The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is set to conduct the Class 10 and 12 board theory exams for around 44 lakh students across 204 subjects, beginning on February 15, 2025. Ahead of the exams, CBSE has released important guidelines to ensure smooth conduct and uphold exam ethics. The board has requested schools to ensure that all students are informed about the exam rules, ethics, and instructions to avoid any misconduct during the exams.
CBSE’s notice includes detailed guidelines on what students are allowed and not allowed to bring to the exam centre, as well as the dress code they are expected to follow. In a letter addressed to school principals and centre superintendents, CBSE has emphasized the importance of exam ethics and the consequences of violating these rules.
Exam Ethics and Unfair Means
The board has instructed schools to brief students and their parents about the penalties for unfair means (UFM) and ensure that students understand the importance of adhering to ethical behavior during exams. Students must refrain from spreading or believing any rumors that could disturb the exam process. Any student found in possession of banned items or engaged in spreading rumors will face cancellation of their current and next year’s exam.
Allowed Items:
- Admit Card and school identity card (for regular students) or government-issued photo ID (for private students)
- Stationery: Transparent pouch, geometry box, blue or royal blue ink/ballpoint pen, scale, writing pad, eraser
- Analogue watch (no smartwatches)
- Transparent water bottle
- Metro card, bus pass, or money
Banned Items:
- Stationery: Textual material (printed or written), calculator (except for students with dyscalculia), electronic pen, scanner, etc.
- Communication Devices: Mobile phone, Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphone, health bands, smartwatches, cameras
- Other Items: Wallet, goggles, handbags, pouches, and any eatable item except for diabetic students
- Unfair Means: Any items that could be used for cheating or unfair conduct
Dress Code:
- Regular students: School uniform
- Private students: Light clothing
Penalties for Unfair Means:
CBSE has also shared a detailed list of penalties for students who resort to unfair practices during the exam. Depending on the severity of the violation, penalties may include disqualification from the current or subsequent exams, suspension, or other disciplinary actions.
With these clear instructions and a focus on maintaining the integrity of the exams, CBSE aims to ensure that the 2025 board exams are conducted smoothly, without disruptions or unfair practices.
