As the CBSE Board Exam 2026 approaches, lakhs of students across India are busy with last-minute preparation. But along with revision, one important thing students often ignore is the CBSE Board Exam Dress Code 2026. Every year, several students face unnecessary stress at exam centres due to wrong clothing, accessories, or footwear.
To help you avoid that situation, here is a complete, student-friendly guide on what boys and girls must wear during the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 Board Exams 2026.Why CBSE Has a Dress Code for Board Exams?
Central Board of Secondary Education enforces a strict dress code to:
- Prevent cheating and unfair practices
- Ensure smooth security checks
- Maintain discipline and uniformity at exam centres
- Avoid delays during frisking
Following the dress code is mandatory, not optional.
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Dress Code for Boys
Male candidates appearing for Class 10 & 12 CBSE Board Exams 2026 must follow these rules:
Allowed Clothing
- Light-colored, half-sleeve or full-sleeve shirt
- Simple trousers or pants (no heavy pockets)
- School uniform (if instructed by school)
- Plain sweater (only if weather requires)
Not Allowed
- Jeans with multiple pockets
- Jackets, hoodies, or coats
- Clothes with large buttons, zips, or metallic designs
- Caps, hats, or headgear
- Wallet chains or badges
Footwear Rules for Boys
- Simple slippers or sandals
- Shoes are allowed only if very simple (no thick soles)
CBSE Board Exam 2026: Dress Code for Girls
Female students must strictly follow these dress guidelines:
Allowed Clothing
- Light-colored salwar-kameez
- Simple kurti with leggings
- School uniform (if applicable)
- Simple sweater (without pockets)
Not Allowed
- Designer dresses or heavy embroidery
- Dupatta with pins or brooches
- Jeans, long skirts, or fancy outfits
- Hair accessories with metal
- Heavy makeup
Jewellery Rules for Girls
- Earrings, bangles, rings, anklets not allowed
- Only small nose pin (if necessary)
Important Accessories: What You Can & Cannot Carry
Allowed Items
- Admit Card (mandatory)
- Transparent water bottle
- Blue/black ballpoint pen
- Geometry box (if required)
Prohibited Items
- Mobile phone, smartwatch
- Bluetooth devices, earphones
- Calculator (unless permitted)
- Wallets, handbags
- Notes or chits
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Reporting Time & Security Check
- Reach the exam centre at least 45 minutes early
- Late entry may be strictly prohibited
- Students wearing improper dress may be denied entry
ЁЯСЙ Tip: Avoid wearing anything that requires explanation at the gate.
What Happens If You Violate the Dress Code?
- Delay in entry
- Extra checking & stress
- In extreme cases, entry may be denied
- Marked as unfair means if suspicious items found
Expert Tips for Students (Google Discover Friendly)
- Wear simple, comfortable clothes
- Avoid experimenting on exam day
- Keep pockets completely empty
- Follow school instructions carefully
- Double-check dress code a night before
CBSE Board Exam 2026 Dress Code: Quick Summary Table
| Category | Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes | Light, simple | Heavy, fancy |
| Footwear | Slippers/sandals | Thick-sole shoes |
| Jewellery | Minimal | Any metal |
| Accessories | Admit card, pen | Mobile, watch |
Final Words
The CBSE Board Exam 2026 Dress Code is designed for studentsтАЩ safety and fairness. Ignoring it can cost you precious exam timeтАФor worse, your entry. So stay calm, dress smart, and focus on what truly mattersтАФyour performance.
ЁЯСЙ Bookmark this guide and share it with classmates to avoid last-minute confusion.