Digital Admit Cards and More: A Tech-Checklist for CBSE Parents This Season

So boards are around the corner, and if you're a Class 10 or 12 student (or a parent reading this), you probably have a million questions running through your mind right now. When's the admit card coming? What do I need to carry? What happens if I forget something? Don't worry, we've got you covered. 

Let's break down everything you need to know about digital admit cards and the tech stuff you'll need for CBSE 2026 boards. 

First things first, the admit cards for CBSE Class 10 and 12 exams are expected to be released in the last week of January or the first week of February 2026. Keep checking cbse.gov.in regularly. 

Note: If you're a regular student (meaning you go to a CBSE school), you won't download the admit card yourself. Your school will get it from the official portal, print it, stamp it, get the principal's signature, and then hand it to you. 

However, if you're a private candidate, you'll need to download it yourself from the CBSE website using your login details, which include your roll number, registration number, or candidate name. 

The CBSE board exams 2026 will start on February 17, 2026. Class 10 exams will go on till March 11, 2026, and Class 12 exams will continue till April 10, 2026. All exams begin at 10:30 AM, so reach your center at least 30 minutes early.

Once you get your admit card, actually read it carefully. It'll have your name, roll number, school details, exam center address, subjects with codes, exam dates and timings, your photo and signature, plus important instructions. 

Check everything twice. If there's even a tiny mistake, like a spelling error in your name or a wrong subject code, tell your school immediately. These things matter during college admissions later. 

"Digital admit card" doesn't mean you carry your phone to the exam hall. It just means the admit card is issued digitally (online) instead of being posted to your home like it used to be years ago. 

For the exam day, you MUST carry: 

Printed Admit Card: Take 2-3 photocopies and keep them safe. You'll need your admit card every single day of your exams. No admit card = no entry into the exam hall. Period. 

Also, carry your school ID card (regular students) or government photo ID like Aadhaar (private candidates). 

This is super important because CBSE is really strict about this. 

Items you CAN carry: Blue or royal blue ballpoint pen, pencil, eraser, sharpener, transparent geometry box, transparent water bottle, simple analog watch (not smartwatch), school uniform, bus pass, and some cash. 

Items you CANNOT carry: Mobile phones (even if switched off), smartwatches, any electronic device, calculator (unless you have special permission), whitener, highlighters, colored pens, food items (unless diabetic with medical certificate), study material. 

If you're caught with any prohibited item, it'll be considered unfair means. Not worth the risk. 

CBSE requires a minimum of 75% attendance to issue the admit card. If you don't meet this, the board can deny your admit card, which means you won't be able to appear for the exams. 

If your attendance is low, talk to your school authorities right away and see if there's anything you can do. 

Don't panic. If you lose your admit card before the exams start, immediately inform your school. They can issue you a duplicate. This is why we told you to keep photocopies—they'll help you in the meantime. 

Get your admit card as soon as your school gives it to you. Make multiple photocopies. Keep all your stationery in a transparent pouch the night before. Visit your exam center once before your first exam if it's not your school. Set multiple alarms. Keep your phone at home on exam day.

Help your child verify all details on the admit card. Keep both the original and photocopies safe. Make sure they have all permitted stationery. Don't pack prohibited items. Stay calm, as your anxiety will transfer to your child.

The CBSE 2026 boards are right around the corner. The admit card is your most important document, so treat it like gold. Make sure everything on it is correct, keep multiple copies, and carry it to every single exam. 

Don't stress too much about the "digital" part, as it just means everything's online now. You still need to print it out and carry it like always. 

And remember, thousands of students appear for boards every year and do just fine. You will too. Just stay organized, follow the rules, and focus on giving your best in each exam. 

All the best!