Quick Summary: CBSE Board Exams 2026 start on February 17. Regular students must wear their school uniform, while private students can wear light, simple clothes. Girls should avoid heavy clothes and jewellery; boys should wear light shirts and trousers. Allowed items include admit card, ID, stationery in a transparent pouch, water bottle, and analogue watch. Phones, smartwatches, bags, and notes are banned. The blog also covers exam-day rules, what to carry, what not to carry, and important dos and don’ts.
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Dress Code: For the smooth conduct of CBSE Board Exams 2026, the board has issued a notice to explain exam rules and basic ethics. In this notification, CBSE has shared simple details about the CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code, things allowed inside the exam hall, prohibited and permitted Items in CBSE Board Exam, and other points. Many students often ask if wearing a school uniform is compulsory in CBSE 10th Exam 2026 Dress Code and CBSE 12th Exam 2026 Dress Code. So, students must read these instructions carefully to avoid any last-minute issues during the CBSE class 10 exams and CBSE 12 board exams.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has also explained the CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Girls & Boys before the exam begins. Regular school students must come in their school uniform, while private candidates can wear simple and light clothes. Students should keep all required items ready on exam day and follow the rules so they do not face any trouble. All students who are taking the CBSE exams are required to go through physical frisking and are checked upon entering the centre.
Putting on thick clothes or accessories may also delay the checking process because invigilators have to make sure that no papers or devices are concealed. The CBSE exam for class 10 will occur between February 17 and March 11, 2026, and the 12th standard examination will take (take with a grain of salt idiom synonym) place between February 17 and April 10, 2026. To follow the CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Class 10th and 12th, students must remember:
- Regular school candidates should attend the CBSE Board Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 exams in proper school uniform.
- The private applicants are free to dress in light and simple outfit.
Read More:
- CBSE Board Exams 2026: Know Actions on Unfair Means and Cheating Penalties
- Steps to Choose Which Stream Is Best in Class 11?
CBSE Dress Code 2026 For Girls & Boys
Regular students appearing for the CBSE class 10 and 12 board exams must follow the dress rules set by their schools. All Class 10 and 12 students should reach the exam centre in their school uniform, as the staff will not allow anyone without proper attire. Both boys and girls must come in the uniform given by their school to meet the CBSE Board Exams 2026 and CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code guidelines.
Private students also need to follow the dress instructions shared by the board. They must cooperate with the staff and follow the points mentioned by CBSE for male and female candidates. These rules are part of the CBSE Dress Code 2026 For Girls & Boys and must be followed.
Dress Code for Girls
- The rules for the CBSE 10th Exam 2026 Dress Code and CBSE 12th Exam 2026 Dress Code clearly ask girls to avoid heavy clothes and jewellery.
- Light-coloured outfits are better and more comfortable than darker clothes.
- Jewellery such as earrings, nose pins, anklets, bracelets, rings, and necklaces should not be worn, as they fall under the List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam.
- Girls should wear slippers or plain chappals without heels for comfort during the CBSE class 10 and 12 board exams.
Dress Code for Boys
- Boys are expected to have light-coloured shirts or T-shirts.
- Clothes must be simple and should not have zip pockets or big buttons as per the Dos and Don’ts in CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2026.
- Male candidates may wear pants or trousers according to the CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Class 10th and 12th.
- Boys can wear sandals, slippers, or shoes, following the Prohibited and Permitted Items in CBSE Board Exam rules.
By keeping these points in mind, students can make their CBSE Board Exams 2026 smooth and fair for everyone. It is better to check all things properly before going to the exam centre so that there is no last-minute stress on the exam day.
Check Out: CBSE Class 10 Date Sheet and CBSE Class 12 Date Sheet
CBSE Board Exam 2026: What to Carry
Students are allowed to take these six items to the CBSE exam centres and inside the exam hall.
- CBSE 10th Admit Card 2026 / CBSE 12th Admit Card 2026 and School Identification Card (For Regular Students): Regular students must carry their admit card along with their school ID for checking at the centre.
