CBSE DRQ2026 Tier-I exam scheduled on Jan 31 & Feb 1, 2026. Check post-wise schedule, timings, admit card details, and important instructions. Visit www.cbse.gov.in for updates.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released an important Public Notice regarding the Tier-I examination schedule for its Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026 (DRQ2026). This notification, bearing Advertisement No. CBSE/Rectt.Cell/14(88)/2025 dated 02.12.2025, outlines the crucial dates and timings for the examination of various Group A, B, and C posts. Candidates who have applied for these positions are advised to meticulously check the schedule to prepare for their respective examinations.
Exam Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) |
| Examination Name | Direct Recruitment Quota Examination 2026 (DRQ2026) – Tier-I |
| Advertisement No. | CBSE/Rectt.Cell/14(88)/2025 |
| Posts Covered | Group A, B and C posts (Assistant Secretary, Assistant Professor & Assistant Director, Accounts Officer, Junior Translation Officer, Superintendent, Junior Accountant, Junior Assistant) |
| Exam Dates | January 31, 2026 (Saturday) & February 01, 2026 (Sunday) |
| Exam Mode | Offline (Typically, though not explicitly mentioned, Tier-I often has offline components) |
| Official Website | www.cbse.gov.in |
Exam Schedule
The Tier-I examination for various posts will be conducted on the following dates and timings:
| Date of Exam | Day | Post Code | Post Name | Session | Timings | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 01/25 | Assistant Secretary | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 02/25 | Assistant Professor & Assistant Director (Academics) | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 03/25 | Assistant Professor & Assistant Director (Training) | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 04/25 | Assistant Professor & Assistant Director (Skill Education) | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 05/25 | Accounts Officer | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 07/25 | Junior Translation Officer | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 31.01.2026 | Saturday | 06/25 | Superintendent | Session – II | 14:00 TO 16:00 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 01.02.2026 | Sunday | 08/25 | Junior Accountant | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
| 01.02.2026 | Sunday | 09/25 | Junior Assistant | Session – I (One common paper) | 09:30 TO 11:30 HOURS | 02.00 HOURS |
Exam Centers
The official notification states that information related to the Tier-I examination centre and examination city will be made available to candidates through their respective application logins. Candidates are advised to regularly visit the CBSE website www.cbse.gov.in for further updates and information regarding their specific exam venue.
Exam Pattern
The public notice indicates that the Tier-I examination for most posts will consist of “One common paper” with a duration of 2 hours. While the detailed syllabus and specific sections are not provided in this notice, typically, a Tier-I examination for Group A, B, and C posts in government organizations like CBSE includes:
| Section/Subject | Typical Topics Covered | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness/GK | Current Affairs, Indian History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science | 2 Hours | Often present (e.g., 0.25 or 0.5 marks per wrong answer) |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | Analogies, Similarities, Differences, Problem Solving, Analysis, Judgment, Decision Making, Visual Memory, Discrimination, Observation, Relationship Concepts, Arithmetical Reasoning, Verbal & Figure Classification, Arithmetical Number Series, Non-Verbal Series etc. | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number Systems, Decimals, Fractions, Profit & Loss, Discount, Partnership, Mixture & Allegation, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Mensuration, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation etc. | ||
| English Language/General Hindi | Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Structure, Synonyms, Antonyms, Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection etc. |
Candidates are strongly advised to refer to the original detailed advertisement (Advertisement No. CBSE/Rectt.Cell/14(88)/2025) for the precise exam pattern, marking scheme, and syllabus for their specific post, which would have been released earlier.
Admit Card
The admit card (Hall Ticket/Call Letter) for the Tier-I examination will be made available to candidates through their respective application logins on the official CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in). Candidates must regularly check the website for updates on admit card release.
How to Download CBSE DRQ2026 Admit Card:
- Visit the official CBSE website: www.cbse.gov.in.
- Navigate to the ‘Recruitment’ or ‘Latest News’ section.
- Look for the link titled “DRQ2026 Tier-I Exam Admit Card Download” or similar.
- Click on the link and you will be redirected to the login page.
- Enter your Registration Number/Roll Number and Password/Date of Birth.
- Your admit card will be displayed on the screen.
- Verify all details, download, and take a printout for future reference.
What to Verify on Your Admit Card:
- Candidate’s Name, Roll Number, and Application Number
- Date of Birth, Category, and Gender
- Exam Date, Day, and Session
- Reporting Time and Gate Closing Time
- Examination Centre Name and Address
- Photograph and Signature
- Important instructions for the exam day
In case of any discrepancy, candidates should immediately contact the CBSE examination authority before the exam date.
