Amid rising regional tensions in the Middle East, news of significant relief has come to Indian students. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has canceled the board exams for 12th-grade students studying in the Gulf region. This decision is crucial for students living in countries where Indian expatriate families rely on CBSE-affiliated schools for their children’s education.
In a notice issued by the CBSE, it was stated that all Class 12 exams scheduled in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates will no longer be held. These exams were scheduled from March 16, 2026, to April 10, 2026. Additionally, exams previously postponed in the first week of March will also be considered completely cancelled.
What is the decision of CBSE?
CBSE clarified that the exams postponed to March 1, March 3, March 5, March 7, and March 9, 2026, will now be considered cancelled. The board also stated that the process for evaluating and declaring results for students studying in these countries will be announced separately at a later date. “The method for declaring results for Class XII candidates in these countries will be notified separately in due course,” said Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations.
Impact of regional tensions and security concerns
This move comes in light of the deteriorating security situation and regional crisis in the Middle East. Gulf countries are home to many Indian expatriate families whose children are studying in the Indian education system. This initiative by CBSE comes as a relief to students and their families, as travel and access to exam centers was unsafe under the unprecedented circumstances.
CISCE also canceled the examinations
This decision by the CBSE follows an earlier decision by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE). CISCE also canceled the ICSE and ISC examinations in light of the security situation in the United Arab Emirates. This clearly demonstrates that Indian education boards are prioritizing student safety.
Indian Embassy issued notice
The ongoing tensions in the Gulf region are now affecting the studies of Indian students. The Indian Embassy in Doha has stated that due to the ongoing situation in the Gulf region, CBSE has taken a major decision. The board has canceled all exams for 12th-grade students living in seven countries. All exams scheduled between March 16, 2026, and April 10, 2026, will no longer be held. Previously postponed exams through circulars dated March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will also be considered completely canceled. CBSE has clarified that the details of how the results of 12th-grade students from these countries will be determined separately. No decision has been made on this matter at this time.
