Is Calculator Allowed in CBSE Board Exams 2026?

Latest Update on Use of Calculators in CBSE Board Exams

The Central Board of Secondary Education has been introducing various reforms in its examination and evaluation system. As part of these changes, the board is set to revamp question papers, revise the re-evaluation process, and implement on-screen marking (OSM) for improved assessment.

One of the key updates is the proposal to allow the use of basic calculators in the CBSE Class 12 Accountancy examination. This move is expected to assist students in performing complex calculations more efficiently, reducing manual errors. However, the use of calculators will be limited to basic models, ensuring they do not provide an unfair advantage. Read the complete story here.

CBSE Board Examination Rules

• CBSE ensures that its examination rules promote fairness and encourage students to develop problem-solving skills. As technology evolves, questions about the allowance of devices like calculators in CBSE 10th exams and CBSE 12th board exams have been a common concern among students.
• CBSE upholds their longstanding tradition of not allowing calculators, emphasising mental aptitude and manual calculations.
• By practising effectively and using strategic preparation techniques, students can overcome the challenges of manual calculations and perform well in their board exams.

Calculator Policy for CBSE Board Exams 2026

For the academic year 2025-26, calculators are not allowed in CBSE board exams for either Class 10 or Class 12. This applies to all students across different streams, including Science, Commerce, and Arts. The board has opted to retain this rule to create equal opportunities for all students and to emphasise the importance of mental calculations.

A Special Exception: Calculators Allowed for CWSN Students in 2020

• In the year 2020, CBSE made an exception for Children with Special Needs (CWSN) students by permitting the use of basic, non-programmable calculators during Class 10 and Class 12 board exams. This was a significant step taken by the board to facilitate students under the CWSN category, helping them perform better in mathematics and science subjects.
• The decision in 2020 was applauded for being inclusive and considerate of the additional challenges faced by these students. However, for 2025-26, no such provision exists, even for CWSN students.

Possible Reasons Behind Prohibiting Calculators in CBSE 2026 Board Exams

• CBSE emphasises the importance of developing problem-solving and analytical skills, which calculators could potentially undermine.
• Allowing calculators could lead to disparities among students, particularly if someone misuses programmable or advanced calculators.
• By discouraging calculator usage, CBSE aims to reduce students' dependence on such tools, ensuring they master core concepts and calculations.

Subjects That Typically Raise Calculator Concerns

While the prohibition applies to all subjects, students often express concerns about mathematics, accountancy, and physics, where complex calculations are involved. CBSE ensures that exam questions are tailored in a way that manual calculation is manageable within the given time frame.

What Should Students Do Instead?

Since calculators are not allowed in CBSE 2026 board exams, students should:

• Regularly practice manual calculations. Every day practice can help improve speed and accuracy.
• They should master shortcut techniques and may also learn methods like Vedic mathematics and time-saving shortcuts for mathematical operations.
• Practice more by taking mock tests. Students should simulate exam conditions without calculators to adapt to the rules effectively.

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