A significant change was announced today by the CBSE regarding the Class X + XII board examinations on 2nd March 2026 at its affiliated examination centres located in various Middle Eastern countries. This is due to growing strife in the region between Iran and Israel. The escalating conflict has given rise to security concerns; as well as disrupted daily living and therefore transportation and logistics for students attempting these critical assessments.
This postponement applies to all students at examination centres located within the borders of Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All of these areas contain a significant population of Indian expatriate student community who are enrolled within CBSE-affiliated schools.
Postponed Exams for Students’ Safety
As was clearly stated in Official Communication issued from central office of CBSE to all affiliated schools principals, “Given the condition of the Middle East, the board has found it necessary to postpone (the previously scheduled) exams on Monday (02nd March), so that adequate safety for students and staff can be completely assured for their ultimate participation in these major exams being held”.
The state of the geopolitical situations in the area has resulted in closed airspace, disruptions to essential services, as well as uncertainty of transportation connections; all of which present risks to the orderly administration of exams. Due to the unsteady conditions throughout many of the Gulf states, the board has determined that proceeding with the high-stakes exams is unfair and unmanageable in terms of providing a safe and fair environment for students to participate in this very important form of evaluation.
According to CBSE, the headquarters will evaluate the situation together with other stakeholders on 3rd March 2026 before deciding what’s going to happen with exams on or after 5th March. They also warned that if things continue to change, then additional changes may happen too.
Fake Notices & Social Media Confusion
After a lot of fake notices created confusion over the weekend, which stated that all remaining Class 10 and 12 exams scheduled in the Middle East have been cancelled indefinitely by CBSE, and instead the board would give other types of assessments for purposes of grading students, CBSE alerted students, parents and schools of these fake notices. CBSE has requested you do not believe any of these types of notices unless they come from an official channel or are verified through CBSE’s website and its verified social media accounts.
Additionally, officials stated that the postponement does not mean a cancellation and additional details about rescheduled exams will be shared as soon as possible after they can reevaluate the present circumstances.
Impact on Students, Parents and Schools
A large number of Indian students living in these countries have been left feeling confused and anxious because of logistical difficulties associated with their family’s situation and the postponement of their examinations (especially those located in the Gulf countries, such as UAE, Saudi Arabia, etc.; CBSE boards of education and how they follow the same curriculum). Preparing for the exam can be a very intense process; therefore, having to make such an abrupt announcement of postponement can further add to the stress level of parents and educators. Questions have also arisen as to when exams will be rescheduled, how can preparation be completed by students and what effect a delay will have on future admissions and on academic calendars, as results from these annual board exams will impact on college admissions and development of career options for students.
In an effort to keep students informed, many schools have been in communication with their regional CBSE offices, with the majority of institutions advising students to remain in contact with their school and to closely monitor official updates on new information.
CBSE originally intended to hold board examinations in India as well as in all other countries that were not materially affected by the status of security impacting the postponement schedule. The affected regions are only the specified countries (those listed in the announcement) located within the bounds of the Gulf region and the borders thereof.
Every year, CBSE performs the examination of class 10 and 12 students across all regions of India as well as in more than 2.5 dozen locations around the globe, thereby providing a global population of Indian students that number in the millions. While the board has continuing to give primary attention to student safety, the officials in cbse have committed to a rigorous process of making a fair, transparent decision regarding any rescheduling of Examinations that impacts student academic progress or jeopardizes the integrity of the assessment.
Read also: US-Israel strikes on Iran: Dubai International Airport damaged
Board will Review the Situation again before Making Additional Decisions
A formal review of the conditions in the regional areas affected by conflict will be held on 3 March, and therefore, everyone will be watching to see how the situation evolves over the next few days. Schools, students and parents in the region are all waiting for confirmation as to the new examination timetable as well as for conditions to return to a state of peace.
