CBSE Exam Day Guidelines 2025

CBSE Exam Day Guidelines 2025

Dinesh GoyalUpdated on 08 May 2025, 04:50 PM IST

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issues a set of guidelines for CBSE board exams that need to be followed by the students, school staff and exam centre authorities. These guidelines help in conducting Classes 10 and 12 board examinations smoothly across CBSE exam centres in India. The CBSE exams began on February 15, 2025, and will conclude on April 4, 2025. Below, we have provided the CBSE exam guidelines that need to be followed on exam day:

This Story also Contains

  1. CBSE Exam Day Timing
  2. CBSE Theory Exam Day Guidelines
  3. CBSE Exam Guidelines for Practicals
  4. CBSE Guidelines for Diabetic Students
CBSE Exam Day Guidelines 2025
CBSE Exam Guidelines

CBSE Exam Day Timing

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the date sheets for the upcoming Class 10 and 12 board examinations on November 20, 2025. CBSE has ensured that no two subjects overlap in between so that students can prepare well without any worries. The board examination is scheduled to start at 10:30 am. The end timing will be 1:30 pm for the majority of the papers while for some the examinations will end at 12:30 pm. Students should reach the exam centre on time and follow the CBSE exam day routine to avoid last-minute hassle.

CBSE Theory Exam Day Guidelines

CBSE has issued a few guidelines for students appearing for Class 10 and 12 board exams. Students are advised to reach the examination hall before the reporting time. Below we have provided the list of instructions that need to be followed by the students:

  • Students must verify that the subjects they have studied for are listed correctly in the list submitted to the schools.

  • Students are required to arrive at the examination centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time specified in the CBSE datesheet 2025 Class 10 and 12. No one will be allowed to enter the examination hall after the reporting time.

  • Students must carry the admit cards issued by CBSE. Students without admit cards will not be permitted to sit in the examination.

  • The answer booklets and question papers will be distributed 15 minutes before the exam starts. Students must use that time to fill in their details and go through the CBSE question paper.

  • Students are strictly prohibited from bringing unfair items to the exam hall.

CBSE Exam Guidelines for Practicals

Here are the CBSE practical exam guidelines for exam centres and regional offices:

Guidelines for Examination Centres:

  • The centre superintendent should prepare lists of students scheduled for practical exams by class and subject.

  • Regional offices must be contacted well in advance by the centre superintendent to arrange for the appointment of an external examiner.

  • Under no circumstances should an examiner be appointed independently.

  • The date and timing of the practical examination should be appropriately fixed considering the examiner’s availability, the student’s convenience, and the CBSE date sheet.

  • Students should be informed beforehand regarding the date and time for the practical examination.

  • Regional offices must be informed about the complete plan for conducting practical exams.

CBSE 12 Class Free Mock Test
Boost your exam preparation with our CBSE 12 Class Free Mock Test, designed as per the latest exam pattern.
Attempt Now

Guidelines for Regional Offices:

  • CBSE regional offices must share the practical examination guidelines with schools as soon as they are released by the board.

  • Regional offices have to ensure that the schools complete the practical exams and upload marks within the specified schedule.

  • Appointment of external examiners must be confirmed by the regional offices before the commencement of practical examinations in class and subjects.

  • Practical answer booklets must be delivered to the schools before the commencement of practical examinations by the regional offices.

CBSE Guidelines for Diabetic Students

CBSE has issued some guidelines for students suffering from Type 1 diabetes. Now, the students will be allowed to carry a few items like fruits, candies, medicines required, water bottles, glucometers, and CGM/ FGM/ insulin pumps in the examination room/hall. Below is the list that needs to be followed by the students:

  • Students must provide information about having Type 1 diabetes during exam registration or submission of CBSE LOC.

  • Schools/students/parents should approach the exam centre at least one day in advance to inform the superintendent about the items that need to be carried by the students.

  • On exam days, students should reach the CBSE exam centre around 45 minutes before the start time, i.e., at 9:45 am.

  • Except for the attached body equipment, all other items must be kept with the assistant superintendent in a transparent box/pouch for students to access when needed.

