Thursday, February 26, 2026, marked the official start of the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations conducted by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board. More than 15 lakh students turned up at exam centres across the state to begin their board journey.
From Ahmedabad to Surat, Vadodara to Rajkot, authorities coordinated closely with local police and education officials to ensure everything ran smoothly. The first day passed without major incidents, setting a positive tone for the weeks ahead.
How Many Students Are Appearing
Approximately 15.28 lakh students are appearing for the 2026 board examinations across Gujarat. This massive number includes both SSC and HSC candidates from all streams.
Managing an exercise of this scale requires precision. District administrations have been working with local police and education departments for weeks to get logistics right. Transport coordination, security arrangements, and emergency protocols all had to be in place before students walked into exam halls.
Day 1 Numbers at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Total Students | 15.28 lakh |
| Exam Start Date | February 26, 2026 |
| Classes | Class 10 (SSC) and Class 12 (HSC) |
| Exam Timing | 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM |
What Was on the Papers
Students appeared for different subjects depending on their class and stream.
Class 10 (SSC)
The first paper was First Language, which includes options like Gujarati, Hindi, Marathi, English, and other language choices. Students had from 10:00 AM to 1:15 PM to complete their answers.
Class 12 (HSC)
For Science stream students, the day brought the Physics paper. Those in General and Commerce streams appeared for the Sahkar Panchayat subject.
Officials reported orderly conduct across all major cities. No major complaints or incidents were registered, which is exactly what everyone hoped for.
Strong Security Across 140 Strongrooms
Question paper security remains a top priority for the board. Across Gujarat, 140 strongrooms are being monitored around the clock to safeguard confidential materials.
The security measures in place include:
- CCTV surveillance covering all access points
- 24/7 police presence at storage locations
- Multi-layer access control allowing only authorized personnel entry
In Surat alone, 14 dedicated secure zones have been established for paper storage and distribution. The chain of custody is being tracked at every stage, from strongroom to exam centre to individual student desks.
Surat Police Launch Sarathi Initiative for Students
Ongoing metro construction in Surat has created traffic challenges in several parts of the city. To ensure no student misses an exam due to congestion, Surat Police rolled out a special assistance initiative called “Sarathi.”
The key measures under this initiative include:
- Deployment of 80 additional traffic personnel at key junctions
- A dedicated helpline number – 74340 95555 – for students in distress
- Emergency transport assistance for stranded students
The helpline is designed for situations where students find themselves stuck due to traffic, vehicle breakdowns, or any other unexpected issue. Police personnel can then provide escort or arrange alternative transport to get them to their centre on time.
A Heartwarming Save
On the very first day, the initiative proved its worth. Traffic officials helped a student stuck near Athwagate reach her examination centre in Udhna just in time. The timely intervention was widely appreciated by parents and local residents, showing how quick action can make all the difference.
Surat Police Sarathi Initiative
| Measure | Details |
| Additional traffic personnel | 80 deployed |
| Helpline number | 74340 95555 |
| Assistance type | Emergency transport, escort to centre |
| First day success | Student rescued near Athwagate |
Upcoming Exam Schedule
Students need to stay on top of their subject timings. Here’s what the next two days look like.
February 27 (Friday)
- Class 10 (SSC): No Exam
- Class 12 (Science): No Exam
February 28 (Saturday)
- Class 10 (SSC): Science paper
- Class 12 (Science): Chemistry paper
Students appearing on Saturday should verify their exact timings from the official timetable and plan their travel accordingly.
Important Advisory for Students
Authorities have issued clear instructions that every candidate must follow.
Reach early. Students should arrive at examination centres 30 to 60 minutes before reporting time. This buffer accounts for traffic delays, parking issues, or any last-minute confusion.
Carry documents. Hall tickets and required identification are mandatory. Without them, entry will not be permitted.
Avoid prohibited items. Electronic gadgets, smartwatches, mobile phones, and any other banned items should be left at home. Carrying them into the exam hall can lead to disciplinary action even if not used.
Follow invigilator instructions. Once inside, students must comply with all instructions given by exam staff. Rules are there for a reason, and everyone is expected to follow them.
Given strict entry protocols and the possibility of traffic congestion in urban areas, early arrival is strongly recommended. Better to wait outside the centre than to rush in stressed and late.
Student Advisory Summary
- Reach centre 30-60 minutes early
- Carry hall ticket and valid ID
- No electronic gadgets allowed
- Follow all invigilator instructions
Focus on Fair and Transparent Exams
The GSEB has put multiple layers of monitoring and security in place for the 2026 board examinations. CCTV cameras cover exam halls. Strongrooms are guarded around the clock. Traffic personnel help students reach on time. Emergency helplines stand ready.
All of this serves one purpose – to ensure smooth and fair examinations across the state. Students who have prepared hard deserve an environment where they can perform without disruption or unfairness.
Parents and students have been urged to remain calm throughout the exam period. Anxiety helps no one. Punctuality and safety matter more than last-minute cramming.
With Day 1 successfully completed, the focus now shifts to the papers ahead. One subject at a time. One day at a time. That’s how boards are won.