New Delhi is buzzing with anticipation as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) gears up for its Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations starting Tuesday, February 17. The first day sets the tone with Mathematics (Standard and Basic) papers for Class 10 students, while Class 12 candidates will tackle Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship.
Exams across both classes commence at 10:30 AM sharp, but students must arrive at their centers by 10:00 AM. Entry gates will lock promptly after that, underscoring the board’s emphasis on punctuality. With potential traffic snarls from national events, CBSE Controller of Examinations Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj urges students to plan their journeys meticulously, factoring in local traffic, weather, and distance.
Admit cards in hard copy are non-negotiable for entry. Permitted items include school ID, blue pens, pencils, scales, erasers, and transparent water bottles. Strict bans apply to mobiles, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, earphones, cameras, bags, purses, books, or any written material.
Schools have been directed to assist students and parents fully. For any query on question papers, contact the board immediately on the exam day via the OCMS portal. CBSE has reiterated that objections must be specific, timely, and follow protocol—vague complaints like ‘question is wrong’ without details will be disregarded.
Looking ahead, the board has issued key guidelines for 2026 exams, reminding affiliated schools to adhere to objection procedures. Late, incorrect, or unclear feedback hampers resolution, so principals are urged to cooperate for smooth conduct. As lakhs of students prepare, CBSE aims for fairness and efficiency in this critical academic milestone.