CBSE Board Exams 2026: List of Allowed & Banned Items Inside the Exam Hall (Class 10 & 12)
CBSE Board Exams 2026 guidelines check permitted and prohibited items inside exam hall for Class 10 and Class 12, banned electronic devices (mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth, calculators, notes), allowed items list, admit card and ID proof requirements, dress code, frisking and UFM rules, security checking, reporting time instructions and exam day guidelines to avoid paper cancellation or disciplinary action.
CBSE Board Exams 2026: Permitted and Prohibited Items Inside the Exam Hall
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will begin the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 from 17 February 2026. Every year many students lose marks — or even face cancellation — not because of poor preparation, but because they unknowingly carry restricted items to the examination centre. CBSE has issued strict instructions regarding what students can and cannot bring inside the exam hall. Understanding these rules in advance will help you avoid unnecessary stress on exam day.
Security checks at CBSE exam centres include frisking, metal detectors, and surveillance monitoring. Possession of banned items is treated under Unfair Means (UFM) and can lead to paper cancellation or disciplinary action. Therefore, students must carry only essential items and strictly follow CBSE guidelines.
Prohibited Items – Do NOT Carry These
Students are not allowed to bring any electronic devices, written material, or suspicious accessories inside the examination hall. Even if the device is switched off, it will still be treated as a violation.
| Category | Items Not Allowed |
| Electronic Devices | Mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, cameras, health bands, pen drives, scanners, digital pens |
| Calculators | All types of calculators (scientific/basic). Allowed only with special permission for specific disability cases |
| Study Material | Notes, books, written papers, chits, printed material, formula sheets |
| Accessories | Wallets, handbags, goggles, jewellery (rings, chains, earrings, bracelets, anklets) |
| Other Items | Opaque pencil box, packed refills, stickers on pens, keys, eatables (except medical cases) |
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If any prohibited item is found during checking, the student may be reported for unfair means and may not be allowed to continue the exam.
Permitted Items – What You Should Carry
CBSE advises students to bring only necessary items. All items should preferably be kept in a transparent pouch to allow easy checking.
| Item Type | Allowed Items |
| Documents | CBSE Admit Card, School ID Card (regular students) or Government Photo ID (private candidates) |
| Writing Material | Blue/royal blue ball pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler |
| Math/Science Tools | Compass, divider, protractor |
| Other | Transparent water bottle, analogue wristwatch, transparent pouch |
School bags are generally not allowed inside the hall, so students should bring only what they can carry in hand.
Materials Provided by the Examination Centre
1. Students do not need to bring extra academic sheets. The examination centre will provide all necessary additional material when required.
- 2. Graph sheets (for Maths, Physics, Economics)
- 3. Outline maps (for Geography/Social Science)
- 4. Supplementary answer sheets
Students must write their roll number on supplementary sheets and attach them properly before submission.
Writing and Presentation Guidelines
- 1. Use blue or royal blue pen for writing answers
- 2. Use pencil only for diagrams, graphs, and maps
- 3. Do not use whitener or correction fluid
- 4. Strike wrong answers with a single line
- 5. Number all answers clearly
- 6. Avoid overwriting or messy writing
Clear presentation helps examiners evaluate answers easily and reduces the chance of mistakes during marking.
Entry & Exam Hall Rules
1. Regular students must wear their school uniform.
2. Private candidates should wear simple and comfortable clothes.
3. Heavy jewellery and accessories should be avoided.
- 4. Reach the centre before reporting time
- 5. Late entry after exam start is not permitted
- 6. Follow instructions of invigilators strictly
- 7. Avoid talking inside the exam hall
Note: Before leaving home, double-check your admit card, stationery, and permitted items. Many students lose valuable time or face panic simply because they carried a banned item unknowingly. CBSE rules are meant to ensure fairness and smooth conduct of examinations, so strict compliance is important.
