CBSE cancels remaining class 12 exams in West Asia due to conflict

The Central Board of Secondary Education has announced the cancellation of all remaining Class 12 board exams in several West Asian countries. This decision has been taken because of the ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

The cancellation affects more than 150 CBSE-affiliated schools in the region. Countries where exams have been cancelled include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

CBSE said that all exams that were earlier postponed will now be fully cancelled. The exams that were scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026, will not take place.

This decision has been taken keeping in mind the safety of students, teachers, and exam staff in these countries.

Decision taken for safety

According to CBSE officials, the situation in West Asia has become uncertain due to ongoing conflict. This has made it difficult to conduct exams safely.

Sanyam Bhardwaj, who is the exam controller of CBSE, said that the decision was made after careful review.

The board looked at different factors before taking this step. These included feedback from schools, local authorities, and Indian officials working in these countries.

Indian ambassadors and the Consul General in Dubai have also been informed. They will help in coordinating with schools and students.

CBSE has released several notices since March 1 regarding the exams. This is the sixth official update on the matter.

Earlier, exams in these regions were postponed due to safety concerns. Now, after reviewing the situation, the board has decided to cancel them completely.

CBSE has also said that it will soon inform students about how their results will be prepared. This is important because students need their marks for college admissions and future studies.

The board is expected to use alternative methods to calculate results. These may include marks from earlier exams, internal assessments, or other criteria.

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Impact on students

This decision has affected thousands of Indian students studying in West Asia. Many of them were preparing for their final exams and were waiting for new dates after the postponement.

Cities like Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Riyadh have a large number of CBSE schools. Students in these cities are among those impacted.

This year, more than 4.37 million students registered for CBSE board exams. Out of these, around 1.86 million students are from Class 12.

Many students had already appeared for some subjects. Exams for subjects like physics, chemistry, geography, and accountancy were completed before March 1.

However, the remaining papers were delayed due to the conflict. Now, they have been cancelled completely.

Earlier, CBSE had also cancelled the remaining Class 10 exams in the region on March 5. This shows that the board is taking strong steps to ensure safety.

Such cancellations are rare but not new. Similar steps were taken during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. In some cases, exams have also been cancelled due to natural disasters or extreme weather.

For students, this situation can be stressful and confusing. Many are worried about how their results will be calculated.

However, CBSE has assured that it will take fair steps to protect students’ academic future. The board understands the importance of these exams and is expected to act carefully.

Parents and schools are also supporting students during this time. They are helping them stay calm and wait for further updates from CBSE.

The decision highlights how global events can impact education. Conflicts and tensions in one region can affect students living far from India.

For now, students are advised to stay updated with official announcements. CBSE will soon provide more details about results and next steps.

In conclusion, the cancellation of exams in West Asia is a major decision taken for safety reasons. While it affects many students, the priority remains their well-being and future.

CBSE’s next announcement about result preparation will be important for all affected students and their families.