CBSE Board Exams 2026 Kick Off: Students Share Their First-Day Nerves
Commencement of CBSE Board Exams
New Delhi: The 2026 CBSE Class X and Class XII Board examinations commenced on Tuesday, with a significant number of students participating nationwide for their initial papers. The exams are scheduled in a single shift from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
As the examinations began, numerous students arrived early at their designated centers, equipped with their admit cards and necessary stationery. Many expressed feelings of anxiety on this crucial first day.
In conversations with students outside various exam centers in the national capital, one Class X student shared, "Today marks the first paper for the Board exams, which is Mathematics. I’m feeling a blend of nervousness and excitement."
Another student remarked, "We prepared thoroughly and aimed for good marks. Although we are a bit anxious, we did our best."
A third student conveyed, "I’m quite nervous since it’s my first paper. It’s just a simple Class X Board exam, but I’m thrilled as it’s my first time, and it feels exciting."
Another student echoed similar sentiments, stating, "I feel prepared, yet the nerves are still there."
Official reports indicate that the Class X and Class XII Board examinations began today, with over 43 lakh students participating. Approximately 25 lakh students are registered for Class X, while around 18.5 lakh candidates are set to take the Class XII exams.
The examinations are being conducted across 8,074 centers for Class X and 7,574 centers for Class XII.
For Class X students, the first paper on Tuesday is Mathematics (Basic) and Mathematics (Standard). Class XII students are tackling subjects such as Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering Graphics, and Business Studies on the opening day.
The CBSE has advised students to arrive at their examination centers well ahead of time, considering traffic conditions. Entry to the centers will close promptly at 10 a.m. The Board reiterated that the exams will occur in a single shift from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and no student will be allowed entry after the reporting deadline.
The Class X examinations are set to conclude on March 10, while the Class XII Board exams will wrap up on April 10. In total, students will be assessed in 83 subjects for Class 10 and 120 subjects for Class XII.
Among the 25 lakh candidates registered for Class 10, approximately 14 lakh are boys and about 10.9 lakh are girls. In Class XII, nearly 10.2 lakh boys and 8.3 lakh girls are participating in the Board examinations this year.
Prior to the 2026 Board exams, the CBSE issued a strict directive to affiliated schools, mandating the timely distribution of admit cards and question papers without any errors.
In its latest communication, the Board instructed schools to download and distribute admit cards to students well in advance of the examinations. Schools were also required to verify all details on the admit cards and promptly correct any discrepancies through the designated process.
CBSE further emphasized that students must bring their admit cards to the examination center on all exam days. Entry to the examination hall will not be granted without a valid admit card. If a student fails to present the document, they may be marked 'Absent' for the respective subject.