CBSE Board Exam 2026: Parental Guide to Support Children Study Without Panic
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Class 10, 12 are expected to begin in February 2026. Here’s a guide for parents on how to effectively support their children through this critical phase while maintaining a balanced and positive approach.
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Preparation: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the CBSE 10th board exam 2026 between February 15 and March 9, 2026. CBSE exam Class 12 2026 will be held between February 17 and April 9, 2026. Parents should give proper mental support to their children during the CBSE exam preparation. They should ensure their child remains calm, focused, and mentally prepared for the CBSE exams. The countdown to the CBSE Board Exam 2026 Class 10, 12 comes with a mix of excitement and stress for both students and parents. Here’s a guide for parents on how to effectively support their children through this critical phase while maintaining a balanced and positive approach.
Read: CBSE Board Exam 2026: Preparation Plan to score 90+ in CBSE 10th Exam in One-month
- Role of Parents in Reducing CBSE Board Exam Stress
- Creating a Structured Yet Flexible Study Plan for CBSE Board Exams 2026
- Creating a Positive Environment for Studying
- Encouraging Mental and Emotional Well-Being
- Helping Children Stay Calm and Focused
- Building Confidence and Promoting Self-Belief
- CBSE Board Exam 2026 Preparation: Trusting the Process
Role of Parents in Reducing CBSE Board Exam Stress
No, CBSE released the CBSE Class 12 date sheet for all subjects together. However, to make the exam dates simpler to find and use, Shiksha.com divides and shares the CBSE 12th date sheet according to three streams - Science, Commerce and Arts.
Students can click on CBSE 12th Date Sheet to check stream-wise date sheet for CBSE 12th board exams.
CBSE will conduct the CBSE Class 12 Physics exams 2026 on February 20, 2026. The Board released the CBSE date sheet 2026 in October 2025. You can click on CBSE 12th date sheet 2026 to check the Class 12 exam dates for all subjects.
Board exams, particularly the CBSE Board Exam 2026, are a significant milestone in a student’s academic journey. However, the pressure to perform well often leads to high levels of stress and anxiety. As Jhinuk Duttaray, Vice Principal at ODM Public School, Bhubaneswar states:
“Board exams are a crucial time for students. The stress to ace the exams and perform well can lead to anxiety and mental pressure in them. As a parent, one must support and encourage their child, instead of creating pressure.”
Parents play a pivotal role in creating a safe, nurturing, and positive environment where children can study without feeling overwhelmed. This includes setting realistic goals, prioritizing subjects, and reminding students that CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026 is just one chapter in their life story.
Also Read: CBSE Board Exam 2026: 2-month Preparation Plan to score above 90% in CBSE 10th Exams
Creating a Structured Yet Flexible Study Plan for CBSE Board Exams 2026
When it comes to CBSE 10th Exam Preparation 2026, having a study plan is essential, but flexibility is key. Parents should help their children create a balanced study schedule that includes time for breaks, relaxation, and healthy activities.
CBSE will conduct the 10th, 12th board exams 2026 from February 17, 2026 in pen and paper format. The exams will conclude on April 9, 2026.
The board released the CBSE syllabus and exam pattern 2026 on the official website. Students must finish with their syllabus by January 2026 and start practising the CBSE sample papers and previous years question papers for better preparation of the exams.
CBSE conducts the CBSE practical exams between January 1 and Feb 14 every year. There is no external examiner allotted to conduct practical exams for Class 10, while external examiners are called to conduct the CBSE 12th practical exams.
For winter-bound schools, CBSE practical exams 2026 were held between November 6 and December 6, 2026.
CBSE releases the guidelines for students appearing for CBSE 10th, 12th board exams. Students can check the instruction related to dress code, barred and permitted items below:
CBSE Board Exam Dress Code
The dress code for candidates attending the CBSE 10th Exam/CBSE 12th Exam is as follows:
For Regular Students: Candidates attending from schools are required to wear their school uniform on the exam day. This helps in easy identification and maintains discipline.
For Private Students: Private candidates should wear light clothes. It is advisable to choose comfortable attire, as students may need to spend several hours in the examination hall.
Permitted Items for CBSE Board Exam
- CBSE 10th Admit Card/ CBSE 12th Admit Card & School Identity Card (For Regular Students)
- Regular students must carry their admit card and school identity card for verification at the centre.
- CBSE Admit Card & Any Government-Issued Photo Identity Proof (For Private Students)
- Private students must bring their admit card along with any government-issued photo ID, such as a voter ID, Aadhar card, or passport, for identity verification.
- Stationery Items
- Students can carry essential stationery in a transparent pouch, including:
Geometry/Pencil Box
Blue or Royal Blue Ink/Ballpoint Gel Pen
Scale, Writing Pad, Eraser
Analogue Watch
A simple analogue watch is allowed. Digital watches, smartwatches, or any other electronic devices are not permitted.
