CBSE Board Exams: Amidst the escalating war and regional tensions between Iran-Israel-US, CBSE has decided to cancel the Class 12 board exams in its affiliated schools located in the Middle East (West Asia). This decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety, mental health of the students and the uncertainty prevailing in the area. The affected countries include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These board exams were scheduled to be held from February 17 to April 10, 2026. According to an official notice issued by CBSE, all board exams scheduled to be held from March 16 to April 10 in parts of the Middle East have been cancelled.
Decision on result will come later
The photo of the notice has been shared on Twitter with the handle @cbseindia29. CBSE has said that the means by which the results of the affected candidates will be evaluated will be informed in due course. Class 10 exams have been canceled altogether (all exams from March 7 to 11) and the manner of declaring their results will be announced separately—possibly on the basis of internal assessment or alternative arrangements. But for Class 12 the board is still insisting on postponement, as it is important for the future and higher education of the students.
Decision taken in view of security
This decision comes after the intensification of the Iran-Israel conflict, in which the US also intervened. In late February 2026, the US and Israel launched military attacks on Iran, in response to which Iran retaliated. The war has destabilized the entire Middle East—airports closed, flights canceled, and security threats increased. Schools are closed in many countries, and there is an atmosphere of fear among the students. Thousands of Indian origin students, who study in CBSE schools in these countries, have been affected by this decision. CBSE clarified that this decision has been taken in view of the mental anguish of the students and regional instability. The board has asked the schools to maintain contact and provide support to the students. With the announcement of new dates, alternative assessment or online system can also be considered. This incident shows the deep connection between education and geopolitics at the global level. These are challenging times for Indian students living in the Middle East, but this step of the board is a proof of prioritizing their safety.
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