- Stationery Items: Students can keep basic stationery in a clear pouch, which may include a pencil or geometry box, blue or royal-blue ink or ballpoint gel pen, scale, writing pad, and an eraser, as part of the usual Dos and Don’ts in CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2026.
- CBSE Admit Card 2026: for Private Students and Any Government-Issued Photo ID Proof – Private students must show their admit card and a government photo ID like Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID for identity checking.
- Transparent water bottle: Students may carry a clear bottle of water to stay hydrated.
- Analogue Watch: A simple analogue watch is allowed. Digital watches, smartwatches, and similar devices come under the List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam, so they are not permitted.
- Any Pass, and Money: Students may carry a metro card, bus pass, or some money for basic use.
These points also help students follow the Prohibited and Permitted Items in CBSE Board Exam and stay relaxed while following general rules related to the CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code during the exam days.
Check Out: Preparation Tips for Class 10 and Class 12
CBSE Board Exam Class 10th, 12th: What Not to Carry
For the CBSE Board Exams 2026, students of CBSE Board Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 exams must know what they should not take to the exam center. The points below share the main List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam so students can avoid any trouble during the CBSE class 10 and 12 board exams.
- Prohibited Items: Things like mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earbuds, microphones, pagers, fitness bands, smartwatches, cameras, wallets, goggles, handbags, and pouches are not allowed. Electronic items such as tech pens, scanners, pen drives, calculators, and any other Communication Devices are also banned. These rules come under the Prohibited and Permitted Items in CBSE Board Exam and are important for all students.
- Supplied Items: Log tables will be given at the exam center, so students do not need to carry their own.
- Foods: Food items are not allowed inside the hall. Only diabetic students can bring food due to medical needs.
Note – Students with learning issues like dyscalculia can use a calculator as allowed under CBSE Circular No. CBSE/COORD/2020.
Strict Action will be taken for Unfair means
Strict action will be taken if any student uses unfair means in the CBSE Board Exams 2026. Any item that can be used wrongly like notes or gadgets that are not allowed will count under the “Unfair Means” rules. Using anything from the List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam can bring strict punishment as per the exam guidelines.
Check Out: Which Stream is Best After 10th Class?
CBSE Board 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Before the Exam
- Documents: bring your CBSE website (idioms website) admit card and School ID (regular) or Govt. Photo ID (private).
- Dress Code: Wear school uniform (regular students). Private students should wear light-coloured formals as per the CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code and CBSE Dress Code 2026 For Girls & Boys.
- Essentials: Take blue/black pens, pencil, eraser, geometry box, writing pad, transparent bottle, analogue watch, and travel card/money.
- Banned: No smart watches, smart calculators, bluetooth, mobile phones and any other digital device, no study material. Food allowed only for diabetic students with permission, as per the Prohibited and Permitted Items in CBSE Board Exam guidelines.
At the Exam Centre
- Punctuality: Arrive 3045 minutes early. No entry after 10 AM for CBSE Board Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 exams.
- Find a seat: Find your seat on the notice board.
- Instructions: Read the admit card instructions and question paper instructions; listen to the invigilator.
During the Exam
- Reading Time: The 15 minutes are to be used to read and plan your answers.
- Writing: Answer in blue/black and in the appropriate sections only.
- No Whitener/Highlighter: These are not permitted; diagrams can only be drawn in pencil.
- Discipline: Stay quiet, follow the rules, and avoid anything that goes against the Dos and Don’ts in CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2026 or unfair means.
- Stay Until End: Do not leave the room until the exam is over.
Dos and Don’ts in CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2026
Doing well in the CBSE Board Exams 2026 needs good planning and knowing the main Dos and Don’ts in CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2026. Here is a simple guide to help you perform your best in the CBSE class 10 and 12 board exams.
Dos:
- Start early: You should not cram at the last moment. Have a good understanding of concepts and practice regularly.
- Follow the syllabus: Stick to the CBSE Board Class 10 syllabus and the CBSE Class 12 exams syllabus to cover all important topics.
