CBSE cancels Class 12 board exams in Middle East region as tensions rise

2 minutes of readingUpdated: Mar 15, 2026 11:03 am IST

Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Sunday announced the cancellation of Class XII board exams for students studying in affiliated schools in several Middle Eastern countries.

In a circular, the board announced that all Class 12 exams scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026 will be canceled for students from Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

According to the board, the decision was made after reviewing the feasibility of holding exams in the region and considering input from schools and authorities in the affected countries. The CBSE said the exams that had already been postponed through earlier circulars issued on March 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 will also remain cancelled.

Important Update on CBSE Class XII Exams in Middle Eastern Countries

CBSE has issued Circular -6 regarding cancellation of Class XII board exams in Middle Eastern countries

See attached file for more details pic.twitter.com/FfZc5vKMHT

– CBSE Headquarters (@cbseindia29) March 15, 2026

“The mode of declaration of results for Class XII candidates in these countries will be notified separately in due course of time,” the board said in the circular.

The directive was sent to principals of CBSE-affiliated schools in all affected countries, and copies were also sent to Indian diplomatic missions in the region for information and necessary action.

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