Maharashtra HSC Exams 2026 Begin from Feb 10; Key Exam Day Guidelines

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has commenced the Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) Class 12 board examinations for 2026 from 10 February 2026 across the state. More than 13 lakh students are expected to appear for the HSC exams, which will be held at several thousand exam centres.

Maharashtra HSC 2026: Exam Overview & Schedule

According to the official timetable, the HSC examinations will begin on 10 February 2026. The board has organised the exams at 3,387 centres using over 61,000 classrooms to accommodate the large number of candidates. The examination schedule specifies that written tests for Class 12 will continue through the designated timetable as released by MSBSHSE. (Previous schedules indicate that written exams typically run from early February through mid‑March each year.)

Important Exam Day Guidelines for Students

To ensure smooth conduct of the HSC board exams, the Maharashtra board has issued several important instructions for students:

• Candidates must arrive at the exam centre on time, as late entry will not be permitted. Students are generally advised to be present at least 30 minutes before the scheduled start time
• Students must carry a hard copy of the admit card; entry to the examination hall will not be allowed without it.
• Candidates should report in proper school uniform and carry their school identity card, along with stationery such as pens, pencils, erasers, and other permitted items.
• Question papers will not be distributed early; instead, students are typically given extra reading time at the start of the examination, a practice continued from previous years.

These guidelines are designed to help students focus on their exams without confusion over entry procedures or examination conduct.

Enhanced Security and Fair Conduct Measures

The board has also strengthened security measures to maintain the integrity of the HSC examinations:

• CCTV surveillance has been installed in more than 85 per cent of classrooms to deter malpractice and ensure transparency at exam centres.
• Special inspection teams have been deployed at centres identified as sensitive or prone to irregularities.

These actions follow steps by the board to prevent unfair practices and uphold credible evaluation standards for all students.

Support Services and Student Assistance

In addition to strict conduct measures, some regions and boards have also introduced student support services, including free counselling and academic helplines, to help students manage exam stress and get last‑minute guidance during the board exam period.