Documents Required on Exam Day
It is mandatory for candidates to carry certain documents to the examination center. While the specific notice does not detail these, based on typical government exams, you should prepare the following:
- Printed copy of the Admit Card: A clear printout of your CBSE DRQ2026 Tier-I admit card.
- Original Photo ID Proof: Any one of the following (with clear photograph and details matching admit card):
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- Passport
- Employee ID (if applicable)
- College/University ID (if applicable)
- Passport Size Photographs: At least two recent passport-size photographs (preferably the same as uploaded in the application form).
- Optional: A transparent water bottle, a simple ballpoint pen (blue/black).
Documents NOT Allowed:
- Any electronic gadgets like mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices.
- Study material, chits, notes, books.
- Wallets, handbags, or any other personal belongings (storage facilities are usually not provided).
- Eatables or beverages (except for transparent water bottle).
Exam Day Instructions
To ensure a smooth examination experience, candidates must adhere to the following general instructions:
Do’s:
- Reach the examination center well before the reporting time to avoid last-minute rush.
- Carry all mandatory documents: Admit Card, Photo ID (original), and passport-size photographs.
- Follow all instructions given by the invigilators and exam authorities.
- Maintain social distancing and adhere to any COVID-19 related protocols (if applicable).
- Read the instructions on the question paper/computer screen carefully before attempting the exam.
Don’ts:
- Do not carry any prohibited items into the examination hall.
- Do not engage in any unfair means or malpractice; this will lead to immediate disqualification.
- Do not argue with the invigilators or other exam functionaries.
- Do not leave the examination hall before the stipulated time.
- Do not tamper with the computer system or OMR sheet.
Last-Minute Tips
As the exam dates approach, effective last-minute preparation can significantly boost your performance:
- Revision is Key: Focus on revising all important formulas, concepts, and notes. Avoid starting any new topics.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions, improve time management, and identify areas needing quick review.
- Analyze Previous Papers: Go through previous year’s question papers to understand the exam pattern and types of questions asked.
- Stay Calm & Confident: Trust your preparation. A positive mindset can make a big difference.
- Prioritize Sleep: Ensure you get adequate sleep (7-8 hours) in the days leading up to the exam for optimal mental sharpness.
- Plan Your Travel: Know your exam center location and plan your commute to avoid any last-minute stress.
What to Expect
The CBSE DRQ2026 Tier-I exam is a competitive assessment designed to filter candidates for the next stages of recruitment. You can expect:
- Moderate to Difficult Questions: Depending on the post, the difficulty level may vary. Group A posts typically have a higher difficulty.
- Time Pressure: With 2 hours for a common paper, time management will be crucial. Practice speed and accuracy.
- Strict Environment: Examination halls are typically strict with rules and regulations to ensure fairness.
- Objective Type Questions: The Tier-I exam is almost always objective (Multiple Choice Questions), often with negative marking for incorrect answers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the CBSE DRQ2026 Tier-I exam scheduled?
A1: The Tier-I examination is scheduled for January 31, 2026 (Saturday) and February 01, 2026 (Sunday), depending on the post.
Q2: Where can I find my exam center details?
A2: Information regarding your examination center and city will be made available through your application login on the official CBSE website (www.cbse.gov.in) along with your admit card.
Q3: How can I download my admit card for the CBSE DRQ2026 exam?
A3: You can download your admit card from the official CBSE website, www.cbse.gov.in, by logging in with your registration number and password/Date of Birth once the admit card link is active.
Q4: What documents are mandatory to carry to the exam hall?
A4: You must carry a printed copy of your admit card, an original valid photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.), and a few passport-size photographs.
Q5: Is there negative marking in the CBSE DRQ2026 Tier-I exam?
A5: While not explicitly mentioned in this notice, government competitive exams often have negative marking. Candidates should refer to the original detailed notification for confirmation on the exact marking scheme.
Q6: What should I do if there is a discrepancy in my admit card?
A6: If you find any discrepancy in your admit card, you should immediately contact the CBSE examination authority or helpdesk numbers provided on the official website for rectification before the exam date.
Q7: Can I change my exam center?
A7: Generally, exam centers cannot be changed once allotted. Any specific provisions for change, if any, would be mentioned in the detailed official notification.
Q8: What is the duration of the Tier-I examination?
A8: The duration for all posts in the Tier-I examination is 2 hours (120 minutes).