- Make notes: Take notes to memorise important points, formulae and graphs.
- Solve past papers and sample papers: This would familiarize you with the format of the question in the CBSE Class 10 questions and Class 12 question format in the CBSE.
- Form study groups: Have tough subject discussions with friends and learn together.
- Keep a healthy routine: Have healthy food, sleep well, and exercise minimally.
- Reach early: Check CBSE Class 10 admit card, Class 12 CBSE admit card, and ID: To prevent stress at the end of time.
- Read instructions thoroughly: Learn question patterns, word limits, and marking scheme until you get it.
- Manage time (race against time phrase meaning) effectively: Set time aside on each section. Begin with questions that are less difficult.
- Give current responses in a presentable way: Do not mess up handwriting and insert appropriate diagrams to prevent deductions.
- Revise before submitting: Go through an answer before submission to avoid small mistakes.
Don’ts:
- Stop procrastinating: When one leaves work to the last minute, he or she becomes more stressed and performs less.
- Ignore difficult topics: You can lose your total points by not answering them.
- Do not panic or get stressed: Be calm, simple breathing exercises can help during the CBSE class 10 and 12 board exams.
- Do not overwrite or erase too much: Messy responses can result in deduction of the mark.
- Do not guess blindly: Leave answers blank if unsure. No negative marking!
- Never compare yourself to others: Focus on your preparation and stay confident.
- Neglecting health: Sleep, eat well and be active by exercising.
Extra Tips:
While preparing for CBSE Board Exams 2026, follow the CBSE Dress Code 2026 For Girls & Boys, and avoid items on the List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam. Being aware of Prohibited and Permitted Items in CBSE Board Exam ensures a stress-free exam day.
FAQs on CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Class 10th and 12th
Q: Is it compulsory to wear school uniform in board exams 2026?
Yes, for regular students, wearing the school uniform is usually required for CBSE Board Exams 2026, as it helps with identification and security. Light and simple clothes should be worn by the private candidates. All students must follow the CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code to avoid cheating, like using hidden devices or papers.
Q: Where can I find CBSE Exam Day Guidelines 2026?
CBSE Exam Day Guidelines 2026 can be found on the official CBSE site (idiom site) and on the site cbseacademic.nic.in. They are distributed in PDF circulars to students and schools, stating the dress code, examination schedules, the items required such as admit cards or simple watches, and the things prohibited such as smartwatches. You may visit (idioms dictionary) the section of examination circulars at cbse.gov.in.
Q: When will CBSE release the CBSE 10th date sheet 2026?
The CBSE 10th Exam final date sheet was announced on October 30, 2025. Exams will start on February 17, 2026. Phase 1 will conclude approximately in March 11, 2026, and Phase 2 will be between May 15 and June 1, 2026. The date sheet for CBSE Board Class 10 is available on the official CBSE website.
Q: When will CBSE conduct CBSE 10th, 12th exams in 2026?
The CBSE class 10 and 12 board exams 2026 will start from February 17, 2026, and continue until around April 10, 2026. The official date sheet was announced at the end of October 2025. CBSE Board Class 10 exams run from February 17 to March 11, and CBSE Class 12 exams have a longer schedule.
Q: What documents do I need to carry on CBSE Board exam day?
You must carry your Admit Card, and your School ID if you are a regular student or a government photo ID if you are a private candidate. Carry necessary stationeries such as blue/black pens, pencils, a scale in a transparent pouch, and a transparent water bottle. Smartwatches, phones, and bags are not allowed as per the List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam.
Q: What is the CBSE Board Exam Dress Code?
For CBSE Board Class 10 and 12 exams, regular students must wear their school uniform. Whereas Private students should Light and simple outfits without zips, large buttons, or complete sleeves and comfortable sandals should be worn by them. Frisking should be allowed and discipline should be maintained by avoiding bulky items. Following the CBSE Dress Code 2026 For Girls & Boys ensures proper identification and smooth exam conduct.
