New Delhi (Gurpreet SIngh) — In a major decision affecting thousands of Indian students abroad, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced on Sunday, March 15, 2026, the cancellation of all Class 12 board examinations in the Middle East region. The move comes as a direct result of the escalating military conflict involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran, which has severely disrupted daily life and safety across the Persian Gulf.
CBSE Examination Controller Sanyam Bhardwaj confirmed that all exams scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026, are now cancelled. This directive applies to students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools in seven countries: Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Furthermore, any exams that had been previously postponed due to the initial outbreak of hostilities on February 28 are also officially cancelled.
Key Details for Students and Parents
- Affected Countries: Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
- Timeframe: All exams from March 16 to April 10, 2026.
- Results Policy: The board has not yet finalized how grades will be assigned for the cancelled papers. Bhardwaj stated that the “mode of declaration of results” for these specific countries will be announced separately at a later date.
- Class 10 Context: This announcement follows an earlier decision by the CBSE to cancel Class 10 board exams in the same region, effectively ending the 2026 board exam cycle for all secondary and higher secondary students in the affected conflict zone.
Impact of the Conflict on Education
The decision reflects the deteriorating security situation in the region. With several countries experiencing airspace closures, transit restrictions, and the constant threat of drone or missile strikes, maintaining the integrity and safety of examination centers had become impossible. Many Indian families in the region are currently in the process of evacuating or are sheltering in place, further complicating the administration of a standardized national exam.
The Board is expected to consult with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Education to determine a fair assessment scheme—likely based on internal assessments, practical marks, or a weighted average of previously completed exams—to ensure that students in the Middle East are not academically disadvantaged compared to their peers in India.
