CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams for West Asia Amid Ongoing Crisis
Synopsis
In a significant move, the CBSE has cancelled Class 12 board exams for students in various West Asian countries due to the escalating regional crisis. This decision impacts thousands of students and follows similar cancellations by other educational boards.
Key Takeaways
CBSE cancels Class 12 board exams for students in West Asia.
Exams initially postponed are also cancelled.
Result declaration process will be communicated later.
Decision based on regional crisis and school feedback.
Thousands of students affected across Gulf educational hubs.
New Delhi/Muscat, March 15 (NationPress) The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially cancelled the Class 12 board exams for students located in multiple West Asian nations due to the ongoing regional turmoil.
In its sixth advisory released since March 1, the board confirmed that even previously postponed examination papers will now be declared cancelled.
The notice issued on March 15, 2026, states that exams set to occur from March 16 to April 10, 2026, for CBSE-recognized schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been cancelled.
The board further asserted that earlier postponed exams will also be cancelled as part of this latest announcement. CBSE indicated that details regarding the result declaration process for the affected students will be shared separately in the future.
"All examinations postponed as per circulars dated 01.03.2026, 03.03.2026, 05.03.2026, 07.03.2026, and 09.03.2026 are now cancelled. The method for announcing results for Class XII candidates in these countries will be communicated at a later date," stated Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations at CBSE.
Bhardwaj explained that the decision was made after evaluating the feasibility of conducting exams under the current circumstances and considering feedback from schools and authorities in the affected regions.
Indian diplomatic missions in these areas have been informed about this decision to facilitate coordination and communication with schools and students.
According to CBSE, Indian ambassadors in the Gulf countries, along with the Consul General of India in Dubai, have received updates regarding this situation.
This announcement follows the recent cancellation of the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) examinations by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) across all centres in the UAE.
The decision is expected to affect thousands of Indian students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated institutions throughout the Gulf region, including significant educational hubs like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh.
In total, over 4.37 million students are registered for the CBSE board examinations this year. Among them, approximately 2.51 million students are participating in Class 10 exams, while around 1.86 million candidates are enrolled for the Class 12 board exams.
Point of View
It's essential to acknowledge the impact of the CBSE's decision on students and families in West Asia. The decision, while difficult, reflects the realities of the current regional situation. The board's prioritization of student safety and academic integrity is commendable, and clear communication moving forward is critical.
NationPress
17 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the CBSE Class 12 exams cancelled?
The exams were cancelled due to the ongoing regional crisis affecting several West Asian countries.
Which countries are affected by the cancellation?
The affected countries include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
What will happen to students' results?
The procedure for declaring results for the affected students will be announced separately at a later stage.
When were the exams originally scheduled?
The exams were scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026.
How many students are impacted by this decision?
Thousands of Indian students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools across the Gulf region are expected to be impacted.
