As we know that the Central Board of Secondary Education has started the annual board exams from today, i.e., February 17, 2026, we are here to provide the exam day guidelines to ensure a fair and transparent examination process. From the reinforced ban on electronics aids to specific rules regarding tools and maps, here we have provided everything you should know to avoid last-minute hassle. If you are found with such items, you will not be allowed to appear for the exams. The examination is being held in a single shift from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm. Entry to the examination centre will be closed at 10 am. Please ensure to reach the centre 25 to 30 minutes early to avoid any delay. You can go through the article below to know more about the permitted and barred items for CBSE exam 2026.

Also CheckCBSE Class 12 Date Sheet 2026

Permitted and Barred Items and Dress Code

Students will be subjected to extensive and compulsory physical frisking before entering the examination centre. The following is a list of items that are permitted and barred from being taken to the Examination Centres:

List of Permitted Items

• Admit Card & School Identity Card (for regular students)
• Admit Card & Any Govt. Issued Photo Identity Proof (for Pvt. Students)
• Stationery items, i.e., Transparent Pouch, Geometry/Pencil Box, Blue/Royal Blue Ink/Ball Point/Gel Pen, Scale, Writing Pad, Eraser,
• Analog Watch, Transparent Water Bottle.
• Metro Card, Bus Pass, Money.

List of Barred Items

• Any stationery item - such as textual material (printed or written), bits of papers, Calculator (Students with Learning Disability i.e. Dyscalculia are permitted to use Calculator as per Circular No. CBSE/COORD/2020 dated 20.01.2020 and are provided the same by Exam centre), Pen Drives, Calculator, Log Table (shall be provided by the centres), Electronic Pen/ Scanner, etc.
• Any communication device - such as Mobile Phone, Bluetooth, Earphones, Microphone, Pager, Health Band, Smart Watch, Camera, etc.
• Other items like Wallet, Goggles, Handbags, Pouches, etc.
• Any eatable item opened or packed, except for diabetic students
• Any other item which could be used for unfair means
• Use of the above or similar items will be treated under the “Unfair Means” category and will attract punishment as per rules.

Dress Code and ID Requirements

The Board has stressed the importance of proper identification and discipline for students appearing in the exams. Students must carry a hard copy of the CBSE Admit Card along with their School ID, as entry will not be permitted without these documents.Read MoreCBSE Class 12 Admit Card 2026

Regular students are required to wear their school uniform, while private candidates should wear light, simple clothing without large pockets or heavy embroidery.Examination centres will close at 10:00 AM sharp, so students should reach the venue at least 45 minutes early for mandatory security checks.

Maps, Graph Paper, and Log Tables: CBSE Provides Essential Materials

Many Class 10 and 12 students are unsure whether they need to bring extra materials for subjects like Geography, Mathematics, and Science. CBSE provides official outline maps along with the Geography question paper, so students do not need to carry their own.
Graph papers for Mathematics and Economics are supplied by the examination centre.Similarly, logarithmic tables, if required for Physics or Chemistry, are either provided by the centre or printed directly on the question paper.

Note: Any student found carrying prohibited items such as mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, or unauthorized notes will be booked under the Unfair Means (UFM) category, which may result in a ban from future examinations for up to two years.