CBSE Board Exams 2026 Begin Today: Over 43 Lakh Students Appear Across India

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class 10 and Class 12 board exams 2026 have started today, February 17. More than 43 lakh students are appearing for the exam this year.

Around 25 lakh students are from Class 10, while nearly 18.5 lakh students are from Class 12. The exams are being held at 8,074 centres for Class 10 and 7,574 centres for Class 12 in India and 26 countries abroad.

On the first day, Class 10 students are writing Mathematics (Standard) and Mathematics (Basic) papers. Class 12 students are appearing for Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering Graphics and Business Studies.

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All exams are being conducted in a single shift from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Students were asked to reach their exam centres before 10:00 AM, as entry closes at 10:00 AM sharp.

This year, CBSE has introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 answer sheets. However, Class 10 answer sheets will be checked in the traditional way.

CBSE has made it clear that students must carry their admit cards to the exam centre. Without an admit card, entry will not be allowed.

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The Board has also said that the question paper must match the subject mentioned on the admit card. No exchange of papers, including Mathematics Standard and Basic, is allowed.

CBSE has issued new rules for Class 10 board exams starting in 2026:

• All students must appear in the first board exam.

• Students who pass can improve their marks in up to three subjects.

• Students who miss three or more subjects will be placed in the “Essential Repeat” category and can appear only next year.

• Students placed in the “Compartment” category can appear in the second exam.

• No additional subject is allowed after passing Class 10.

Class 10 board exams will end on March 10, while Class 12 exams will conclude on April 10.