Board exam season is a crucial and stressful time for students and their families every year. Classes 10 and 12, in particular, play a crucial role in determining students’ futures. At this time, news of an exam cancellation or postponement can create anxiety and confusion among students and parents. Recently, amid ongoing tensions in some Middle Eastern countries, a notice went viral on social media.
The notice claimed that some board exams for grades 10 and 12 in the Middle East had been canceled amid the Iran-Israel war. This news upset thousands of Indian students studying there and their parents, but the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has now clarified that the news is completely false and no such decision has been made.
What was the claim in the fake notice?
The purported notice being shared on social media was titled “Notice for Affiliated Schools (Middle East Region).” It stated that all remaining language subject papers for Classes 10 and 12 scheduled after February 28, 2026, have been cancelled in the Middle East region. The Class 10 Social Science exam scheduled for March 7, 2026, will also not be held at examination centers in the Middle East. Students will be awarded marks for the affected subjects based on internal assessment, pre-board exams, and continuous assessment. No student will be failed in these subjects. The notice also bore the name of the Controller of Examinations and its format resembled an official CBSE circular, leading people to believe it to be true, further fueling confusion.
What did CBSE say?
CBSE immediately dismissed the viral notice as fake. The board posted on its official social media platform, X, stating clearly, “Important warning: This is a fake notice. An official update will be issued shortly.” This clarification made it clear that board exams in the Middle East have not been canceled and are being conducted as scheduled.
Why did panic spread among the students?
Board exams are already a source of stress for students. When news of cancellations suddenly emerges while exams are underway, it impacts students’ preparation and mental state. Many students and parents in the Middle East believed this news to be true and were left confused about what would happen next. Some schools also raised questions about this notice. However, an official statement from CBSE clarified the situation and put an end to the rumors.
CBSE exams are also conducted abroad.
Every year, CBSE conducts board examinations for approximately 4.2 million students at more than 7,800 examination centers worldwide, including in approximately 26 foreign countries. Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman host a significant number of Indian students attending CBSE schools. The United Arab Emirates alone operates approximately 15 CBSE-accredited examination centers, where local and regional students take the exams.
