The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued detailed guidelines for the upcoming Class 10 and 12 Board Exams 2025, emphasizing the importance of maintaining ethical practices during the examination period. These exams, which are set to begin on February 15, 2025, will see participation from approximately 44 lakh students across 204 subjects.
The guidelines aim to ensure a smooth and fair examination process while educating students, parents, and school officials about the rules and penalties for misconduct.
In this article, we’ll cover all the essential details, including permitted and banned items, dress code requirements, and the consequences of violating exam ethics.
CBSE Exam Ethics: Why Are They Important?
The CBSE Board Exams are one of the most significant academic milestones for students in India. To uphold the integrity of these examinations, CBSE has implemented strict rules and penalties for any unfair practices. According to an official statement by CBSE, “Fair examination conduct is essential for the academic well-being of students.”
The board has introduced comprehensive guidelines under its Unfair Means Rules (UFM) to prevent malpractice and ensure that all candidates compete on a level playing field. Schools have been instructed to educate students about these rules well in advance of the exams.
Permitted Items for CBSE Board Exams 2025
Students are allowed to carry only specific items into the examination hall. These include:
- Admit Card: Mandatory for entry into the exam center.
- Identity Card:
- Regular students must carry their school ID card.
- Private candidates must bring any government-issued photo ID (e.g., Aadhaar card).
- Stationery: Only essential items in a transparent pouch are permitted, such as:
- Geometry box or pencil box
- Blue or royal blue ink/ballpoint/gel pens
- Scale, eraser, and writing pad
- Analogue Watch: Smartwatches or digital watches are strictly prohibited.
- Transparent Water Bottle: Students can carry water in a clear bottle.
- Metro Card/Bus Pass/Money: For transportation purposes only.
Banned Items for CBSE Board Exams 2025
To maintain fairness during the exams, CBSE has prohibited several items from being brought into the exam center. These include:
- Stationery with Textual Material: Items like printed or written notes, calculators (except for students with learning disabilities), pen drives, log tables (provided by exam centers), and electronic pens/scanners.
- Communication Devices: Mobile phones, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, health bands, smartwatches, cameras, or any similar gadgets.
- Personal Belongings: Wallets, goggles, handbags, pouches, etc.
- Eatables: No food items are allowed except for diabetic students who require specific dietary provisions.
- Other Prohibited Items: Any item that could be used for unfair means or malpractice will be confiscated.
Students found in possession of any banned items will face strict penalties under CBSE’s UFM rules.
CBSE Dress Code Guidelines for Board Exams 2025
To ensure uniformity and avoid distractions during exams, CBSE has implemented a dress code for all candidates:
- Regular Students: Must wear their school uniforms as per their institution’s regulations.
- Private Candidates: Should wear light-colored clothes that are comfortable and modest.
Failure to adhere to these dress code guidelines may result in disciplinary action or denial of entry into the exam hall.
Consequences of Violating CBSE Exam Ethics
CBSE has outlined severe penalties for students who violate exam rules or engage in unfair practices:
- Possession or use of banned items such as communication devices can lead to cancellation of both the current year’s exams and eligibility to appear in next year’s exams as well.
- Spreading rumors about question papers or exam-related issues is considered a serious offense under UFM rules.
- Other violations like smuggling out question papers or answer sheets can result in disqualification from all subjects for up to three years.
- Students caught assisting others in cheating or attempting impersonation may face permanent debarment from CBSE examinations.
These measures aim to deter misconduct and uphold the credibility of the examination process.
FAQs
What is the start date for CBSE Board Exams 2025?
The exams will begin on February 15, 2025.
What items are allowed inside the examination hall?
Students can carry admit cards, IDs, transparent stationery pouches, analogue watches, water bottles, metro cards/bus passes/money.
Is there a dress code for private candidates?
Yes, private candidates should wear light-colored clothes that are modest and comfortable.
Can diabetic students bring food into the exam hall?
Yes, diabetic students are allowed to carry specific dietary provisions.