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CBSE board exams to begin from February 17, 2026

Students appearing for the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations in 2026 are eagerly waiting for their admit cards. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has confirmed that the final board examinations will begin from 17 February 2026. While private candidates have already received access to their admit cards, regular students should note an important rule — they cannot download their admit cards directly from the CBSE website.

Instead, regular candidates will receive their admit cards only through their respective schools. This process often leads to confusion among students, especially first-time board examinees. Here’s a detailed explanation of why this system exists, how admit cards are issued, and why students must keep them safe even after exams are over.

Why regular students cannot download CBSE admit cards themselves

CBSE follows a centralized and school-controlled system for issuing admit cards to regular students. Since regular candidates are enrolled through CBSE-affiliated schools, the responsibility of downloading, verifying, and distributing admit cards lies with school authorities.

Schools access the admit cards using their official login credentials on the CBSE portal. After downloading, schools verify student details, stamp the admit card, and get it signed by the school head. Only then is the hall ticket considered valid. This process helps CBSE ensure authenticity and avoid errors or misuse.

On the other hand, private candidates are allowed to download their admit cards directly because they are registered individually and not through schools.

When will CBSE admit cards for regular students be issued?

Based on previous years’ trends, CBSE usually releases admit cards for regular students five to six days before the first exam. Since the 2026 board exams are scheduled to begin on February 17, admit cards are expected to be issued in early February.

Students are advised to stay in touch with their schools and check official notices regularly to avoid missing important updates.

Steps for schools to download CBSE Admit Card 2026

School authorities can download admit cards for regular students by following these steps:

• Visit the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in

• Click on the link for CBSE Class 10 or Class 12 Admit Card 2026

• Enter the required school login credentials

• Download the admit cards for all registered students

• Verify details and distribute them after stamping and signing

Students should collect their admit cards from school well in advance of the exam date.

Details to check on the CBSE admit card

Once students receive their admit cards, they must carefully check the following information:

• Student’s name

• Roll number

• Date of birth

• Subject-wise exam dates

• Examination centre details

• Photograph and signature

• Important exam-day instructions

If any discrepancy is found, it should be immediately reported to school authorities for correction before exams begin.

Why it is important to keep the admit card safe even after exams

Many students assume the admit card is useless once exams are over, but this is a common mistake. CBSE has clearly stated that students may need their admit cards even after the exams conclude.

The admit card may be required during:

• Result declaration

• Re-evaluation or rechecking process

• Admission to higher classes or colleges

• Document verification at various stages

Students should keep their hall tickets safely until the entire admission or result-related process is completed.

Important instructions for exam day

Students must carefully read all instructions mentioned on the admit card, including reporting time and gate closing time. Electronic gadgets, study material, or prohibited items are strictly not allowed inside the examination centre.

To avoid last-minute stress, students should reach the exam centre well before time and cooperate with security checks.