CBSE 12th Class Exams 2026 Live Updates; Date Sheet, Paper Analysis & Exam Day Instructions

The CBSE class 12 board exam 2026 begins from February 17, 2026 and concludes on April 10, 2026. Major papers like Physics (20 Feb), English (12 March), and Biology (27 March) will have space between them to provide revision time to students. The official CBSE class 12 date sheet 2026 is provided on this page. 

No, the two-session examination has been introduced only for class 10 examinations. No such information for class 12 has been introduced by the board yet. 

Students must use only blue or royal blue ink. Students must carry in a transparent pouch or geometry box. Pencils should only be used for drawing diagrams.

The board urges students to plan to arrive before 9:30 as there could be delays due to traffic regulations. Students must plan to reach before 9:45 AM on each exam day to avoid unnecessary stress. 

CBSE will give students 15 minutes extra to read the question paper. Students can plan their answers well in advance before the writing period begins. 

Electronic gadgets such as mobile phones, smartwatches, electronic calculator and Bluetooth devices are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall. Other restricted items include wallets, goggles, food (except for diabetic students), and any printed or written notes. 

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has notified all schools to ensure that question papers of the subjects mentioned in the admit card shall be supplied to students. Schools have to ensure that no question paper is misplaced and there shall be no change between subjects. 

CBSE has issued important guidelines for private students. As per the notification, the private examinations will be conducted category-wise for class 12. Further, no project assessment/internal assessment will be conducted in respect of the subjects not having practical component. 

Read more: CBSE Issues Guidelines for Practical Examination – Class 12 Private Candidates Must Read Bye-Laws

In order to follow the CBSE dress code for board exam students, they are suggested to wear their complete, official school uniform. Meanwhile, private candidates are advised to wear simple, light-coloured formal clothes at the examination centre.

CBSE will check the class 12 answer sheet in digital On-Screen Marking (OSM) mode. This will eliminate manual totalling and posting errors. The board has also informed that there will be no verification of marks after results declaration.

The CBSE 12th board exam 2026 will begin from February 17, 2026, with vocational and specialised subjects including Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Shorthand (English), and Shorthand (Hindi).

The CBSE board exam timing is between 10:30 to 1:30 PM. Students are suggested to arrive between 9:30 AM and 10 AM for enough time for security checking. 

Students have to carry the following items at their exam centre:

• CBSE class 12 admit card 2026.
• School ID card
• Blue/ Black pen
• Stationary/ geometry box.

CBSE has introduced On-Screen Marking (OSM) system. Through this system, the CBSE answer sheet 2026 class 12 will be checked digitally without excessive human intervention. 

The CBSE board exam timing 2026 for class 12 students is between 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM on all exam days. 

CBSE class 12 board exam 2026 will begin tomorrow, February 17, 2026. The board will begin the examination with the following subjects: