New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially kicked off the Class 10 and Class 12 Board examinations for 2026 as of Tuesday, with millions of students participating nationwide for their inaugural papers. The exams are being conducted in a single session from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

As the examinations commenced, numerous students were observed arriving early at their designated examination centres, equipped with admit cards and stationery. Many expressed feelings of anxiety on this momentous first day.

IANS engaged with several students sitting for the Class 10 exams outside various testing centres throughout the national capital.

One student shared her sentiments, stating, “Today marks the first paper for the Board exams. It’s Mathematics, and I’m experiencing a blend of nervousness and excitement.”

Another student remarked, “We prepared diligently. We aimed to excel in this exam with commendable marks, but we feel a bit anxious.”

A third student expressed, “I’m feeling extremely nervous because it’s the first paper. Although I’m taking a basic Class 10 Board paper, I’m thrilled as it’s my first time, and I find it very exciting.”

Reflecting similar sentiments, another student mentioned, “Preparations are complete, yet I still feel nervous.”

According to official statistics, the Class 10 and Class 12 Board examinations have commenced today, with over 43 lakh students set to appear. Approximately 25 lakh students are registered for Class 10, while about 18.5 lakh candidates are participating in Class 12 exams.

The examinations are taking place across 8,074 centres for Class 10 and 7,574 centres for Class 12.

For Class 10 candidates, the first paper on Tuesday is Mathematics (Basic) and Mathematics (Standard). Meanwhile, Class 12 students are tackling subjects such as Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, Engineering Graphics, and Business Studies on their first day.

The CBSE has advised students to arrive at their respective examination centres well ahead of time, considering traffic conditions. Entry to the examination centres 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 permitted entry after the reporting deadline.

The Class 10 examinations are set to conclude on March 10, while the Class 12 Board exams will finish on April 10. In total, students will be assessed in 83 subjects for Class 10 and 120 subjects for Class 12.

Among the 25 lakh candidates for Class 10, around 14 lakh are boys and approximately 10.9 lakh are girls. In Class 12, nearly 10.2 lakh boys and 8.3 lakh girls are set to undertake the Board examinations this year.

In preparation for the 2026 Board exams, the CBSE issued stringent guidelines to affiliated schools, mandating the timely distribution of admit cards and question papers without any lapses.

In its recent communication, the Board instructed schools to download and distribute admit cards to students well in advance of the examinations. Schools were also directed to verify all details printed on the admit cards and promptly correct any discrepancies through the prescribed process.

The CBSE further clarified that students must bring their admit cards to the examination centre on all exam days. Entry to the examination hall will not be granted without a valid admit card. Should a student fail to present the document, they may be marked 'Absent' in the corresponding subject.