The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled Class 12 board examinations for students at its affiliated schools in seven Middle East countries, creating uncertainty for thousands of candidates. The affected nations include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. These exams were set for March 16 to April 10.
Cancellation Due to Regional Circumstances
CBSE made the decision after assessing the feasibility of conducting exams amid ongoing regional tensions linked to the Israel-Iran conflict. The board issued Circular-6 on March 15, 2026, notifying schools in these countries that all remaining Class 12 exams in the specified window are cancelled.
This follows multiple postponement notices on March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, marking a full withdrawal of the planned examinations.
Previous Disruptions in the Region
Earlier interruptions already impacted Class 10 and Class 12 exams scheduled on March 2, 5, and 6 for the 2026-27 academic year in the same seven countries.
Results Process Pending
CBSE has yet to detail how marks will be assigned to affected Class 12 students. The board states that the evaluation method and result declaration process will follow in a separate notification. Schools and students await further guidance on alternative assessments.
CBSE’s Strong Presence in the Gulf
The Middle East hosts a significant number of CBSE-affiliated schools, with around 217 in the region according to 2023 data from the Ministry of External Affairs. The UAE leads with 106 schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, followed by Saudi Arabia (37), Kuwait (26), Oman (21), Qatar (19), and Bahrain (8).
This extensive network underscores the importance of CBSE’s upcoming announcements on results for students, parents, and educators across the Gulf.
