Hyderabad: SSC exams commenced across Telangana with 5.28 lakh students appearing on the first day at 2,676 centres.
Students arrived in civil dress carrying exam pads, pens and other stationery to write the first language paper.
The three-hour SSC exams began at 9.30 am and continued until 12.30 pm.
SSC exams begin under strict monitoring across centres
Authorities allowed students to enter centres from 8.30 am. However, officials permitted late entry only until 9.35 am with a five-minute grace period.
A total of 5,28,239 students registered for the exams, including 2,67,954 boys and 2,60,285 girls.
The examinations will continue until April 16.
Officials deployed 144 flying squads to monitor the process and prevent malpractices.
Students were not allowed to wear school uniforms to avoid identification of institutions.
Authorities restricted items inside centres to hall tickets and basic stationery. They barred mobile phones, calculators and smart watches.
Officials also arranged facilities at entry points for safe deposit of personal belongings and electronic devices.