Karnataka SSLC Exam 2026 Begins March 18: Timings, Exam Guidelines & Dress Code

Published: Monday, March 16, 2026, 16:09 [IST]

The Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board (KSEAB) will conduct the SSLC Final (Class 10) Board Examinations 2026 from March 18 to April 2, 2026 across the state. Lakhs of students from government, aided, and private schools in Karnataka are expected to appear for the examination this year.

The exams will be conducted in offline mode using pen and paper, with each paper scheduled between 10:15 AM and 1:30 PM. Students are advised to follow all exam-day guidelines, including reporting time, permitted materials, and dress code instructions issued by the board.

Karnataka SSLC Exam 2026 Begins March 18

The SSLC (Secondary School Leaving Certificate) examinations conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board are one of the most important academic assessments for Class 10 students in the state. The SSLC 2026 board exams will start on March 18, 2026 and conclude on April 2, 2026, covering major subjects such as languages, mathematics, science, and social science.

Every year, lakhs of students from different districts of Karnataka appear for this examination as it plays a crucial role in determining their eligibility for higher secondary education. The exams will be conducted at designated examination centres across the state under strict supervision to ensure fairness and transparency.

SSLC Exam Timings

According to the official schedule released by the board, the examination will be held in a single shift each day.

Exam Timing:

Start Time: 10:15 AM
End Time: 1:30 PM

Students are advised to reach the examination centre at least 30-45 minutes before the reporting time to complete verification procedures and settle in the exam hall.

Important Exam Day Guidelines

Students appearing for the SSLC Board Exams 2026 must follow the guidelines issued by the board to avoid any issues on exam day.

Key instructions include:

Carry the SSLC admit card/hall ticket to the exam centre.
Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time.
Carefully read the question paper instructions before answering.
Use only permitted stationery items during the examination.
Follow all instructions given by exam invigilators.

Students should maintain discipline and adhere to all rules during the exam to ensure a smooth examination process.

Dress Code for SSLC Exams

The board has also advised students to follow a simple and appropriate dress code while appearing for the examination. The aim of this rule is to maintain uniformity and avoid any confusion during security checks.

Students are generally advised to:

Wear their regular school uniform if applicable
Avoid accessories such as smart watches, electronic gadgets, or ornaments
Follow any additional dress instructions provided by their schools

Strict checks may be conducted at examination centres to ensure compliance with these rules.

Importance of SSLC Examination

The SSLC examination is a significant milestone in a student's academic journey in Karnataka. The results of the Class 10 board exams determine admission opportunities in pre-university courses (PUC), diploma programmes, and other vocational streams.

Students are therefore encouraged to stay calm, manage their time effectively during the exam, and revise important topics thoroughly before each paper.

Preparation Tips for Students

As the exam approaches, students should focus on final preparation strategies, such as:

Revising important formulas and key concepts
Solving previous years' question papers
Practicing time management during mock tests
Getting adequate sleep before exam days

With proper preparation and adherence to exam guidelines, students can perform confidently in the SSLC Board Exams 2026 conducted by the Karnataka School Examination and Evaluation Board.