CBSE Cancels Class XII Board Examinations Across Seven Middle East Nations
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially cancelled the Class XII board examinations that were scheduled to take place in several Middle East countries. This significant decision follows a comprehensive review of the feasibility of conducting the tests in the region amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions and logistical challenges.
Examinations Cancelled for Students in Seven Countries
The cancellation applies specifically to students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools located in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These examinations were originally planned to occur between March 16 and April 10, 2026, affecting thousands of students across the region.
Official Circular Issued to Schools
The announcement was formally communicated through Circular-6, issued by CBSE on March 15, 2026. This circular was addressed directly to the principals of all CBSE-affiliated schools operating within the seven affected countries. The document clarified that the board conducted an extensive review based on critical inputs received from both school authorities and regional officials.
Following this thorough assessment, CBSE determined that all Class XII examinations scheduled from March 16 to April 10 would be cancelled for students in these Middle Eastern nations. The board also confirmed that any examinations previously postponed through earlier circulars would remain cancelled. These prior postponements had been communicated through official notices issued on March 1, March 3, March 5, March 7, and March 9, 2026.
Result Declaration Method to Be Announced
CBSE has stated that the specific process for declaring results for the affected Class XII candidates will be notified separately at a later date. The board emphasized that the mode of assessment and the methodology for result declaration will be communicated in due course, ensuring transparency and fairness for all students impacted by this decision.
Previous Examination Disruptions
This cancellation follows earlier disruptions to the CBSE examination schedule in the region. Prior to this announcement, CBSE had already postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 2, March 5, and March 6 during the 2026–27 academic year in the same seven countries. These repeated adjustments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by educational institutions in conflict-prone areas.
Extensive Presence of CBSE Schools in the Middle East
The CBSE board maintains a substantial network of affiliated schools throughout the Middle East, serving a large population of Indian expatriate students. According to data shared by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2023, the region hosts approximately 217 CBSE-affiliated schools operating under the same academic guidelines as institutions in India.
The distribution of CBSE schools across the affected countries is as follows:
- United Arab Emirates: 106 institutions, the highest concentration, located in cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah
- Saudi Arabia: 37 affiliated schools
- Kuwait: 26 institutions
- Oman: 21 CBSE-affiliated schools
- Qatar: 19 such institutions
- Bahrain: 8 schools affiliated with the board
These schools play a crucial role in providing quality education to the Indian diaspora while adhering to CBSE's standardized curriculum and examination patterns. The cancellation decision underscores the board's commitment to student safety and academic integrity during periods of regional instability.
