The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10th Exam 2026 starts from February 17, 2026. The CBSE issues a set of guidelines that must be strictly adhered to by the students appearing for the exam. These instructions help in the smooth conduct of the board exams. Along with the general instructions, CBSE has also issued special instructions and guidelines for the students with Type 1 diabetes.
The CBSE Class 10th 2026 Board exam, which will be conducted by the CBSE, is scheduled to be conducted from February 17 to March 11, 2026, in offline mode or pen and paper format. While, the second phase of the exam will commence from May 15 to June 1, 2026. The first board exam (1st Phase) is mandatory; however, the second board exam (2nd Phase) is optional or for students who want to improve their scores. The board has released the CBSE Class 10th 2026 Exam Day Guidelines at the official website – cbse.gov.in.
CBSE Class 10th Exam 2026: Exam Day Guidelines
The Board has released the guidelines for the CBSE Class 10th Exam 2026. Candidates can refer to the list of instructions mentioned for the same.
- Students are required to arrive at the examination centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time. No one will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the reporting time.
- Students must carry the admit cards issued by CBSE.
- Students must not carry any electronic devices.
- Eatables are not allowed in the examination hall. Exceptions will be made for students with diabetes.
- Students must not indulge in unfair means/practices while appearing for the board exam, as they will be debarred from the exam.
- Students must ensure that they are wearing their proper school uniform and carrying their school ID and CBSE admit card to the examination centre on the day of the exam.
Any kind of misbehaviour might result in the cancellation of their candidature.
CBSE Class 10th Exam 2026: Two-phase board systems
For the first time in 2026, Class 10 students have the flexibility of two exam sessions. This shift is designed to reduce performance pressure and encourage conceptual mastery over rote learning. The Phase 1 or the main exam starts on February 17, 2026. This attempt is mandatory for all regular students to establish their base score. However, the Phase 2 exam is optional and is tentatively scheduled for May 2026. The Board will consider the best of the two scores from Phase 1 and Phase 2 for the final marksheet generation.
Students are advised to regularly check the official website of CBSE for more such updates. The CBSE Class 10 Syllabus 2026 is also available online for students to refer to.
