CBSE Dress Code 2026 for Class 10, 12: Only These Clothes Allowed in Board Exam

CBSE Dress Code For Girls & Boys

Private candidates are required to adhere to the dress code set by the CBSE and cooperate with the authorities. Also, following specific guidelines set by the CBSE for both male and female candidates.

For Girls

• CBSE class 10th & 12th exam regulations strictly prohibit the wearing of heavy clothes and jewellery.
• Light-coloured clothes are preferred compared to darker ones.
• Furthermore, any kind of jewellery, such as earrings, nose pins, anklets, bracelets, rings, and necklaces, should be strictly avoided in the exam hall.
• Lastly, it is advised to wear slippers or chappals without heels for comfort while appearing for the exam.

For Boys

• Students are required to wear light-coloured shirts or T-shirts.
• It is important that the clothing is light and devoid of zip pockets or large buttons.
• Male candidates have the option to wear pants or trousers.
• Also, students are expected to wear sandals, slippers, or shoes.

List Items Allowed in CBSE Board Exam 2026

In addition to the stationery items, here's a more comprehensive list of what a candidate can bring to the CBSE Board exam hall:

1. Documents

• For Regular Students: CBSE admit card & School Identity Card
• For Private Students: Admit Card & Any Govt.-Issued Photo Identity Proof

2. Stationery Items

• Transparent Pouch
• Geometry/Pencil Box
• Blue/Royal Blue Ink/Ballpoint/Gel Pen
• Scale
• Writing Pad
• Eraser

3. Personal Items

• Analogue Watch
• Transparent Water Bottle

4. Transportation and Miscellaneous

• Metro Card
• Bus Pass
• Money

What to avoid:

1. Stationery and Related Items

• Textual material (printed or written)
• Bits of paper
• Calculator (Allowed only for students with Dyscalculia as per CBSE Circular No. CBSE/COORD/2020 dated 20.01.2020 and provided by the exam centre)
• Pen drives
• Log table (Shall be provided by the exam centres)
• Electronic pen/scanner

2. Communication Devices

• Mobile phone
• Bluetooth devices
• Earphones
• Microphones
• Pagers
• Health bands
• Smartwatches
• Cameras

3. Personal and Other Items

• Wallets
• Goggles
• Handbags
• Pouches

4. Food and Beverages

• Any edible item (opened or packed, except for diabetic students)

5. Items for Unfair Means

• Any other item that could be used for unfair practices

Tips for CBSE Board Exam Day:

• Be well-rested and have a good breakfast before the exam.
• Reach the exam hall well in advance to avoid any last-minute stress.
• Dress comfortably and in layers, as the exam hall temperature might vary.
• Stay calm and focused during the exam.
• Read the instructions carefully before starting to answer any questions.
• Manage time wisely and don't get stuck on any one question.
• Proofread as many answers as possible before submitting the paper.

Dos and Don’ts in CBSE 10th, 12th Exam 2026

Nailing the CBSE Board Exams requires a good strategy and awareness of important dos and don'ts. Here's a breakdown to help you ace it

Dos:

• Start early: Don't cram! Understand concepts thoroughly and practice regularly throughout the year.
• Follow the syllabus: CBSE Class 10 syllabus and CBSE Class 12 syllabus are the guiding lights for each subject. Stick to it to avoid missing crucial topics.
• Make notes: Summarise key points, formulas, and diagrams for quick revision.
• Solve past papers and sample papers: Familiarise yourself with the CBSE Class 10 question and Class 12 CBSE question format and marking scheme.
• Form study groups: Discuss difficult topics with peers and learn from each other.
• Maintain a healthy routine: Eat nutritious food, get adequate sleep, and exercise regularly.
• Reach early: Avoid last-minute stress and ensure proper verification of the CBSE Class 10 admit card, Class 12 CBSE admit card, and identity proof.
• Read instructions carefully: Understand the question format, word limit, and marking scheme before attempting any section.
• Manage time effectively: Allocate time for each section based on its weight and difficulty. Start with easier questions to boost confidence.
• Present your answers neatly: Maintain legible handwriting and proper diagrams to avoid losing marks.
• Revise before submitting: Check for any incomplete answers or silly mistakes.

Don'ts:

• Stop procrastinating: Leaving things for the last minute leads to stress and poor performance.
• Ignore difficult topics: Skipping essential topics can hurt your overall score.
• Avoid panic or stress: Maintain your composure and stay focused. Deep breathing exercises can help calm your nerves.
• Do not overwrite or erase too much: Messy answers can be difficult to assess, potentially leading to mark deduction.
• Do not guess blindly: If unsure about an answer, leave it blank. There's no negative marking!
• Never compare yourself to others: Focus on your preparation and stay confident in your abilities.
• Neglect your health: Prioritise sleep, exercise, and healthy eating to stay energised throughout the exam period.