Amid the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict, the Central Board of Secondary Education has cancelled all remaining Class 12 board exams in several West Asian countries. The move impacts thousands of Indian students studying in over 150 CBSE-affiliated schools across the region.
CBSE cancels remaining Class 12 board exams in West Asia amid escalating tensions
New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the cancellation of all remaining Class 12 board examinations in several West Asian countries due to the worsening conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
In an official circular issued on Sunday, the board said examinations scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, will not be conducted. The decision applies to students studying in more than 150 CBSE-affiliated schools across countries in the Gulf region. CBSE added that details about how results will be declared for affected students will be announced later.
‘If Still Alive…’: Iran Vows To ‘Pursue And Kill’ Netanyahu Amid His Assassination Rumours
The cancellation impacts Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools in several West Asian nations. These include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Important Update on CBSE Class XII Exams in Middle East Countries
CBSE has issued Circular -6 regarding cancellation of Board Exams of Class XII in Middle East countries
See attachment for further details pic.twitter.com/FfZc5vKMHT
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 15, 2026
Major education hubs such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh host a large number of Indian students, many of whom were scheduled to appear for the remaining examinations. The move is expected to affect thousands of candidates across the region.
According to CBSE examination controller Sanyam Bhardwaj, the decision was made after reviewing the feasibility of conducting exams under the current security situation.
Authorities consulted with schools, local administrations and diplomatic officials before taking the final call. Indian ambassadors in Gulf countries and the Consul General of India in Dubai were also informed to ensure coordination and communication with schools and students.
CBSE described the decision as a precautionary step aimed at prioritising student safety amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Air India, IndiGo cancel or reschedule Dubai & Abu Dhabi Flights; Check update here
The Class 12 board examinations had started on February 17 this year. Several key subjects, including physics, chemistry, geography and accountancy, had already been conducted successfully before exams in West Asia were first postponed on March 1.
Earlier, the board had also cancelled all remaining Class 10 examinations in the region on March 5. In total, more than 4.37 million students registered for the 2026 CBSE board examinations, including around 1.86 million candidates for Class 12.
The latest decision marks a rare instance where overseas CBSE exams have been cancelled, similar to disruptions witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic and in rare emergency situations.
