subject code.
CBSE Class 10 & 12 Special Instructions for Students with Disabilities
CBSE provides support for students with disabilities, but arrangements must be requested in advance.
- Extra time and scribe assistance can be provided if pre-approved.
- Supportive seating arrangements or separate rooms may be allowed depending on the need.
- Submit all requests for special assistance before the exam day.
Tip: If you qualify for extra time or a scribe, make sure all documentation is complete and approved. This avoids last-minute confusion on exam day.
CBSE Board Exam Malpractice Categories – Class 10 & 12
CBSE defines unfair means categories to ensure all students follow the rules. Breaking these rules has serious consequences.
- Category 1-2: Possession of previous years’ papers, copying material, or erasing details can cancel a subject or all exams.
- Category 3-5: Using electronic devices, impersonation, abusive language, violence, or attaching currency notes in answer sheets can lead to cancellation for multiple years.
Tip: Even unintentional possession of a banned item may be considered malpractice. Stay alert and double-check before entering the hall.
Official CBSE Board Exam Instructions PDF – Class 10 & 12
CBSE releases the official instructions PDF every year, usually in January. It contains all exam-day rules in one place.
- Reporting time and entry procedures
- List of permitted and barred items
- Dress code guidelines
- Answer sheet instructions
- Malpractice categories and penalties
Tip: Download and read the official PDF thoroughly. Keep a copy with you to review a day or two before the exam to ensure nothing is missed.
Being aware of all CBSE Board Exam 2026 instructions helps students of Class 10th and 12th stay confident. Knowing what to carry, what to avoid, and how to behave ensures the exam day is smooth and stress-free. We hope that you find this article helpful and informative.
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