Chennai: The state board exams for classes X and XII for 2026-27 academic year will begin in Mar 2027, school education minister Rajmohan announced on Wednesday. A total of 16.6 lakh students are expected to appear for the exams.The class XII exams will be held from Mar 3-29 and class X, from Mar 17 to Apr 29. The Class XI arrear exams will be held from Mar 5 to Apr 1. Practical exams for class XII will be held from Feb 8-18 and Class X, from Feb 19-26. Results will be declared tentatively for class XII on May 7 and class X on May 20. Around 7.9 lakh students are expected to take the class XII exams and 8.7 lakh for class X.Releasing the schedule on Wednesday, the minister said that teachers have been instructed to follow a student-centric approach for preparations without burdening them much. He also warned private schools against holding special classes for students on Sundays and govt holidays. “If any such classes are held, subjecting students to intense study hours in the name of preparation, action will be taken. Anybody can notify me if such classes take place,” Rajmohan added.To a question by TOI on whether the exam centres and halls will have CCTV cameras this year in the wake of several candidates from select centres in Cuddalore and Villupuram scoring centum in chemistry in 2025, the minister said, “Malpractice will not be allowed at any cost and all examiners will be instructed to be on strict vigil. We will hold discussions on setting up CCTVs at exam centres and take a decision soon.”On measures to prevent question paper leaks, Rajmohan said that the state had fewer question paper-related problems compared with other places. “Nonetheless, question papers will be closely monitored.”All board exams are starting with the Tamil subject.
