CBSE releases admit cards for private candidates for Class 10 and 12 board exams 2026; regular students to collect hall tickets from schools.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued admit cards for private candidates appearing in the 2026 Class 10 and 12 board examinations, while regular students will receive their hall tickets through their schools. The Board has also outlined reporting time, exam-day guidelines, and key dates for theory and practical examinations.
The Central Board of Secondary Education has issued admit cards for private candidates appearing in the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for 2026. As per the Board’s instructions, regular students will not download admit cards online and will receive their hall tickets only through their respective schools.
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The CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations will commence on February 17, 2026. The Class 10 examinations will continue until March 11, 2026, while the Class 12 examinations will conclude on April 10, 2026, according to the official examination schedule.
Admit Card Access for Students
Private candidates, including those appearing under private, compartment, improvement, or essential repeat categories, can download their admit cards from the official CBSE website, cbse.gov.in. Regular students will receive their admit cards from their schools once the Board issues hall tickets to school authorities.
CBSE has advised all candidates to carefully verify the details printed on the admit card, such as the student’s name, roll number, subjects, examination dates, timings, and examination centre. In case of any error or discrepancy, students have been instructed to contact the concerned authority or school immediately for correction.
Reporting Time and Entry Guidelines
According to the guidelines issued by CBSE, students must reach the examination centre at least 45 minutes before the scheduled start of the examination. Entry into the examination hall will be allowed only after proper verification of the admit card.
The Board has clearly stated that no student will be permitted to appear in the examination without a valid admit card. Students are therefore required to carry the document on every examination day.
Practical Examinations
CBSE has already conducted practical examinations for most CBSE-affiliated schools starting January 1, 2026. Practical examinations for Class 12 private candidates will be held during February and March 2026, as per the schedule notified by the Board.
The revised CBSE date sheet for the 2026 board examinations was issued earlier on December 30, 2025.
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How to download CBSE Admit Card 2026 for private candidates
Step 1: Visit the official CBSE website at cbse.gov.in.
Step 2: Click on the link related to Class 10 or Class 12 private candidate admit cards.
Step 3: Enter the required login credentials as prompted on the screen.
Step 4: Submit the details to view the admit card.
Step 5: Download the admit card and take a clear printout for use on the examination days.
Instructions for Schools and Candidates
For regular students, CBSE has placed responsibility on schools to download, verify, and distribute admit cards. Schools are required to ensure that all student details are correct before issuing the hall tickets.
CBSE has reiterated that students must strictly follow exam-day instructions and carry only permitted items inside the examination centre.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam board | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Classes | Class 10 and Class 12 |
| Exam start date | February 17, 2026 |
| Class 10 exam end date | March 11, 2026 |
| Class 12 exam end date | April 10, 2026 |
| Admit card for regular students | Issued through respective schools |
| Admit card for private candidates | Downloadable from cbse.gov.in |
| Reporting time | At least 45 minutes before exam |
| Practical exams (regular schools) | From January 1, 2026 |
| Practical exams (private candidates) | February–March 2026 |
Q1. Who can download the CBSE 2026 admit card online?
Only private candidates can download admit cards from the CBSE website.
Q2. How will regular students get their admit cards?
Regular students will receive their hall tickets from their schools.
Q3. When do the CBSE 2026 board exams start?
The exams begin on February 17, 2026.
Q4. What is the reporting time at the exam centre?
Students must reach the centre at least 45 minutes before the exam.
Q5. Is the admit card compulsory for entry into the exam hall?
Yes, entry is not permitted without a valid admit card.
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