The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to conduct the Class 10 and 12 board examinations for the academic year 2024-2025 from February 15 to April 4, 2025. As students gear up for these crucial exams, it’s essential to be well-versed with the guidelines pertaining to dress code, permitted and barred items, and effective preparation strategies to ensure a smooth examination experience.
Key Highlights 
- Exam Dates: February 15 to April 4, 2025.
- Dress Code: Regular students must wear school uniforms; private candidates should opt for light clothing.
- Permitted Items: Admit card, valid ID, essential stationery in a transparent pouch, analogue watch, transparent water bottle, metro card, bus pass, and money.
- Barred Items: Electronic devices, textual materials, wallets, handbags, eatables (except for diabetic students), and any items that could facilitate unfair means.
- Frisking: Mandatory physical frisking will be conducted before entry into the examination hall.
- Preparation Tips: Understand the syllabus, practice with previous papers, manage time effectively, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Exam Day Tips: Arrive early, carry necessary documents, adhere to the dress code, and stay calm.
CBSE Board Exam 2025 Schedule 
The CBSE board exams for both Class 10 and 12 are scheduled between February 15 and April 4, 2025. Class 10 exams will conclude by March 18, while Class 12 exams will continue until April 4. It’s crucial for students to refer to the official CBSE date sheet to know the exact dates of their respective subjects.
Dress Code Guidelines 
Adhering to the prescribed dress code is mandatory for all candidates:
- Regular Students: Must wear their school uniform. This aids in easy identification and maintains discipline during the examination process.
- Private Candidates: Should wear light-colored, comfortable clothes. Avoid heavy garments and accessories to ensure a hassle-free entry during frisking procedures.
Permitted Items in the Examination Hall 
To ensure a smooth examination experience, students are allowed to carry the following items:
- Admit Card: A mandatory document for entry.
- Identification Proof:
- Regular Students: School Identity Card.
- Private Candidates: Any government-issued photo ID (e.g., Aadhar card, voter ID, passport).
- Stationery: Essential items like pens (blue/royal blue ink/ballpoint/gel), pencils, erasers, scales, and writing pads, all contained within a transparent pouch.
- Analogue Watch: Digital watches or smartwatches are prohibited.
- Transparent Water Bottle: To stay hydrated during the exam.
- Transportation Aids: Metro cards, bus passes, and necessary money for commuting.
It’s advisable to double-check all items before leaving for the examination center to ensure compliance with CBSE guidelines.
Barred Items 
To maintain the integrity and fairness of the examination, the following items are strictly prohibited:
- Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, calculators (unless permitted for specific students), pen drives, electronic pens/scanners, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, health bands, smartwatches, and cameras.
- Textual Materials: Any printed or written materials, bits of paper, or any form of study aids.
- Personal Accessories: Wallets, goggles, handbags, pouches, etc.
- Eatables: Any food items, whether opened or packed, except for diabetic students who may carry necessary food items upon prior intimation.
- Other Prohibited Items: Any item that could be used to engage in unfair means during the examination.
Possession of any barred items can lead to disqualification or other disciplinary actions. Students will undergo compulsory physical frisking before entering the examination hall to ensure compliance.
Preparation Tips for Success 
Achieving excellence in the CBSE board exams requires strategic preparation and disciplined study habits. Here are some effective tips to guide students:
Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly 
- Familiarize Yourself: Begin by thoroughly understanding the syllabus for each subject. This will help in identifying the topics that need more focus.
- Prioritize Topics: Allocate more time to subjects and topics that carry higher weightage in the exams.
Practice with Previous Years’ Question Papers
- Identify Patterns: Solving past papers helps in understanding the exam pattern and the types of questions frequently asked.
- Time Management: Practicing under timed conditions can improve speed and accuracy.
Create a Realistic Study Schedule 
- Set Achievable Goals: Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks with specific objectives.
- Regular Breaks: Incorporate short breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.
Focus on Conceptual Clarity 
- Deep Understanding: Instead of rote learning, aim to understand the underlying concepts, which will aid in answering application-based questions.
- Seek Help: If a concept is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask teachers or peers for clarification.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle 
- Balanced Diet: Consume nutritious meals to keep your energy levels up.
- Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of sleep to keep your mind fresh.
Exam Day Tips for a Stress-Free Experience 
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free exam day, students should follow these important guidelines:
Arrive Early 
- Punctuality Matters: Reach the exam center at least 30–45 minutes before the reporting time to avoid last-minute rush and stress.
- Account for Delays: Consider possible traffic or transportation delays and plan your journey accordingly.
Carry Necessary Documents 
- Ensure you have your admit card, school ID (for regular students), or government-issued ID (for private candidates) before leaving for the center.
- A transparent stationery pouch with all required writing materials should also be packed in advance.
Adhere to the Dress Code
- Regular students must wear their school uniforms.
- Private candidates should wear light-colored, comfortable clothing and avoid heavy garments.
Stay Calm & Focused 
- Take deep breaths before entering the exam hall to calm your nerves.
- Read all instructions carefully before attempting the questions.
- Start with the questions you are most confident about to build momentum.
Mistakes to Avoid During CBSE Exams 
To prevent unnecessary trouble during exams, students should be mindful of the following mistakes:
1. Forgetting Important Documents 
Not carrying the admit card or ID proof can lead to disqualification from the exam. Always double-check before leaving.
2. Bringing Prohibited Items
Possessing mobile phones, smartwatches, or electronic devices can lead to serious consequences, including cancellation of the exam.
3. Violating Exam Rules 
- Cheating or copying from others can result in immediate disqualification.
- Talking to fellow students inside the exam hall is strictly prohibited.
4. Poor Time Management 
- Spending too much time on one question can leave less time for others.
- Not managing time effectively may lead to incomplete answers.
5. Ignoring Instructions 
- Not reading the question paper properly can lead to mistakes.
- Writing wrong roll number or missing important details on the answer sheet can affect evaluation.
Post-Exam Tips 
Once the exam is over, follow these steps to stay on track for the next paper:
- Avoid discussing answers immediately with friends—this may cause unnecessary stress.
- Relax for a while and take a short break before starting preparation for the next exam.
- Revise smartly by focusing on important concepts instead of cramming new topics.
- Get adequate sleep to keep your mind fresh and focused.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 
1. What should I do if I forget my admit card on the exam day?
If you forget your admit card, immediately inform your school authorities (for regular students) or contact the exam center supervisor. It’s best to keep an extra copy of the admit card as a backup.
2. Can I carry a calculator in the CBSE board exam?
No, calculators are not allowed in CBSE board exams unless specifically permitted for certain subjects like Accountancy or for students with disabilities who have prior approval.
3. Are parents allowed inside the exam center?
No, parents are not allowed inside the examination center. They can drop students off outside the venue and wait at a designated area if required.
By following these guidelines and preparation tips, students can confidently face their CBSE board exams in 2025 and aim for excellent results. Best of luck! 