ICSE Class 10 Exams 2025: The ICSE Class 10 Board Exams are a pivotal milestone in a student’s academic journey. With the 2025 exams commencing on February 18, thousands of students are gearing up to showcase their knowledge. However, even the most prepared candidates can face setbacks if they overlook critical exam-day rules or fall into common traps. To help you avoid disqualification, stress, and costly errors, here’s a comprehensive guide to the 15 things you MUST NOT DO during your ICSE exams, along with actionable tips for success.
1. ICSE Never Engage in Unfair Practices
- Cheating, copying, or communicating with peers during the exam is strictly prohibited. The CISCE has stringent rules:
- Consequences: Immediate expulsion, cancellation of results, or even a ban from future exams.
- Examples: Using hidden notes, whispering, or exchanging answer sheets.
- Tip: Focus on your own paper. Trust your preparation and avoid distractions.
2. Do NOT Bring Prohibited Items
- Electronic devices (calculators, phones, smartwatches), notes, or weapons are banned. Even accidental possession can lead to disqualification
- Allowed Items: Only blue/black pens, pencils for diagrams, and subject-specific tools (e.g., geometry sets).
- Safety Check: Empty your pockets and bags before entering the hall.
3. Avoid Arriving Late
Reporting time: 30 minutes before the exam starts (e.g., by 10:30 AM for an 11:00 AM paper)
- Risks: Missing the 15-minute reading time (10:45–11:00 AM) to review questions.
- Plan Ahead: Map your route, account for traffic, and keep your admit card ready.
4. ICSE Never Leave the Exam Hall Early
Leaving before the official end time (e.g., 1:00 PM for a two-hour paper) is prohibited
- Why?: Early exits disrupt others and risk incomplete submissions.
- Use Extra Time: Revise answers, check numbering, or re-attempt skipped questions.

5. Do NOT Ignore Answer Sheet Instructions
Mishandling answer sheets can cost marks or lead to rejection:
- Details to Include: Unique ID, Index Number, and Subject on every sheet.
- Formatting: Write on both sides, leave margins, and number answers clearly.
- Mistake to Avoid: Copying questions verbatim—summarize instead
6. Overstepping Question Limits is Risky
Answer only the required number of questions specified in the paper
- Example: If instructed to attempt 5 out of 7 questions, stick to.
- Why?: Extra answers are ignored, wasting time and effort.
7. Never Use Unapproved Ink Colors
Only blue/black ink is permitted for writing. Pencils are allowed only for diagrams
- Risk: Answers in red/green ink may be invalidated.
- Tip: Carry multiple pens to avoid mid-exam emergencies.
8. Avoid Messy Handwriting & Spelling Errors
While handwriting isn’t directly graded, illegible answers or frequent spelling mistakes (especially in English) can lower scores
- Solution: Practice writing clearly under timed conditions.
- Quick Fix: Leave a line after each answer for readability
9. ICSE Do NOT Neglect Rough Work Guidelines
All rough work must be done on the same answer sheet, not on separate paper
- Why?: Separate sheets are confiscated, and your work won’t be reviewed.
- Tip: Cross out rough notes neatly after finalizing answers.
10. Never Submit Unfastened or Disordered Sheets
Before submitting:
- Arrange sheets sequentially, with the first page on top.
- Fasten them at the top-left corner without folding.
- Check: Ensure UID and subject details are on every sheet
11. Avoid Last-Minute Cramming
While not a direct exam-hall rule, poor preparation leads to panic:
- Impact: Stress, burnout, and careless errors.
- Fix: Follow a study schedule with regular revisions
12. Do NOT Skip Practical Exams
Practicals carry significant weight (up to 20% in some subjects). Ignoring them drags down overall scores
- Tip: Practice viva questions and lab experiments thoroughly.
13. Never Argue with Invigilators
Disorderly conduct (shouting, refusing instructions) leads to expulsion
- Stay Calm: Politely clarify doubts but avoid confrontations.
14. Avoid Health Neglect
Skipping meals or sleep harms concentration:
- Exam-Day Essentials: Eat a light meal, stay hydrated, and sleep 7–8 hours.
15. Do NOT Share Exam Details Post-Paper
Discussing questions outside the hall risks allegations of malpractice. Wait until all exams conclude
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Bonus: 5 Pro Tips for Success
- Master Time Management: Allocate 15–20 minutes per question.
- Solve Sample Papers: Familiarize yourself with ICSE patterns.
- Revise Weak Topics: Prioritize high-weightage subjects.
- Stay Positive: Visualize success to combat anxiety.
Verify Resources: Use CISCE-approved materials like Oswal sample papers.
Final Note
The ICSE Class 10 exams test not just knowledge but also discipline and attention to detail. By avoiding these 15 pitfalls and adhering to CISCE guidelines, you’ll maximize your chances of scoring high while staying out of trouble. Best of luck—you’ve got this!
For official updates, visit CISCE’s website.