CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait & Bahrain; Results Awaited

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled Class XII board examinations scheduled across several Middle Eastern countries due to the ongoing regional crisis. The cancellation applies to all exams planned between March 16 and April 10, 2026, including papers that had previously been postponed.

CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Qatar, Kuwait & Other Middle East Countries Amid Tensions in Region

The affected countries include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, where a large number of Indian expatriate students are enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools.

Why CBSE Cancelled Board Exams in Gulf Countries

According to the Board, the decision was made after reviewing the feasibility of conducting examinations in the current situation and consulting schools, local authorities, and diplomatic missions in the region. Officials emphasised that student safety remains the top priority.

CBSE stated that continuing with the exams under prevailing conditions would pose risks to students, staff and exam personnel. Therefore, all remaining Class 12 examinations in these countries have been called off.

The cancellation order also covers examinations that had already been postponed earlier this month. In an official circular, Controller of Examinations Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj confirmed that all papers deferred through notices issued on March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9 will not be conducted.

This means students will not have to appear for any rescheduled exams, bringing clarity after weeks of uncertainty for families across the Gulf region.

CBSE Board Exam Results in Middle East

While exams have been cancelled, CBSE has not yet announced how results will be calculated for affected students. The Board said the mode of evaluation and declaration of results will be communicated separately.

Education experts expect that CBSE may adopt an alternative assessment method, similar to internal evaluation or performance-based criteria used in exceptional situations in the past. However, no official formula has been released so far.

CBSE has formally shared the decision with Indian embassies and consulates across the Middle East, along with regional CBSE offices. Schools have been instructed to inform students and parents immediately.

Officials reiterated that the move aims to maintain academic standards while ensuring the well-being of students during an unstable security environment.

Class 10 Board Exams Already Cancelled

This is not the first disruption. Earlier, CBSE had cancelled all Class 10 board examinations scheduled between March 2 and March 11 across the same countries. Additionally, several Class 12 papers had been postponed since early March before the final cancellation decision was taken.

Thousands of students across the Gulf had been preparing amid uncertainty, with schools adjusting schedules repeatedly.

CISCE Also Cancels Board Exams Amid Iran-Israel Conflict

The decision mirrors action taken by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), which had previously cancelled ICSE and ISC board examinations at all centres in the UAE due to the deteriorating security situation.