Is Calculator Allowed in CBSE Board Exams 2027? Rules for Class 10th, 12th

Is calculator allowed in CBSE board exams? The answer is no for most students, with one exception for Dyscalculia. Check the class-wise rules, Accountancy status, barred items and calculation tips below.

Is Calculator Allowed in CBSE Board Exams 2027? Rules for Class 10th, 12th

Is calculator allowed in CBSE board exams conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education? No, it is not allowed for most students. CBSE lists the calculator as a barred item for exam centres. The rule applies to 10th Class and 12th Class students. There is one exception. Dyscalculia is a learning disability linked to numbers. Students with Dyscalculia can use a calculator provided by the exam centre. Students should also check the instructions on their admit card before the exam. 10th Class exam details are on the CBSE 10th page. 12th Class exam details are on the CBSE 12th page. Below, you will find the class-wise rules, Accountancy status, permitted items, preparation tips and common calculation mistakes.

Is Calculator Allowed in CBSE Board Exams 2027: Overview

The table below gives the key calculator rules.

Is Calculator Allowed in CBSE Class 10th Exam: Rule Explained

Students cannot carry a calculator to the CBSE 10th Class board exam. The barred items list gives no separate exception for Mathematics or Science. So all calculations must be done by hand in the answer sheet. The only exception is for eligible students with Dyscalculia. Students can check the exam schedule on the CBSE 10th Dates page.

Is Calculator Allowed in CBSE Class 12th Exam: Subject-wise Rule

The same rule applies to the 12th Class. The barred items list does not name any subject as an exception. Past Physics papers have also clearly stated that calculators cannot be used. Students can check the exam schedule on the CBSE 12th Dates page. The table below shows the rule for main calculation subjects.

Calculator in CBSE Class 12th Accountancy Exam

Many students ask about Accountancy because the subject has long calculations. Reports on a possible change appeared in 2025. The table below shows what has happened so far.

The proposal covered basic, non-programmable calculators for simple financial calculations. However, the latest available CBSE list has no exception for Accountancy. We also found no notification that allows calculators in this paper. Students should prepare for manual calculations unless CBSE issues a new notice.

The table below shows where Accountancy students should practise calculations most. Check the full unit details in the CBSE Class 12 Accountancy Syllabus 2027 article.

Who Can Use a Calculator in CBSE Exams

The exception is for students with a Specific Learning Disability called Dyscalculia. CBSE provides this facility to students registered under the Children with Special Needs (CWSN) category. CBSE allows these students to use a calculator under its circular dated January 20, 2020. The exam centre provides the calculator. This does not mean students can bring their own calculator. The key points are listed below.

• The student must have a valid disability certificate.
• The request must go through the school.
• The school must complete the process within the time set by CBSE.
• The student should get approval before the exam.

Permitted and Barred Items in CBSE Exams

Students go through a physical check before they enter the exam centre. 12th Class admit card details are on the CBSE 12th Admit Card page. The table below shows what students can carry.

The next table lists the main items that students cannot carry.

The exam centre provides log tables. CBSE treats the use of barred items as Unfair Means. Punishment is given as per its rules. So students should leave these items at home.

How to Prepare for CBSE Exams Without a Calculator

Calculation speed improves with regular practice. These steps can help students build it before the exam. More study plans are on the CBSE 12th Preparation page.

• Practise manual calculations for 15 to 20 minutes every day.
• Learn common squares, cubes, roots and fraction values.
• Keep one short formula sheet for each subject.
• Stop using a phone calculator during homework.
• Write each step clearly in rough work.
• Solve sample papers with a timer and without a calculator.
• Check your calculation errors after every practice paper.

Subject-wise Calculation Tips for CBSE Exams

Each subject needs a slightly different method. The tips below can save time and cut mistakes. 10th Class students can find more study plans on the CBSE 10th Preparation page.

Calculation Tips for CBSE Maths

Simple number tricks help students solve questions faster. These examples show how they work.

• Simplify first. For example, 24/36 becomes 2/3.
• Break numbers into easy parts. For example, 98 × 7 = (100 × 7) - (2 × 7) = 686.
• Use known pairs. For example, 25 × 16 = 25 × 4 × 4 = 400.
• Use π = 22/7 when the radius is 7, 14 or another multiple of 7.

Calculation Tips for CBSE Physics and Chemistry

Numericals become easier when students solve powers and units carefully. These tips can help.

• Solve powers of 10 separately. For example, (6 × 10³) × (2 × 10⁻²) = 12 × 10¹ = 120.
• Convert all values into the same unit before you start.
• Write the formula first and then put in the values.
• Use mole ratios in simple steps. For example, 9 g of water is 0.5 mole because 18 g is 1 mole.
• Check whether the final answer has the correct unit.

Calculation Tips for CBSE Accountancy

Accountancy needs neat formats along with correct calculations. These habits can help.

• Remove common zeros first. For example, INR 2,40,000 / INR 1,20,000 gives a ratio of 2:1.
• Find 10% first. For INR 50,000, 10% is INR 5,000 and 5% is INR 2,500.
• Practise journal entries daily and match the debit and credit totals.
• Write all ratio formulas on one sheet.
• Check that both sides of a Balance Sheet match.

Common Calculation Mistakes to Avoid in CBSE Exams

Small errors can cost marks even when the method is right. The table below lists common mistakes and how to avoid them. Students can spot these mistakes by solving old papers from the CBSE 12th Question Papers page.

So, is calculator allowed in CBSE board exams? For most students, the answer is no. Most students must solve every question by hand. Only eligible students with Dyscalculia have an exception. Students should keep checking cbse.gov.in and their admit card for the latest rules. Daily practice, a formula sheet and timed papers can make manual calculations faster. With regular practice, students can solve these questions with confidence.