CBSE Board Exams 2025: Banned Items, Dress Code and Rules You Must Follow

Attention students!

As the CBSE Board exams 2025 for Class 10 and Class 12 approach, make sure you follow all the rules laid down by the CBSE Board. In this blog we’ve listed all the precautions and penalties you must know before the exam.

Let’s first begin with the list of things that you are allowed to carry.

Items Permitted in the Examination Centre

Admit card and school ID card (for regular students).
Admit card and any Government issued photo ID proof (for private students).
Stationery items i.e. a transparent pouch, geometry/pencil box, blue/royal blue ink/ball point/gel pen, scale, writing pad, and eraser.
Analogue watch and transparent water bottle.
Metro card, bus pass, and money.

Now, let’s take a look at the list of the things that are banned.

Barred Items in the Examination Centre

1. Stationery items such as printed or written textual material, pens, calculators, log tables, electronic pens/scanners, etc.

Note: Students with learning disability i.e. Dyscalculia are permitted to use a calculator.

2. Mobile phones, bluetooth, earphones, microphone, pager, health band, smart watch, camera, etc.

3. Wallet, goggles, handbags, non-transparent pouches, etc.

4. Any edible item opened or unopened (except for diabetic students).

5. Any item that can be used for malpractices.

Use of the above items will be treated under the “Unfair Means” category and will attract punishment.

Dress Code for CBSE Board Exams

For Regular Students: School Uniform

For Private Students: Light Clothes

Now, coming to the general actions that may lead to penalties.

Actions and Their Penalties for Non-Compliance in CBSE Board Exams

The Board advises not to partake in any of the actions listed below as they will lead to punishment.

1. Actions Leading to 2 Years Ban in Full Subjects:

Spreading rumours about the exam.
Carrying any barred item to the exam centre.

Penalty for these actions: Cancellation of current as well as next year’s examination in full subjects and shall be eligible to write/have/take the examination in full subjects thereafter.

2. Actions Leading to Ban for This Year in the Concerned Subject (Category 1):

Carrying previous years’ question papers.
Usage of any medium other than the answer book for writing questions or answers.
Tearing pages of the answer book or supplementary answer book.
Communication with any person other than the staff during the exam.
Having a hard copy of copying material in your possession but have not used it.
Breaching examination rules or any guidelines issued by the CBSE.

Penalty for these actions: Cancellation of current examination in the concerned subject. You shall be allowed to take the examination in that subject in the compartment examination, if otherwise eligible. The benefit of doubt shall be given to such student against whom no evidence is available.

3. Actions Leading to Ban for This Year in All Subjects (Category 2):

Affixing of fabricated photo on admit card.
Erasing/obliterating any information printed on the answer book.
Providing wrong information on the answer book.
Having hard copy of copying material in your possession and having used it.
Communicating with other students or the Assistant Superintendent directly or indirectly.
Helping other students engage in malpractice.
Attempting to assist other students directly or indirectly.
Attempting to take or taking help from other students directly or indirectly.

Penalty for these actions: Cancellation of current examination in all subjects. You shall take the examination in all subjects in the next year.

4. Actions Leading to 2 Years Ban in All Subjects (Category 3):

Carrying the answer book out of the examination room and centre.
Smuggling the question paper, answer books, or supplementary answer sheet out of the exam hall.
Possession, use or attempted use of any electronic device (including mobile phone) after entering the exam centre.
Using abusive language or threatening the staff on duty.
Violence at the exam or in the exam centre.
Forceful entrance or exit from the exam centre.

Penalty for these actions: Cancellation of current as well as next year’s examination in all subjects. You shall take the examination in all subjects thereafter.

5. Actions Leading to 4 Years Ban for All Subjects (Category 4):

Paying someone else to write your exam.
Uploading exam-related material on social media.
Approaching any authority related to the conduct of exams soliciting unauthorised privilege.
Taking legal course or other methods to influence CBSE for gaining an advantage in their favour by giving false information.

Penalty for these actions: Cancellation of current as well as of next three years’ examination in all subjects. You shall take the examination in all subjects thereafter.

6. Actions Leading to Counselling (Category 5):

Using inappropriate or threatening language in the answer book.
Using language/threat of harm to yourself in the answer book.
Use of any other ink or pencil for writing in the answer book.
Attaching a currency note or other such instrument with the answer book with or without any message for the evaluator.

Penalty for these actions: Counselling by the UFM Committee so that such language will not be used in future examinations. Currency notes or other means shall be forfeited and deposited in the Board’s account.

In conclusion, adhering to the CBSE exam guidelines is crucial for a smooth and successful exam experience. By following the dress code, carrying only permitted items, and being mindful of the rules, you can avoid unnecessary penalties and focus on performing your best. Stay informed, stay prepared, and make the most of your exam journey.

Preparing for the CBSE Class 10 exams? Along with following essential exam guidelines, it's equally important to solve past papers so you are 100% Board exam-ready. By combining your adherence to the board’s guidelines with these previous years’ question papers, you can step into the exam hall fully prepared and confident!

What are your thoughts on the CBSE Board’s Unfair Means Rules? Let us know in the comments down below.