The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced significant changes to the Class 10 and Class 12 board examination schedule in parts of the Middle East following a critical review of prevailing circumstances.
Examinations in affected regions have either been cancelled or postponed, with further updates to be issued by the board.
The decision is outlined in Circular-3 issued dated March 05, 2026. The circular was addressed to principals of schools affiliated with the board in the Middle East and reiterated that updates on results and revised schedules will be provided separately.
The board has emphasised that these measures were taken after a thorough evaluation of prevailing conditions, prioritising the safety and well-being of students and examination staff.
The decision applies to schools affiliated with the board in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Authorities cited ongoing situational concerns in parts of these regions as the reason for the changes.
CLASS 10 EXAMINATIONS CANCELLED
For Class 10 students, all examinations scheduled between March 07, 2026 and March 11, 2026 have been cancelled.
Additionally, papers that were previously postponed on March 02, 2026, March 05, 2026 and March 06, 2026 also stand cancelled.
The board has stated that the mode of result declaration for Class 10 candidates in the Middle East will be communicated separately. Students and schools have been advised to await further instructions regarding assessment outcomes.
CLASS 12 EXAMINATIONS POSTPONED
For Class 12 students, the examination originally scheduled for March 07, 2026 has been postponed. Revised dates will be announced in due course.
The board has indicated that it will review the situation on March 07, 2026 and subsequently issue directions regarding examinations planned from March 09, 2026 onwards.
Until further notice, students are advised to remain in close contact with their respective schools and follow official communications carefully.
Schools and examination centres in the affected regions have been instructed to adhere to the board’s directives. Parents and students are expected to monitor updates from authorised sources to avoid misinformation.
DEVELOPMENTS AND NEXT STEPS
Students have been advised to remain in contact with their schools and monitor updates from authorised sources to avoid misinformation.
Authorities reiterated that the decisions were taken after a critical evaluation of prevailing circumstances, prioritising the safety of students and examination staff.
Further information regarding revised schedules and result modalities will be provided in subsequent communications.
This development affects thousands of students appearing for board examinations in the region, and schools have been instructed to maintain communication with candidates regarding any procedural updates.
The situation remains under review, and additional directives are expected in the coming days.
