Are Calculators Allowed in CBSE, +2 Board Exams? What Students Must Know

New Delhi: The use of calculators in the Class 12 Accountancy board exams has been approved by the CBSE curriculum committee. 

Now students will likely be able to use calculators in the Class 12 Accountancy exams although the final decision is still pending with the board's apex governing body. 

Who Can Use Calculators in Board Exams?

As of now, only students with special needs are permitted to use calculators during board exams. 

The decision which has been seen as a move to ease the burden on the students was taken by the curriculum committee in November last year. CBSE’s academic department highlighted calculators help reduce the cognitive load of complex calculations. 

It allows students to concentrate more on critical analysis and case studies, an official said. 

Also Read: CBSE Plans to Hold Board Exams Twice a Year from 2026

Guidelines To Be Framed On Usage of Calculators

Board officials stated that detailed guidelines will be developed, outlining specific parameters and the approved calculator models.

Will Calculator Use Be Allowed in Other Subjects? 

The curriculum committee has clarified that the use of calculators is currently limited to Accountancy only. Officials mentioned that the subject focuses more on logical reasoning and conceptual understanding than on the accuracy of basic mathematical operations. The introduction of calculators supports the National Education Policy’s goal of reducing the students' burden.

Meanwhile, the CBSE is also planning to conduct Class 10 and 12 board exams twice a year, a move aimed at reducing the high-pressure nature of a single annual exam and aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2022.

Currently, CBSE conducts board exams for Classes 10 and 12 in February-March. However, from 2026, students will have the opportunity to appear for these exams twice a year.