CBSE Releases Guidelines for Class 10 and 12 Board Exams 2025: Dress Code, Prohibited Items, and Exam Ethics

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued comprehensive guidelines for the upcoming Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations, scheduled to commence on February 15, 2025. These guidelines aim to ensure the fair and efficient conduct of one of the most crucial academic milestones for students across the country.

With over 10 million students expected to appear for the exams, CBSE’s emphasis on maintaining strict discipline and transparency underscores its commitment to upholding academic integrity. Schools, students, and parents have been advised to adhere strictly to these guidelines to avoid any potential issues during the examinations.

Key Guidelines for the 2025 CBSE Board Exams

1. Adherence to Exam Rules and Ethical Conduct

CBSE has emphasized the importance of exam ethics and has urged schools to inform students about:

• Prohibited Activities: Engaging in unfair practices will result in strict penalties.
• Avoiding Rumors: Students should refrain from spreading or believing in exam-related rumors.
• Parents’ Role: Parents must be aware of the exam rules and ensure their wards comply.
• Reminder Before Exams: Schools should remind students about banned items on exam days.

2. Surveillance and Monitoring

To ensure the integrity of the examination process, CBSE has implemented a CCTV policy across all exam centers. Each exam room will be equipped with CCTV cameras monitored by designated supervisors. Any attempt to use electronic devices or other prohibited items will be considered a violation of rules and will attract penalties.

3. Dress Code for Students

CBSE has issued a clear dress code for students appearing for the exams:

• Regular Students: Must wear their school uniforms.
• Private Candidates: Advised to wear light-colored clothing to maintain uniformity and avoid distractions.

4. Items Permitted in the Exam Hall

Students are allowed to carry only specific items to the examination hall:

• Admit Card: Mandatory for all students. Regular students must also carry their school ID cards, while private candidates must carry a government-issued photo ID.
• Stationery: Items such as transparent pouches, geometry boxes, blue/royal blue ink pens, ballpoint pens, gel pens, scales, writing pads, and erasers are permitted.
• Analog Watches: Only traditional watches without smart features.
• Water Bottles: Transparent bottles only.
• Metro Cards, Bus Passes, and Money: Allowed for travel convenience.

5. Prohibited Items

CBSE has listed a range of items that are strictly banned in the examination hall to prevent the use of unfair means:

Stationery

• Printed or handwritten notes, loose paper, calculators (except for students with disabilities), pen drives, log tables (provided by centers), electronic pens, and scanners.

Communication Devices

• Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, smartwatches, and cameras.

Other Items

• Wallets, sunglasses, handbags, and pouches.

Carrying any of these items will be treated as an unfair practice and attract disciplinary action under CBSE’s Unfair Means (UFM) Policy.

6. Exam Ethics and Training for Staff

CBSE has instructed schools to:

• Educate Exam Officials: Ensure invigilators and supervisors are fully aware of the guidelines.
• Conduct Pre-Exam Briefings: Inform students and parents about rules, consequences of violations, and the importance of ethical conduct during exams.

Significance of the Guidelines

CBSE Secretary Anurag Tripathi emphasized the importance of adhering to these rules, stating, “The board exams are a pivotal moment in a student’s academic journey. Ensuring fairness and integrity is our top priority. We urge students and parents to familiarize themselves with these guidelines to make the process smooth and stress-free.”

The implementation of these rules is part of CBSE’s broader commitment to promoting a fair examination environment while minimizing the risk of malpractice.

Preparing Students for a Fair Examination

To help students prepare for the exams while adhering to the guidelines, schools have been asked to:

1. Organize Awareness Sessions: Educate students about the dos and don’ts during exams.
2. Share the UFM Policy: Clearly explain the consequences of carrying banned items or engaging in unfair practices.
3. Promote Ethical Conduct: Instill the importance of honesty and diligence during exams.

A Comprehensive Approach to Exam Integrity

The integration of technology, such as CCTV surveillance and digital tools for monitoring, ensures that CBSE’s approach to conducting exams is transparent and foolproof. The board’s focus on educating students, parents, and staff reflects a commitment to fostering an examination culture rooted in integrity and discipline.