The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released a crucial advisory for schools, parents, and students in preparation for the upcoming Class 10 and 12 board examinations, set to commence on February 17, 2026. This year, more than 46 lakh candidates are expected to appear for the examinations at centres across India and in 26 countries overseas, making it one of the largest coordinated academic exercises globally.
According to the board’s notification, examinations will begin at 10:30 AM. However, students must reach their respective examination centres by 10:00 AM, as entry will not be permitted after this time. The board has emphasised punctuality and urged students to carefully plan their travel arrangements in advance.
The advisory highlights that several important national and international events, including high-level meetings and summits, are scheduled during the examination period. As a result, traffic restrictions, route diversions, and congestion may occur in various cities. Such circumstances could potentially cause unexpected delays for commuters.
In view of these possibilities, CBSE has strongly recommended that students leave their homes well in advance on examination days. They are advised to take into account local traffic conditions, distance to the examination centre, and weather forecasts while planning their journey. Schools and parents have also been encouraged to support students by ensuring they are informed about centre locations and travel routes beforehand.
With lakhs of students appearing for the board examinations simultaneously, smooth coordination and timely reporting are essential. The board’s advisory aims to prevent last-minute stress and ensure that candidates are able to begin their examinations without disruption.
Students are therefore advised to remain alert, organised, and punctual, adhering strictly to the guidelines issued to ensure a hassle-free examination experience.