CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams in Gulf Countries; Decision Taken Amidst Conflict in the Middle East
Through a notice issued by the CBSE, it was announced that all Class 12 examinations scheduled in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will no longer be held.
Amidst rising regional tensions in the Middle East, news offering significant relief to Indian students has emerged. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the board examinations for Class 12 students studying in the Gulf region. This decision is crucial for students residing in these countries, where Indian expatriate families rely on CBSE-affiliated schools for their children’s education.
The notice issued by the CBSE stated that all Class 12 examinations scheduled in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates stand cancelled. These examinations were originally scheduled to take place from March 16, 2026, to April 10, 2026. Furthermore, examinations that had previously been postponed during the first week of March will now also be considered completely cancelled.
What is the CBSE’s Decision?
The CBSE clarified that the examinations originally postponed on March 1, March 3, March 5, March 7, and March 9, 2026, will now also be deemed cancelled. The Board further stated that the procedure for the evaluation of students studying in these countries, as well as the declaration of their results, will be announced separately at a later date. Controller of Examinations Sanyam Bhardwaj stated, “The methodology for declaring the results of Class XII candidates in these countries will be notified separately at an appropriate time.”
Important Update on CBSE Class XII Exams in Middle East Countries
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 15, 2026
CBSE has issued Circular -6 regarding cancellation of Board Exams of Class XII in Middle East countries
See attachment for further details pic.twitter.com/FfZc5vKMHT
Impact of Regional Tensions and Safety Concerns
This step has been taken in light of the deteriorating security situation and regional crisis in the Middle East. Many Indian expatriate families reside in the Gulf countries, and their children are pursuing their education within the Indian education system. This initiative by the CBSE comes as a source of relief for students and their families, as traveling and reaching examination centers under such unpredictable circumstances would not have been safe. CISCE Also Cancels Examinations
This decision by the CBSE follows a prior decision taken by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). The CISCE had also cancelled its ICSE and ISC examinations in the United Arab Emirates in light of the prevailing security situation. This clearly demonstrates that Indian education boards are prioritizing the safety of students above all else.
Indian Embassy Issues Notice
The ongoing tension in the Gulf region has now begun to impact the education of Indian students as well. The Indian Embassy in Doha has announced that, due to the prevailing situation in the Gulf region, the CBSE has taken a major decision. The Board has cancelled all examinations for Class 12 students residing in seven countries. All examinations scheduled to be held between March 16, 2026, and April 10, 2026, will no longer take place. Furthermore, examinations that were previously postponed—as per circulars issued on March 1, March 3, March 5, March 7, and March 9—will now be considered completely cancelled. The CBSE has clarified that the methodology for computing the results of Class 12 students in these countries will be announced separately at a later stage. As of now, no decision has been reached regarding this matter.
