CBSE Board Exam 2026: Full List of Allowed and Banned Items in the Exam Hall

The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 will start on 17 February 2026. Every year, students face trouble at the exam centre—not because they didn’t study, but because they carried something they shouldn’t have.

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CBSE has clear rules about what you can and can’t bring to the exam hall. If you break these rules, your paper could be cancelled. You might also face action under Unfair Means (UFM) guidelines.

This article covers everything you need to know—the banned items, the allowed items, writing rules, and exam hall guidelines. Read it carefully so you’re fully prepared on exam day.

What Happens at the Exam Centre?

CBSE exam centres follow strict security protocols. Here’s what to expect:

• You’ll go through frisking before entering the hall.
• Metal detectors are used at most centres.
• CCTV cameras monitor the exam hall.
• If a banned item is found on you, you could be reported for UFM.

Even if an electronic device is switched off, it’s still treated as a violation. So don’t take any chances.

Banned Items – Don’t Bring These to the Exam Hall

Here’s a complete list of items that aren’t allowed inside the CBSE exam hall:

If any of these items are found during checking, you may not be allowed to continue the exam.

Allowed Items – What You Should Carry

CBSE recommends that students carry only the essentials. Keep everything in a transparent pouch for easy checking.

Quick tip: Don’t carry a school bag. Bring only what fits in your hands or a transparent pouch.

What the Exam Centre Provides

You don’t need to bring extra academic sheets. The exam centre will give you everything you need:

1. Graph sheets (for Maths, Physics, Economics)
2. Outline maps (for Geography/Social Science)
3. Supplementary answer sheets

Make sure you write your roll number on every supplementary sheet and attach them properly before submitting your answer booklet.

Writing and Presentation Tips

How you present your answers matters. Follow these simple writing rules:

1. Write all answers in blue or royal blue pen.
2. Use a pencil only for diagrams, graphs, and maps.
3. Don’t use whitener or correction fluid.
4. If you make a mistake, draw a single line through it.
5. Number your answers clearly.
6. Avoid messy handwriting or overwriting.

Clean, well-organised answers are easier for examiners to read. That means fewer marking errors and better scores for you.

Dress Code and Entry Rules

What to Wear

• Regular students must wear their school uniform.
• Private candidates should wear simple, comfortable clothes.
• Avoid heavy jewellery or bulky accessories.

Exam Hall Conduct

1. Reach the centre before the reporting time.
2. Late entry after the exam starts isn’t allowed.
3. Follow all instructions from the invigilators.
4. Don’t talk inside the exam hall.

Quick Checklist Before You Leave Home

Before stepping out on exam day, run through this checklist:

1. CBSE Admit Card – printed and ready.
2. School ID or Government Photo ID.
3. Blue pens (carry a spare).
4. Pencils, eraser, sharpener, ruler.
5. Geometry tools (compass, divider, protractor).
6. Transparent water bottle.
7. Transparent pouch (no opaque pencil box).
8. Leave your phone, smartwatch, and wallet at home.

Final Word

CBSE’s rules exist to keep the exam process fair for everyone. A small mistake—like carrying your phone or wearing a smartwatch—can cost you your entire paper.

The fix is simple: know the rules, pack light, and focus on what matters—your preparation. Good luck with your exams!

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👉 CBSE Class 12 Study Materials

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👉 CBSE Class 10 Study Materials