CBSE Admit Card 2026: How to Download Hall Tickets for Class 10 and 12 Board Exams

The wait is over for lakhs of students across India. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released admit cards for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations 2026. The board activated the hall ticket download link on its official portal, marking the final step before exams begin on February 17, 2026.

But here's what might surprise you: not all students can download their admit cards themselves. Regular students need to collect them from their schools, while private candidates can download them directly. Let's break down everything you need to know.

How Regular Students Get Their Admit Cards

If you're a regular student attending a CBSE affiliated school, you won't be downloading your admit card yourself. Here's how the process works:

Your school principal or authorized official will log into the Pariksha Sangam portal using their credentials. They'll download all admit cards for students in their school. The principal will then add their signature and the school stamp on each card before distributing them to students.

This system ensures proper verification and reduces the chances of errors. You simply need to collect your admit card from your school office. Make sure you do this well before your first exam.

Private Candidates: The Self Download Process

Private candidates have a different procedure. You can download your admit card directly from the CBSE website. Here's the step by step process:

Visit the official CBSE website. Log in using your application number or previous roll number. Download your admit card once you're logged in. Check all details carefully on the card. Print out the admit card and keep multiple copies.

If you spot any error in your name, date of birth, subject codes, or exam center details, contact CBSE immediately. Don't wait until exam day to report mistakes.

What Information Your Admit Card Contains

Your CBSE admit card is more than just an entry pass. It contains critical information you'll need throughout the exam period:

Your complete name as registered
Roll number for the examination
Exam center name and full address
Subject codes you're appearing for
Date wise exam schedule
Reporting time for each exam
Important instructions for the examination hall

Read through all the instructions printed on your admit card. These guidelines help maintain exam discipline and prevent any confusion on exam day.

Exam Schedule You Should Know

Mark these dates in your calendar right now. Class 10 examinations will run from February 17 to March 11, 2026. Class 12 students have a longer schedule, with exams spanning from February 17 to April 10, 2026.

The extended schedule for Class 12 accounts for the larger number of subjects and optional papers students take at this level.

Critical Rules for Exam Day

Your admit card becomes your most important document during the exam period. You must carry a printed copy to every single exam. Digital copies on your phone won't work. The invigilators need to see a physical, printed admit card.

Reach your exam center at least 30 minutes before the exam starts. This buffer time helps you locate your seat, settle your nerves, and handle any last minute queries. Late entry is often restricted after a certain time.

Without your admit card, you won't get entry into the exam hall. No exceptions. Even if school officials know you, rules require a valid admit card for entry.

Common Questions Students Ask

Can I download my admit card if I'm a regular student?

No. Regular students must collect their admit cards from their respective schools. Only private candidates can download cards themselves.

What if I find a mistake on my admit card?

Contact your school immediately if you're a regular student. Private candidates should reach out to CBSE directly through their helpline or regional office.

Do I need my admit card for every exam?

Yes. You must carry your admit card to every single examination. Keep it safe throughout the exam period.

What documents do I need along with the admit card?

Check your admit card for the complete list. Usually, you need a school ID card or another photo identity proof.

Smart Tips for Using Your Admit Card

Once you get your admit card, make several photocopies. Keep one in your bag, one at home, and one as a backup. Cards can get damaged or lost, and having copies saves you stress.

Visit your exam center a day or two before your first exam. Knowing the location, travel time, and gate entry helps reduce exam day anxiety. Your admit card has the center address. Use it to plan your route.

Read the instructions section carefully. Some students lose marks not because they don't know answers, but because they don't follow basic instructions about paper format or answer writing guidelines.

Create a small checklist of items to carry each exam day: admit card, ID proof, pens, pencils, geometry box, and water bottle. Stick this list near your study table so you don't forget anything important.

What Comes Next

With admit cards now in hand, your focus should shift entirely to revision and exam strategy. The hard work you've put in throughout the year matters most now. Your admit card simply opens the door to demonstrate that preparation.

Organize your study schedule around the exam dates on your admit card. Prioritize subjects based on your exam sequence. Give yourself breaks between study sessions. Well rested minds perform better than exhausted ones.

Keep CBSE's official website bookmarked. The board sometimes issues additional instructions or updates closer to exam dates. Staying informed helps you avoid any surprises.

Remember that thousands of students across India are in the same boat. You're not alone in feeling the pressure. Channel that energy into productive revision rather than worry. Your admit card is ready. Your preparation will get you through.