Argus News - CBSE Board Exams 2026 Begin Today With Class-10 Maths Paper; Know Entry Rules, Prohibited Items, Last-Minute Tips

New Delhi, Feb 17: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will commence the 2026 board examinations from today.

As per the official schedule, the Class 12 board examinations will be conducted from February 17 to April 9, 2026, in a single shift from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm.

The Class 10 board examinations will commence today and conclude on March 11, 2026. The exams will be held from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm, while some subjects will conclude at 12:30 pm.

This year, a total of 25,08,319 students will appear for the Class 10 board examinations, while 18,59,551 students are set to take the Class 12 exams.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 Mathematics board examination is being held today.

CBSE has also issued an advisory to schools, parents and students, urging them to rely solely on official communication and not to fall prey to rumours or misinformation circulating on social media.

Entry Timings and Exam Day Rules Students Must Follow

Students should carefully note the reporting time mentioned on their admit cards. Examination centre gates generally open 45 minutes before the start of the paper, and candidates must be seated well before the scheduled time.

No candidate will be allowed entry after 10:00 am under any circumstances.

Special provisions, including extra time and other facilities, are available for PwD (Persons with Disabilities) candidates as per CBSE norms. These arrangements are aimed at ensuring smooth conduct and avoiding last-minute confusion at centres.

What to Carry to the CBSE Class 10 Maths Exam

Students are advised to keep the following items ready the night before the exam to avoid any rush in the morning:

Printed admit card

Valid school identity card

Transparent pouch

Blue or royal blue pens (carry more than one)

Pencils, eraser and sharpener

Geometry box (compass, ruler, divider, protractor)

Transparent water bottle

Simple analogue watch (if permitted by the school)

Small transparent bottle of sanitiser

Carrying extra stationery helps avoid borrowing during the examination and prevents unnecessary disturbance.

Items Strictly Prohibited Inside the Exam Hall

CBSE has clearly stated that the following items are not allowed inside the examination hall:

Mobile phones and smart watches

Calculators or any electronic devices

Earphones or Bluetooth gadgets

Notes, loose papers or written chits

Programmable pens or digital stationery

Wallets, handbags or bulky pouches

Possession of restricted items can lead to disqualification, even if they are not used during the examination.

Also Read: CHSE Dispatches plus two exam Papers Under Armed Security

Last-Minute Tips to Score Better in Mathematics

Experts advise students to stay calm and manage time effectively during the paper. Key suggestions include:

Read the entire question paper carefully before attempting answers

Start with easier questions to build confidence

Write stepwise solutions to secure full marks in mathematics

Keep rough work organised and clearly marked

Recheck calculations in the last 15 minutes

Avoid overwriting; strike out mistakes neatly

Allocate time section-wise to ensure balanced attempts

Do not panic if a question appears unfamiliar at first glance

A composed and methodical approach often yields better results than hurried last-minute revision. Accuracy, clarity and proper presentation play a crucial role in scoring well in the Mathematics examination.

Students are encouraged to follow all rules, carry only essential items and focus on structured, step-by-step answers for a smooth and successful exam day.