CBSE Exams From February 17: No Entry After 10 AM, Strict Advisory Issued for Classes 10 & 12

Board Exams 2026 Kick Off Feb 17; CBSE Warns Students to Reach Centres Before 10 AM

The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued a strict advisory ahead of the Class 10 and Class 12 board exams starting February 17, 2026. Over 46 lakh students in India and 26 other countries will appear for the exams this year. The board has clearly stated that students must reach their exam centres on time, as no entry will be allowed after 10:00 AM under any circumstances.

The entry gates will open at 9:00 AM and close sharply at 10:00 AM, while the examination will begin at 10:30 AM. Students are advised to leave home early, keeping possible traffic congestion in mind. CBSE has also instructed students to carry a printed admit card signed by their school principal along with a valid ID proof. Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and other electronic gadgets are strictly banned inside the exam hall. Only basic stationery in a transparent pouch and a transparent water bottle are allowed.

This year, CBSE has introduced important changes under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Class 10 students will have an opportunity to improve their scores with a second board exam attempt in May 2026. For Class 12, answer sheets will be checked digitally through on-screen marking to reduce errors. Additionally, about 50% of the question paper will focus on competency-based and application-oriented questions instead of rote learning.

Students are advised to carefully check the subject code on the question paper during the 15-minute reading time before writing the exam. The board has urged everyone to stay calm, follow the rules, and focus on performing their best.