The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled all remaining Class 10 board examinations scheduled from March 7 to March 11, 2026, for students appearing from several Middle Eastern countries.
The decision affects CBSE-affiliated schools in:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
This means that no further Class 10 board exams will be conducted in these countries during the current exam cycle. The board will later announce how results for these students will be calculated.
Class 12 Examination Postponed
While Class 10 exams have been cancelled, the Class 12 board exam scheduled for March 7 has been postponed, not cancelled.
Key points for Class 12 students
- The March 7 examination will be conducted on a later date.
- CBSE will announce the revised schedule soon.
- The board will review the situation again before deciding on later exams.
Students have been advised to stay in touch with their schools and follow official CBSE notifications for updates.
Why CBSE Took This Decision
The decision comes amid growing military tensions in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which have disrupted normal activities in several countries.
Major reasons behind the move
- Escalating security risks in the region
- Disruptions in transportation and public services
- Safety concerns for students, teachers, and examination staff
- Uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical tensions
Authorities emphasised that student safety is the highest priority, which led to the cancellation and postponement of exams.
Earlier Exams Were Already Postponed
Before the latest decision, CBSE had already postponed several board examinations earlier in March.
Timeline of developments
- March 2: Initial exams postponed in Middle East centres
- March 5 and 6: Additional papers deferred
- March 7–11: Class 10 exams now cancelled
- March 7: Class 12 exam postponed
The board had repeatedly stated it would review the situation before deciding on further exams.
What Happens Next for Class 10 Students?
Since exams are cancelled, CBSE will need to announce an alternative evaluation method.
Possible options may include:
- Internal school assessments
- Previous exam performance
- Standardised evaluation criteria set by the board
However, the official assessment formula has not yet been announced.
Impact on Indian Students Abroad
Thousands of Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across the Gulf region are affected by the decision.
Key implications
- Disruption in the board examination schedule
- Anxiety among students awaiting clarity on evaluation
- Schools required to update parents and students regularly
- Possible changes in result declaration timelines
Despite the disruption, education authorities emphasise that the move is necessary to ensure student safety during an unstable geopolitical situation.
CBSE’s Advisory for Schools and Students
CBSE has instructed schools to:
- Inform students and parents about the latest circular
- Monitor official notifications from the board
- Prepare for revised examination schedules for Class 12
Students are advised not to rely on unofficial circulars or social media messages, as earlier fake notices had caused confusion about exam cancellations.
