Indian Embassy Official Engages with CBSE School Principals in Saudi Arabia Following Exam Cancellation
In response to the recent cancellation of Class XII board examinations, Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, conducted a virtual interaction with principals of Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. This meeting, held on March 15, 2026, aimed to address concerns and provide updates on the evolving regional situation.
Embassy's Proactive Outreach and Support Measures
During the session, DCM George, accompanied by First Secretary Vipul Bawa, briefed the school leaders on the current regional dynamics and outlined the embassy's initiatives to support the Indian community. The discussion specifically focused on queries related to the CBSE board examinations, which have been significantly impacted by the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In a post on X, the embassy stated, "DCM Abu Mathen George, joined by First Secretary Vipul Bawa, held a virtual interaction with Principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. The DCM briefed them on current regional situation and the Embassy's initiatives to support Indian community, and also addressed queries related to the CBSE Board Examinations."
Details of CBSE Exam Cancellations Amid Regional Unrest
The CBSE announced the cancellation of Class XII board examinations scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, for students in several West Asian countries, including:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Additionally, exams that were previously postponed through circulars issued on March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, 2026, have also been cancelled. This decision follows the earlier cancellation of Class X board exams, which were slated to take place from February 17 to March 11, 2026.
Background: Escalating Conflict in West Asia
The cancellations come as the conflict in West Asia intensifies, with the United States, Israel, and Iran targeting each other's energy infrastructure, posing threats to global oil and gas supplies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that while the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, vessels from the U.S. and Israel may face restrictions, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.
This regional instability has directly affected educational schedules, prompting the CBSE and Indian Embassy to take swift action to ensure the safety and well-being of students and the broader Indian community in Saudi Arabia.
