CBSE Board Exam 2026: Reporting Time, Gate Closing Time & Dress Code

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) will conduct the Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026 starting from 17 February 2026. These exams are held in a single morning shift, generally from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. With millions of students appearing across India and abroad, strict rules are followed at all examination centres. Reporting time, gate closing time, dress code, and permitted items are clearly defined by the board to ensure smooth and fair conduct.

Understanding these guidelines in advance helps prevent last-minute confusion and supports disciplined, stress-free examination day procedures for all candidates.

Overview of CBSE Board Exam 2026

Particulars	Details
Conducting Authority	Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)
Classes Covered	Class 10 (Secondary) and Class 12 (Senior Secondary)
Exam Start Date	From 17 February 2026
Mode of Examination	Offline (Pen-and-Paper Based)
Exam Shift	Single Morning Shift
Exam Timing	10:30 AM to 1:30 PM (for most theory papers)
Gate Closing Time	10:00 AM (No entry permitted after this time)
Official Website	cbse.gov.in

Reporting Time: Defined and Detailed

What Reporting Time Means

Reporting time refers to the latest time by which a candidate must have completed all pre-exam formalities (identity verification, frisking, seating, etc.) at the examination centre. It is not the time when travel should begin. Students are expected to be physically inside the exam premises and ready for verification by this time.

Official Reporting Window

For the CBSE Board Exams 2026:

• Admit cards generally specify the reporting time and exam start time (usually the same for all papers in the single morning shift). 
• The board has directed that students must reach the examination centre well in advance of 10:00 AM. 
• Arrival at least 30–45 minutes before reporting time is recommended to complete security checks and seating procedures. 

Typical Exam Day Timing

Event	Time
Suggested arrival at the centre	Before 9:30 AM
Official latest reporting time	Around 10:00 AM
Distribution of the question paper	10:15 AM
Start of writing time	10:30 AM
Examination end	1:30 PM

Note: Timings may vary slightly based on the admit card for specific exams. 

Why Early Arrival Matters

Reaching early helps avoid unforeseen delays such as traffic, public events, weather conditions, or long security queues. CBSE has specifically advised planning travel well ahead and visiting centres prior to exam days if possible. 

Gate Closing Time: Strict Enforcement

Gate Closing Time

Gate closing time is the last permissible time for entry into the examination centre. After this time, no candidate will be permitted to enter the premises under any circumstances, regardless of how close the candidate may be to the gate. 

Official Entry Cut-Off

CBSE has repeatedly emphasized:

• Entry to the examination centre will not be allowed after 10:00 AM for the morning session of board exams. 
• The gates are usually closed about 30 minutes before the official start time of the exam to complete verification, seating, and briefing procedures. 

This policy is designed to ensure uniform commencement of the exam across all centres and to eliminate rush or administrative overlap that may compromise fairness

Consequences of Late Arrival

Candidates arriving even a few minutes after gate closure are generally not permitted to sit for that day’s exam. There are no exceptions for delays caused by traffic, route diversions, or other disruptions. 

Dress Code: Requirements and Rationale

CBSE does not prescribe a uniform for all students but sets dress code expectations and restrictions to maintain discipline and simplify security checks.

For Regular (School) Candidates

• Wearing the school uniform is strongly recommended if provided by the school. 
• Uniform helps expedite frisking and identification. 

For Private or Non-Uniform Candidates

• Simple, light-coloured clothing is suggested to avoid complications during security scanning. 
• Overly elaborate clothing or accessories that may conceal items are discouraged. 

Clothing and Accessories to Avoid

The board’s guidelines and enforcement practices indicate:

• Heavy clothing with linings or inner pockets that could hide objects. 
• Hats, caps, or headgear, unless required for religious reasons, are pre-approved. 
• Jewellery, large metal accessories, and belts with prominent metallic buckles that impede metal detectors.
• Footwear with large metal components. 

Items Permitted and Prohibited Inside the Exam Centre

Permitted Items

Candidates are allowed to carry:

• Original printed admit card with a valid photo. 
• Valid photo identification (Aadhaar, school ID, etc.). 
• Stationery (blue/black pens, pencils, eraser, sharpener) in a transparent pouch. 
• Transparent water bottle. 

Prohibited Items

Strict prohibitions apply to:

• Mobile phones, smartwatches, digital watches, Bluetooth devices. 
• Calculators and electronic gadgets, unless explicitly permitted. 
• Study materials, notes, or written slips of any kind. 
• Bags and large pouches. 

Possession of any prohibited item can lead to confiscation, disqualification, or disciplinary action under CBSE’s “unfair means” rules. 

Key Takeways

• Reporting Time: Arrive early enough to be through all checks well before 10:00 AM. 
• Gate Closing: Entry is strictly prohibited after 10:00 AM. 
• Dress Code: School uniform or simple, light-coloured attire without prohibited accessories facilitates smoother entry and verification. 
• Items: Only essential stationery and valid documents are allowed; all electronic devices and unauthorised materials are banned. 

Also See:

• CBSE Board Exam 2026: Reporting Time, Gate Closing Time & Dress Code
• CBSE Class 10 Maths Topper Answer Sheet 2025: How to Score 100/100 (PDF Inside)
• Items Allowed & Banned in CBSE Board Exam Hall 2026
• CBSE Introduces On-Screen Marking (OSM) for Class 12 Board Exams 2026: Complete Details
• CBSE Board Exam 2026: OMR Sheet & Answer Sheet Filling Rules

Conclusion

The CBSE Board Exam 2026 protocols around reporting time, gate closing time, and dress code are designed to create a fair, secure, and orderly testing environment. Understanding and complying with these directives not only helps maintain examination discipline but also reduces stress and uncertainty on the day of the exam. Candidates and guardians are advised to read the official CBSE admit card and instructions thoroughly, as these documents contain centre-specific timings and rules which must be followed precisely.