The CBSE Board Exams 2026 will begin on 17 February 2026. Regular students are required to wear their school uniform, while private candidates may wear light and simple clothes. Girls should avoid heavy dresses and jewellery, and boys should prefer light shirts and trousers for comfort. Students are allowed to carry only essential items such as the admit card, school ID, basic stationery in a transparent pouch, a transparent water bottle, and an analogue watch. Items like mobile phones, smartwatches, bags, books, or written notes are strictly not allowed. The blog also explains exam-day rules, what to carry, what to avoid, and basic exam dos and don’ts.
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Dress Code: The CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Class 10th and 12th represents an important part of the CBSE Board Exam 2026 Dress Code policy set out by the board to ensure discipline, uniformity and fairness during the examination period. As the CBSE Board Exam 2026 approaches – with class 10 exams scheduled from 17 February 2026 to 11 March 2026 and class 12 exams extending from 17 February 2026 to early April 2026 — understanding the class 10 dress code 2026 and the class 12 dress code 2026 guidelines has become vital for all students.
The CBSE new rules for class 10 2026 and CBSE new rules for class 12 2026 include specific instructions about clothing, accessories and allowed items in exam halls as part of the CBSE dress code for students. These dress rules are intended to reduce distractions, minimise unfair advantages, and support a focused exam environment. The CBSE guidelines for board exam 2026 also align with broader policies on academic integrity and student conduct. This introduction thus provides an overview of how dress standards intersect with academic expectations in this critical evaluation period.
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CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Girls and Boys
All regular students appearing in the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 must strictly follow the dress code given by their schools. Students are required to report to the exam centre wearing their proper school uniform. Entry may be denied if a student is not dressed correctly. Both boys and girls must follow the CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code to avoid any problems on the exam day.
Private candidates also need to follow the dress instructions issued by CBSE. They should cooperate with exam centre staff and carefully follow all rules mentioned for male and female students. These instructions are a part of the CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Class 10th and 12th and are meant to maintain fairness and discipline during exams.
As per the CBSE 10th and 12th exam dress code 2026, girls should avoid wearing heavy clothes.
Light-coloured clothes are recommended as they are simple and comfortable.
Girls should not wear jewellery like earrings, rings, bangles, anklets, nose pins, or necklaces, as these are not allowed in the exam hall.
Slippers or flat chappals without heels are advised for comfort during the CBSE board exams 2026.
Dress Code for Boys
Boys should wear light-coloured shirts or T-shirts as per the class 10 dress code 2026 and class 12 dress code 2026.
Clothes should be simple and must not have large buttons, metal items, or zip pockets.
Students can wear trousers or pants according to the CBSE new rules for class 10 2026 and CBSE new rules for class 12 2026.
Sandals, slippers, or simple shoes are allowed as per the CBSE guidelines for board exam 2026.
By following the CBSE dress code for students, candidates can ensure a smooth and stress-free exam experience. It is always better to check the dress rules a day before the exam so that there is no confusion or last-minute tension.
CBSE Board Exam Class 10th & 12th: Items You Must Not Carry
For the CBSE Board Exams 2026, students appearing in CBSE Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 board exams should clearly understand what items are not allowed inside the exam centre. Knowing the List of Prohibited Items for CBSE Board Exam 2026 in advance helps students avoid stress, delays, or penalties during the CBSE class 10 and 12 board examinations.
Prohibited Items: Students are strictly not allowed to carry mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, earbuds, headphones, microphones, pagers, fitness bands, cameras, wallets, goggles, handbags, or pouches. Other banned electronic items include calculators (except permitted cases), scanners, pen drives, tech pens, and any type of communication device. These rules are part of the CBSE Board Exam 2026 guidelines and apply to all students.
Items Provided at Centre: Log tables will be supplied by the exam centre, so students should not bring personal copies.
Food Items: No food is allowed inside the examination hall. However, students with diabetes may carry food or medicine with prior permission, as per CBSE norms.
Note: Students with learning disabilities such as dyscalculia are allowed to use calculators, as mentioned in CBSE Circular No. CBSE/COORD/2020.
