CBSE Board Exams 2026: What is Allowed, What is Not - Check List of Documents to Carry, Dress Code and Important Guidelines

CBSE Board Exam 2026: The Central Board of Secondary Education Board Exams 2026 will begin from 17 February 2026, one of the most important academic milestones for students. This year, more than 46 lakh students from India and 26 countries abroad will appear for the examinations

While class 12 exams start with additional subjects, for Class 10 students the very first paper is of Mathematics which is among the most significant and pressure-filled exams. Besides thorough revision and solid exam preparation, knowing the rules, documents and allowed items is crucial because many students lose entry due to avoidable mistakes.

In this article, we have compiled a complete, well-researched guide detailing the essential reporting times, new CBSE reforms, strict dress codes, and the ultimate checklist of allowed and prohibited items to ensure you have a smooth, stress-free exam day.

Key CBSE Reforms for 2026 You Should Know

This year CBSE has introduced some major initiatives this year that aim to streamline the evaluation process and reduce student stress:

Second Board Examination for Class 10

Students get another chance to improve scores in the same year.

On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12

• Over 18 lakh students appear yearly

• Evaluation time reduced from 12 to 9 days

• Faster and transparent checking

• Marks cannot be re-verified after results

Redesigned Question Papers

The Science and Social Studies question papers for Class 10 have been strategically designed to better assess student competencies.

CBSE Board Exam 2026 Reporting Time & Entry Rules

Students must strictly follow the official schedule because CBSE does not allow entry after the cut-off time. Even a delay of a few minutes can stop you from appearing in the exam.

• Exam Starts: 10:30 AM

• Reach Centre By: 10:00 AM (Last entry allowed)

• Recommended Reporting: At least 90 minutes early

As per the CBSE advisory for 2026 board exams, no candidate will be permitted entry after 10:00 AM.

Travel Advisory for Students

Due to traffic restrictions, diversions and congestion, planning travel in advance is essential to avoid panic on exam morning.

• Leave home early

• Visit centre one day before

• Check route beforehand

• Keep extra travel buffer

Also Check

CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet 2026

CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026

Exam Day Guidelines & Reporting Time

Punctuality is absolutely non-negotiable for the CBSE board exams. According to the official CBSE advisory:

• Exam Timing: The examination starts promptly at 10:30 AM (IST).

• Strict Cut-off Time: All students have been directed to reach their examination centre on or before 10:00 AM. No candidate will be allowed to enter the premises after 10:00 AM (IST).

• Anticipate Delays: Due to important National/International Summits, high-level meetings, and anticipated traffic regulations, there may be route diversions, congestion, and delays in different parts of the country.

• Plan Ahead: Students are strongly advised to leave their homes early. Look into local conditions, weather, traffic, and distance to plan your journey accordingly.

• Scout the Route: Students are advised to visit their examination centre in advance to familiarize themselves with the travel plan and ensure they arrive on time. Arriving at least 90 minutes before the exam begins is highly recommended.

Essential Documents to Carry

Before you step out of your house, triple-check that you have these mandatory documents in your hand:

• Original CBSE Admit Card: Printed and signed (digital copies on phones are not allowed).

• Valid Photo ID: For regular students, this is your official School ID card. Private candidates must carry a valid government-issued photo ID (like an Aadhaar card).

CBSE Board Exam Dress Code 2026

Dressing appropriately isn't just about discipline; it ensures a much faster security frisking process at the entry gates.

For Regular Students

• You must wear your complete, official school uniform. Entry can be denied if you show up in casual clothes.

For Private Candidates

• Opt for light, simple clothing.

• Avoid outfits with large buttons, heavy embroidery, or multiple zip pockets.

General Dress Code Guidelines for All Students

To ensure smooth entry and prevent suspicion during checking, students should keep their appearance simple and free from accessories.

• Prefer school shoes or simple footwear (avoid heavy shoes)

• Do not wear metallic jewellery

• Avoid caps or sunglasses

• Smart bands and digital watches are not allowed

Following the dress code helps maintain exam security and ensures students enter the hall without last-minute issues.

Allowed Items Inside the Exam Hall

Only basic stationery is permitted so that exams remain fair and distraction-free. Avoid carrying anything unnecessary.

• Blue or black ballpoint pen

• Transparent water bottle

• Geometry instruments (without box, if required)

• Pencil, eraser, sharpener

Banned Items: What NOT to Carry

CBSE follows strict anti-cheating rules. Carrying prohibited items even by mistake can lead to cancellation of the exam.

• Mobile phones

• Smart watches / Bluetooth devices

• Calculators (unless allowed for specific subjects)

• Notes or chits

• Bags and wallets

• Electronic gadgets

• Any written material

Dos and Don’ts Inside the Exam Hall

Safety and discipline are paramount at all CBSE centres. Frisking and verification will be conducted at entry points, and students must fully cooperate with the staff.

Do:

• Follow all instructions given by the invigilators without arguing.

• Maintain absolute silence and decorum.

• Carefully check and fill in all the details on your answer sheet before you start writing.

• Report any discrepancies in your question paper immediately.

Don’t:

• Engage in any unfair practices or attempt to cheat.

• Disturb other students during the examination.

• Leave the exam hall before the paper ends, unless explicitly permitted by the invigilator.

• Handle exam materials contrary to the provided instructions.

Security & Safety Measures

To maintain fairness, CBSE has strengthened monitoring and verification procedures across centres.

• Frisking at entry gates

• Identity verification mandatory

• Immediate action against malpractice

The aim is smooth and transparent conduct of examinations.

Final Exam Day Checklist

Before leaving home, quickly verify these essentials to avoid last-minute stress.

• Admit card packed

• ID proof ready

• Pens & stationery prepared

• Route checked

• Reach before 10:00 AM

Final Advice for Students

Board exams test not only knowledge but also discipline. A calm and well-prepared student performs better than a stressed one. Sleep well, reach early, read questions carefully and manage time wisely.

Best wishes to all students appearing in CBSE Board Exams 2026!

Check| CBSE Class 10 Maths Study Material for Board Exam 2026