CBSE Exams 2026 Start Today: What Students Must Carry to Exam Hall

The wait is finally over for lakhs of students across the country. The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 have officially started from Tuesday, February 17, marking one of the most important academic moments of the year.

With nearly 43.6 lakh students appearing, schools, parents, teachers — and especially students — are stepping into examination mode. To help candidates avoid last-minute stress, here is a clear, student-friendly guide covering what to carry, what NOT to carry, exam timing, and the new CBSE changes this year.

🕘 Exam Timing (Very Important)

CBSE is conducting exams in a single shift across India.

Exam Time: 10:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Reporting Time: Reach centre by 10:00 AM (recommended earlier)

Students will also get 15 minutes reading time before writing begins.

📘 First Exam Subjects

Class 10

Mathematics – Basic
Mathematics – Standard

Class 12

Biotechnology
Entrepreneurship
Shorthand (English & Hindi)

🎒 Mandatory Items – Carry These Without Fail

Students will NOT be allowed entry without these essentials:

Printed CBSE Admit Card (hard copy only)
School ID Card
Proper School Uniform
Personal stationery items
Transparent water bottle

📌 Tip: Keep all items in a transparent pouch to pass checking quickly.

🖊️ Which Pen is Allowed?

CBSE has clearly instructed:

👉 Students must write the paper only with Blue or Black pen

Avoid:

Gel glitter pens
Multi-colour pens
Pencil for main answers

(Use pencil only for diagrams/graphs if required)

🚫 Strictly Prohibited Items

CBSE has enforced a zero-tolerance policy. If found, the student may not be allowed to appear.

Do NOT carry:

Mobile phone
Smart watch
Bluetooth device
Earbuds / headphones
Calculator (unless allowed subject-wise)
Any electronic gadget

⏰ Reach Early — Travel Advisory Issued

Due to the AI Impact Summit at Bharat Mandapam, Delhi, traffic restrictions are active in parts of central Delhi.

Delhi Police has issued special instructions:

Students carrying admit cards will get priority assistance
Traffic personnel deployed to help students reach on time

👉 Students are strongly advised to leave home earlier than usual.

✨ What’s New in CBSE Board Exams 2026?

1️⃣ Class 10 Dual-Exam Improvement System

CBSE continues its new policy allowing:

Students to reappear in selected subjects
Improve marks within the same academic year

This reduces pressure and supports better performance.

2️⃣ Class 12 Digital Evaluation (Big Change)

CBSE is introducing On-Screen Marking (OSM) from 2026.

Meaning:

Answer sheets will be checked digitally
Faster & more accurate evaluation
Reduced human error

CBSE estimates:

18.57 lakh Class 12 students
120 subjects
10.4 crore answer sheets

This is why the board is shifting to digital checking — even for international centres.

📌 Golden Exam-Day Advice for Students

Take a deep breath. Follow this simple routine:

✔ Sleep well
✔ Eat light food
✔ Reach early
✔ Read questions calmly
✔ Attempt easy questions first

Remember — the exam checks preparation, not panic.

⭐ Schema FAQ (for rich results)

Add these FAQs in RankMath/Yoast FAQ block:

Q1. What pen is allowed in CBSE Board Exam 2026?
Students must use only blue or black ball pen in answer sheets.

Q2. Is water bottle allowed in CBSE exam hall?
Yes, only transparent water bottles are permitted.

Q3. What happens if I forget my CBSE admit card?
You will not be allowed to enter the examination centre.

Q4. Are smart watches allowed in CBSE exams?
No, all electronic gadgets are strictly prohibited.

Final Words

The CBSE Board Exams 2026 are not just a test of memory but a test of confidence and discipline. With proper preparation and by following instructions carefully, students can avoid unnecessary stress and focus completely on performance.

✨ Stay calm, stay confident — you’ve prepared for this moment. Best of luck to all Class 10 & 12 students!

CBSE Admit Card 2026 for Class 10 & 12 – Live Updates, Expected Date, Download Steps