Do’s and Don’ts at CBSE Exam Day 2025

  • As per the guidelines, students must not carry any electronic devices such as mobile phones, calculators etc.

  • Students must keep the admit card with them and verify all the documents before going to the examination.

  • Students are not allowed to write anything on the question papers.

  • Snacks are not allowed at the examination hall. Exceptions will be made for diabetic students.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can we use gel pen in board exam 2025?
A:

Yes, blue or royal blue ink gel pens can be used in the CBSE Board exam 2025. Use of whitener is not permitted

Q: Is it compulsory to wear school uniform in CBSE Board exams?
A:

Yes, students must wear school uniforms during exams, whereas private students can wear formal attire.

Q: Can we use black pen in board exam?
A:

Yes, students can use blue/black pens for writing the exam.

Q: Is calculator allowed in 12th board exam Commerce?
A:

No, calculators are not allowed for math CBSE exams neither for commerce students nor for science students.

Q: Can we use whitener in board exams?
A:

No, students cannot use whiteners in their exams. Blue or royal blue ink gel pens can be used in the 10th, 12th exam

Q: Can we use colour pencils in board exams?
A:

Students are not permitted to use colour pencils during the CBSE exam. They are only allowed to use blue pens. However, if they need to draw diagrams, it is recommended to use a pencil.

Q: can we use highlighter in board exams?
A:

No, students cannot use highlighter in their CBSE 10th, 12th exams. They can underline the words with their pen only

Q: is watch allowed in CBSE board exam?
A:

Analog watches are permitted during the CBSE exam, whereas all electronic devices, such as smartwatches, digital wristbands, and others, are strictly prohibited.

Q: What relaxation is provided for students suffering from Type 1 diabetes?
A:

Students suffering from Type 1 diabetes are allowed to carry items like water bottles, snacks, glucometer and CGM/ FGM/ insulin pumps in the examination room/hall.

Q: What items are students allowed to carry into the examination hall?
A:

Students are allowed to carry items that are specifically permitted by CBSE such as stationary and admit cards.

Articles
|
Upcoming School Exams
Ongoing Dates
Assam HSLC Application Date

1 Sep'25 - 4 Oct'25 (Online)

Ongoing Dates
Maharashtra HSC Board Application Date

8 Sep'25 - 30 Sep'25 (Online)

Certifications By Top Providers
Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to CBSE Class 12th

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CBSE Class 12th ?

Yes, you can switch from Science in Karnataka State Board to Commerce in CBSE for 12th. You will need a Transfer Certificate from your current school and meet the CBSE school’s admission requirements. Since you haven’t studied Commerce subjects like Accountancy, Economics, and Business Studies, you may need to catch up before or during 12th. Not all CBSE schools accept direct admission to 12th from another board, so some may ask you to join Class 11 first. Make sure to check the school’s rules and plan your subject preparation.



Hello

For the 12th CBSE Hindi Medium board exam, important questions usually come from core chapters like “Madhushala”, “Jhansi ki Rani”, and “Bharat ki Khoj”.
Questions often include essay writing, letter writing, and comprehension passages. Grammar topics like Tenses, Voice Change, and Direct-Indirect Speech are frequently asked.
Students should practice poetry questions on themes and meanings. Important questions also cover summary writing and translation from Hindi to English or vice versa.
Previous years’ question papers help identify commonly asked questions.
Focus on writing practice to improve handwriting and presentation. Time management during exams is key to answering all questions effectively.

Hello,

If you want to improve the Class 12 PCM results, you can appear in the improvement exam. This exam will help you to retake one or more subjects to achieve a better score. You should check the official website for details and the deadline of this exam.

I hope it will clear your query!!

For the 2025-2026 academic session, the CBSE plans to conduct board exams from 17 February 2026 to 20 May 2026.

You can download it in pdf form from below link

CBSE DATE SHEET 2026

all the best for your exam!!

Hii neeraj!

You can check CBSE class 12th registration number in:

  • Your class 12th board exam admit card. Please do check admit card for registration number, it must be there.
  • You can also check the registration number in your class 12th marksheet in case you have got it.
  • Alternatively you can also visit your school and ask for the same in the administration office they may tell you the registration number.

Hope it helps!