CBSE Board Exams 2026 Begin: 43 Lakh Students Take on Class 10 and 12 Exams Across 15,649 Centres

The Biggest Academic Event of the Year Kicks Off

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board examinations for Class 10 and Class 12 officially began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking the start of what is arguably India's largest annual academic exercise. With over 43 lakh students registered across the country, the stakes have never been higher.

The Numbers Tell the Story

The scale of this year's CBSE board exams is staggering. For Class 10, a total of 25,08,319 students have registered — comprising 14,08,546 boys and 10,99,773 girls. For Class 12, 18,59,551 students are set to appear, with 10,27,552 boys and 8,31,999 girls.

To accommodate this massive exercise, 15,649 exam centres have been designated across India — 8,075 for Class 10 and 7,574 for Class 12. Exams run from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM daily.

Day One: Mathematics and Biotechnology

Class 10 students kicked off their exam season with Mathematics (Basic and Standard) — a subject that can make or break board results. Meanwhile, Class 12 students began with Biotechnology, Entrepreneurship, and Shorthand papers.

Tight Security and CCTV Surveillance

CBSE has implemented stringent security measures for fair conduct. All exam centres are equipped with CCTV cameras, and sensitive centres have been placed under special surveillance. The board has also set up a control room to handle any exam-day issues in real time.

What Students and Parents Should Know

Students are advised to reach their exam centres well before the scheduled time. Carrying admit cards is mandatory, and electronic devices including mobile phones are strictly prohibited inside exam halls. Parents have been urged to ensure their children remain calm and focused during this critical period.

The Bottom Line

The CBSE board exams are more than just tests — they are a rite of passage for millions of Indian students. With over 43 lakh young minds putting pen to paper today, the outcomes will shape careers, college admissions, and futures. The entire nation watches as its next generation steps up to the challenge.