The CBSE board examinations for Classes 10 and 12 have commenced today, 17 February 2026, marking the start of the annual assessment period for over 43 lakh students nationwide. Both secondary and senior secondary exams are being held in offline pen-and-paper mode across thousands of centres in India and abroad, with a single shift scheduled on all exam days.
Reporting Time and Entry Rules for CBSE Board Exams
CBSE has set a strict reporting and entry policy for exam centres:
- Reporting time: Students must arrive well before 10:00 AM.
- Exam start: 10:30 AM sharp, with no late entry permitted after 10:00 AM.
- Entry gates close sharply at the specified time to ensure a smooth and fair examination environment.
Candidates are strongly advised to plan their commute in advance and consider traffic conditions to avoid any delays
Key CBSE Exam Day Guidelines
The board has outlined essential rules students must follow on exam day:
- Carry a printed admit card and valid photo ID proof to gain entry.
- Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches, and calculators are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
- Students will receive the question paper around 10:15 AM and be given 15 minutes to read the paper before the exam begins.
- Bell patterns and timing signals will be followed as per CBSE protocols to manage the exam schedule effectively.
Board’s Clarification on Misleading Rumours
Ahead of the exam commencement, CBSE issued a notice urging students, parents, and stakeholders not to engage with fake news or questions paper leak claims circulating on social media. The board reaffirmed the integrity of its exam process, noting that robust security measures are in place to ensure a fair evaluation environment.
What Students Should Do Today?
Students appearing for the Class 10 and Class 12 exams today must ensure:
- They reach their examination centres before 10:00 AM.
- Admit cards and ID proofs are ready and carried to the centre.
- They follow exam hall guidelines strictly to avoid disqualification or entry issues.
With exams underway, CBSE continues monitoring the conduct across centres, expecting a smooth and orderly evaluation process throughout the board exam schedule.