Tensions in West Asia have forced major changes to CBSE board exams for students in the Gulf region. The Central Board of Secondary Education took quick action due to safety worries from ongoing conflicts involving Iran, the US, and Israel. Thousands of kids in affiliated schools now wait for new plans.
Scope of Cancellations
CBSE cancelled all Class 10 board exams set for March 7 to March 11, 2026, across key Middle Eastern spots. Earlier postponed papers on March 2, 5, and 6 also stand cancelled for these students. The move hits over 150 schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—home to the biggest cluster of CBSE overseas centres like Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh.
Class 12 sees a hold on the March 7 exam, with a review planned that day for papers from March 9 on. CBSE exam chief Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj shared this in a March 5 circular, looping in Indian ambassadors and Dubai’s Consul General.
Next Steps for Students
Results mode for affected Class 10 kids comes later – stay tuned for notices. Class 12 students must check school updates closely and follow board alerts.
New dates or other fixes get announced soon after reviews. Over 4.37 million total students have appeared for these exams nationwide since February 18, but Gulf students face this rare midway shake-up.
Why Such Disruptions Are Rare
CBSE keeps overseas schedules tight with India’s, tweaking only for big issues. Past big shifts hit in 2020-21 Covid waves, with cancellations or delays everywhere. Spot changes happen for weather or local crises, but this conflict marks a standout halt for the whole region.
Schools and officials put student safety first amid flight halts and service breaks. Expect clear guidance soon to keep exams fair.
