The Telangana Board of Intermediate Education has announced a revised late entry policy for the Intermediate Public Examinations (IPE) 2026. Under the updated rule, students will be given a five-minute grace period beyond the scheduled reporting time to enter their exam halls without being marked absent. This change comes into effect from 25 February 2026, when the annual board exams begin across the state. The decision aims to ease pressure on students and help ensure they reach their designated centres in time, even in case of minor delays.
What the Grace Period Means for Students?
Under the revised directive:
- Students must reach exam centres before the exam start time.
- A five-minute grace period will be allowed to enter the hall after the reporting cut-off.
This allowance is designed to support students who might be slightly delayed due to unforeseen circumstances such as traffic or transport issues, without compromising the integrity of the examination process.
Scope of the Policy
The grace period applies to all candidates appearing for the IPE 2026 exams, which are being held at numerous centres across Telangana for nearly 9.97 lakh students. The board will monitor exam conduct through established systems and control rooms to ensure smooth operations.
Examination Context and Preparations
The Intermediate exams are scheduled to run through March 2026, with students required to carry their hall tickets and follow all standard instructions issued by the board. Admit cards were released in advance and centre details have been made available online. Students are advised to:
- Reach their examination centres well before the reporting time
- Carry their hall ticket and valid identification
- Follow all guidelines given by invigilators on exam day
Why the Change Matters?
Typically, strict entry deadlines are enforced to maintain test security and fairness. However, the Telangana board’s move to allow a short grace period reflects an understanding of student challenges and aims to reduce avoidable stress before critical examinations.Board officials and school authorities have welcomed the policy as a supportive measure, especially for students commuting from distant areas, while still preserving the discipline required in large-scale public exams.