Transparent Water Bottle
Candidates can carry a transparent water bottle for hydration.
Metro Card, Bus Pass, and Money
Candidates are allowed to bring a metro card, bus pass, or money for convenience.
Barred Items for CBSE Exam
- Stationery and Electronic Devices
- Textual material, whether printed or written
- Calculator (except for students with learning disabilities like dyscalculia, who are permitted to use a calculator as per CBSE Circular No. CBSE/COORD/2020)
- Pen drives, calculators, log tables (log tables will be provided by the exam centres)
- Electronic pens, scanners, etc.
- Communication Devices
- Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, smartwatches, cameras, etc., are all prohibited.
- Other Prohibited Items
Wallets, goggles, handbags, and pouches are not allowed.
Any eatable items (except for diabetic students who are permitted to carry food for medical reasons).
Unfair Means
Any items that could be used for unfair means, such as unauthorized notes or gadgets, will lead to punishment under the “Unfair Means” category.
Note: The use of the above items will result in severe consequences, as per the examination rules.
To read the complete official circular as released by the board in 2025, click here.
Mathew KG, Principal of Excel Public School, Mysore, emphasizes the importance of creating a schedule that works for the individual student:
“A structured study plan that caters to the student’s learning pace and includes breaks can help reduce stress and enhance retention. Parents should ensure the study time is focused and efficient, but they should not forget to include breaks to rejuvenate their child.”
Also Read: How to download CBSE Previous Year Question Papers Class 10th, 12th?
Creating a Positive Environment for Studying
A study-friendly environment is essential for the CBSE 10th Exam Preparation 2026. Parents must ensure their children have a quiet, well-lit space to focus, free from distractions. Limiting gadget and social media usage is crucial during study hours.
Ruchica Arora, mother of Aaiza, a Class 10 student at DPS, RK Puram, shares:
“The biggest challenge is when my child does not sleep well during exams, leading to more stress and worry. I feel motivated to cook her favorite meals and encourage healthy snacking to uplift her mood. Also, allowing her to take time for walking or cycling helps relieve stress and boost energy levels.”
It’s essential that students maintain a healthy diet and adequate sleep during CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026 preparation/ CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026 preparation. A nutritious meal combined with physical activities such as walking or cycling can promote mental clarity and reduce stress.
Encouraging Mental and Emotional Well-Being
Mental well-being is just as important as academic preparation. Students should be encouraged to focus on effort rather than perfection. Parents should foster an open line of communication, allowing children to express their concerns and emotions freely.
Jasleen Kaur, mother of Gurbir Singh Taneja, studying in CBSE Class 10 at Summer Fields School, explains:
“My son feels stressed out to score well, and sometimes, this stress makes him run away from books. I let him study at his own pace, ensuring he revises all the sections completed during the day. This approach has helped him retain information better.”
By actively listening to their child’s concerns and providing consistent emotional support, parents can help their child navigate exam stress with greater resilience.
Helping Children Stay Calm and Focused
The key to effective exam preparation is striking the right balance between hard work and relaxation. Parents can guide children in developing time management skills, organizational skills, and self-discipline, which will benefit them not just for the CBSE 10th Board Exam 2026/ CBSE 12th Board Exam 2026, but throughout life.
Paramjit Kaur Ahuja, mother of Sehajpreet Singh, a Class 12 Science student at Tagore International School, adds:
“Sometimes it’s hard to find the right balance between encouraging him and preventing overload. I create a structured study plan that’s flexible enough to allow breaks and other activities. This helps him stay focused while also ensuring he doesn’t burn out.”
Building Confidence and Promoting Self-Belief
Above all, parents must remind their children that success in exams is not determined by marks alone, but by their efforts and personal growth. As Mrs. Duttaray wisely says,
“Exams are just a part of life, and their well-being is of the utmost importance. Encourage effort, celebrate progress, and remind your child that their worth is not defined by marks but by their resilience and growth.”
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Preparation: Trusting the Process
The CBSE 10th Question Papers 2026/ CBSE 12th Question Papers 2026 will test the knowledge and abilities of students, but with the right support from parents, children can approach the exams with confidence. Parents should trust their child’s preparation and process, offering gentle guidance when needed. Creating a positive and stress-free study environment will ultimately help students perform at their best, while also maintaining their well-being.
As we gear up for the CBSE Board Exam 2026, parents have a vital role to play in helping their children navigate this stressful time. With encouragement, emotional support, and a balanced approach to study and relaxation, students will be better equipped to face the exams without panic.
Read More:
CBSE released the final CBSE Class 10 date sheet 2026 for Phase 1 and 2 exams in Oct 2025 on the official website. Students can click on the link provided to check the detailed date sheet.
The CBSE Class 10 exams 2026 Phase 1 shall be conducted between February 17 and March 10, 2026. Phase 2 of CBSE 10 class exams 2026 will be conducted between May 15 and June 1, 2026.