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Strict Action Against Unfair Means
The CBSE follows a zero-tolerance policy for unfair means in the CBSE Board Exams 2026. Carrying or using prohibited materials, notes, or electronic gadgets will be treated as a serious offence. Any violation of the CBSE exam rules may result in strict punishment, including cancellation of the paper.
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Exam Day Guidelines
Before the Exam
Required Documents: Carry your CBSE admit card downloaded from the official website along with a School ID (for regular students) or a valid government photo ID (for private candidates).
Dress Code: Regular students must wear their school uniform. Private candidates should wear light-coloured formal clothes as per the CBSE Board Exam 2026 dress code and CBSE dress code for students.
Essential Items: Bring blue or black pens, pencil, eraser, geometry box, transparent water bottle, writing pad, analogue watch, and required travel money.
Banned Items: Do not carry mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, digital calculators, or study material. Food items are allowed only for diabetic students with permission.
At the Exam Centre
Reporting Time: Reach the centre at least 30-45 minutes early. Entry is not allowed after 10:00 AM for CBSE Class 10 and CBSE Class 12 exams.
Seating: Check your roll number and seat details displayed on the notice board.
Follow Instructions: Carefully read the instructions on the admit card and question paper, and listen to the invigilator.
During the Exam
Reading Time: Use the first 15 minutes to read the question paper and plan answers.
Answer Writing: Write answers neatly using blue or black pen and attempt questions in the correct sections.
No Whitener or Highlighter: These items are not allowed. Diagrams should be drawn only with a pencil.
Maintain Discipline: Remain silent, follow exam rules, and avoid any activity considered unfair means.
Do Not Leave Early: Students must stay in the exam hall until the paper ends.
Dos and Don’ts for CBSE Class 10 & 12 Board Exams 2026
Scoring well in the CBSE Board Exams 2026 requires proper preparation and awareness of exam rules. Below are simple Dos and Don’ts for CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 exams to help students perform confidently.
Dos:
Start preparation early and avoid last-minute studying.
Follow the official syllabus for CBSE Class 10 and Class 12.
Prepare short notes for formulas, definitions, and key points.
Solve previous year papers and sample papers to understand the exam pattern.
Study in groups to clear doubts and share ideas.
Maintain a healthy routine with proper sleep and balanced meals.
Reach the exam centre early to avoid unnecessary tension.
Read all instructions carefully before answering.
Manage time wisely and attempt easier questions first.
Write neatly and draw diagrams wherever needed.
Revise answers before submitting the paper.
Don’ts:
Do not delay your studies or depend on last-minute revision.
Do not skip difficult topics; try to understand them.
Avoid panic and stress; stay calm during the exam.
Do not overwrite excessively, as it makes answers unclear.
Do not guess blindly; unanswered questions are better than wrong ones.
Do not compare yourself with others; focus on your own preparation.
Do not ignore health; lack of sleep affects performance.
Extra Exam Tips
Students should strictly follow the CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Girls and Boys and avoid carrying items listed in the CBSE Board Exam prohibited items list. Being aware of the CBSE exam day rules and permitted items helps ensure a smooth and stress-free exam experience.
CBSE Dress Code 2026 related FAQs
Q1. What is the CBSE dress code for board exams 2026?
The CBSE dress code for board exam 2026 means students must wear simple, decent, and school-appropriate clothes. Heavy clothes, fancy items, or outfits with large pockets are not allowed in exam centres.
Q2. Is the dress code same for Class 10 and Class 12 students?
Yes, the basic rules are almost the same for both class 10 dress code and class 12 dress code. However, students should still follow any extra instructions given by their school.
Q3. Are shoes allowed in CBSE board exams 2026?
Generally, students are advised to wear simple footwear like slippers or sandals. Shoes with thick soles or heels may not be allowed as per CBSE guidelines for board exam 2026.
Q4. Can students wear watches or jewellery in the exam hall?
No, smart watches, digital watches, and heavy jewellery are not allowed. Only very simple items are permitted to avoid any confusion during checking.
Q5. What happens if a student does not follow the CBSE dress code?
If a student does not follow the CBSE dress code for students, they may be stopped for checking or face delay before entering the exam hall, which can cause stress.
