In a significant development affecting thousands of Indian students studying abroad, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the cancellation of all Class 12 board examinations across seven West Asian countries. The decision comes in response to the evolving security situation in the region, prioritizing the safety and well-being of students, educators, and school staff.
The cancellation applies to students based in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). All examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026, have now been officially scrapped.
Amid growing concerns among students and parents, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has stepped in to provide reassurance and guidance to the Indian school community across the region.
Indian Embassy Initiates Immediate Response
Recognizing the uncertainty caused by the sudden cancellation of board exams, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh took swift action to engage with educational institutions and address the concerns of stakeholders.
Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, led a virtual meeting with principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. The meeting aimed to provide clarity on the situation and reassure school authorities about ongoing support measures.
He was joined by Vipul Bawa, First Secretary at the embassy, who also participated in the discussions and contributed to addressing queries raised by school representatives.
Key Objectives of the Meeting
- To brief school authorities on the current security scenario in West Asia
- To reassure students, parents, and educators about safety measures
- To address immediate concerns regarding exam cancellations
- To provide updates on coordination between Indian authorities and schools
During the interaction, embassy officials emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian nationals and maintaining clear communication channels with educational institutions.
CBSE Official Circular: Exams Cancelled Until April 10
The Central Board of Secondary Education issued an official circular confirming the cancellation of all Class 12 board examinations scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, in the affected countries.
Central Board of Secondary Education stated that the decision was taken after carefully evaluating the prevailing conditions in the region. The board prioritized student safety over examination schedules, given the uncertainty surrounding the security environment.
Countries Affected by the Cancellation
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The cancellation impacts a large number of Indian students enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools across these nations.
Earlier Postponements Now Formally Cancelled
Prior to this announcement, CBSE had already postponed several examinations through circulars issued between March 1 and March 9, 2026. These postponements were initially intended as temporary measures in response to escalating tensions in the region.
However, with the situation remaining unstable, the board has now formally cancelled all previously postponed examinations as well.
This decision ensures clarity and eliminates uncertainty for students who were awaiting revised exam dates.
No Immediate Announcement on Rescheduling
One of the key concerns among students and parents is whether the cancelled examinations will be rescheduled. As of now, CBSE has not provided any official confirmation regarding new exam dates.
During the embassy meeting, officials acknowledged these concerns but clarified that no decision on rescheduling has been finalized.
What Students Should Expect
- CBSE may adopt alternative assessment methods
- Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks
- Students should stay updated through official CBSE channels
Until an official update is issued, students are advised to remain patient and avoid relying on unofficial sources or rumors.
Impact on Class 10 CBSE Examinations
The disruption is not limited to Class 12 students. The CBSE Class 10 board examinations had already been affected earlier due to the worsening security situation.
- Class 10 Exam Schedule: February 17 to March 11, 2026
- Status: Cancelled in affected regions
This earlier round of cancellations further highlights the scale of disruption caused by the ongoing situation in West Asia.
CISCE Also Cancels Board Exams in UAE
In a parallel development, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has also announced the cancellation of its board examinations in the United Arab Emirates.
Exams Cancelled by CISCE
- Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) – Class 10
- Indian School Certificate (ISC) – Class 12
These cancellations apply to all CISCE-affiliated examination centres in the UAE.
Alternative Assessment Method to Be Introduced
Following the cancellation of exams, CISCE has confirmed that student results will be determined through an alternative evaluation method.
Joseph Emmanuel, Chief Executive and Secretary of CISCE, stated that detailed guidelines regarding the assessment process will be shared in due course.
Expected Evaluation Criteria
While official details are yet to be released, alternative assessment methods may include:
- Internal assessments
- Pre-board examination performance
- Practical exam scores
- Project work and coursework
Such methods aim to ensure fairness while maintaining academic standards.
Result Declaration Timeline
CISCE has clarified that the results for students affected by the cancellation will be declared alongside those of students in India.
This ensures uniformity in the academic calendar and prevents delays in higher education admissions.
CBSE is also expected to follow a similar approach, although official confirmation is awaited.
UAE Announces Early Spring Break
In response to the evolving situation, the United Arab Emirates has taken additional precautionary measures by advancing the academic calendar.
Spring Break Announcement
- Break Period: March 9 to March 22, 2026
- Applicable To: Schools and universities across UAE
This decision allows students and staff to remain safe during a period of uncertainty while also providing time for authorities to assess the situation.
Growing Concerns Among Students and Parents
The sudden cancellation of board exams has created uncertainty among students and their families, particularly regarding:
- Evaluation criteria
- College admissions
- Academic progression
- Competitive exam eligibility
For Class 12 students, board exam results play a crucial role in securing admission to undergraduate programs in India and abroad.
Role of Indian Embassy in Supporting the Community
The proactive involvement of the Indian Embassy has been critical in maintaining confidence among the Indian diaspora.
Key Support Measures
- Continuous communication with schools
- Monitoring the security situation
- Coordinating with Indian authorities
- Addressing concerns through official channels
The embassy has assured that student welfare remains a top priority and that necessary steps will be taken to minimize academic disruption.
Importance of Official Communication
Students and parents are strongly advised to rely only on official announcements from:
- CBSE
- CISCE
- Indian Embassy
- School authorities
Misinformation and rumors can create unnecessary panic, especially during uncertain times.
What Students Should Do Next
Given the current situation, students should take a strategic and calm approach.
Recommended Actions
- Stay updated through official websites
- Keep academic documents ready
- Continue preparing for entrance exams
- Avoid speculation about results
Students preparing for competitive exams such as engineering, medical, or other entrance tests should continue their preparation without interruption.
Impact on Higher Education Admissions
The cancellation of board exams may have implications for college admissions, especially for students applying to:
- Indian universities
- International institutions
- Professional courses
However, education boards are expected to implement standardized evaluation methods to ensure that students are not disadvantaged.
Possible Evaluation Models by CBSE
Although CBSE has not officially announced its evaluation strategy, past instances suggest that the board may adopt a combination of:
- Internal assessment scores
- Practical exam marks
- Previous academic performance
- Moderation policies
Such a model ensures fairness while maintaining consistency across all students.
Ensuring Fairness and Transparency
Both CBSE and CISCE are expected to prioritize transparency in their evaluation processes.
Key Considerations
- Equal treatment for all students
- Clear marking criteria
- Timely result declaration
- Provision for re-evaluation or improvement exams
These measures help maintain trust in the education system during challenging circumstances.
Broader Context: Education Amid Global Uncertainty
The cancellation of board exams in multiple countries highlights the challenges faced by education systems in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
Educational authorities must balance:
- Academic integrity
- Student safety
- Administrative feasibility
The current situation underscores the importance of flexible and resilient education policies.
Final Takeaways
- CBSE has cancelled Class 12 exams across seven West Asian countries
- Exams scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, are affected
- Indian Embassy in Riyadh is actively supporting the school community
- CISCE has also cancelled ICSE and ISC exams in the UAE
- Alternative assessment methods will be used for result preparation
- Students should rely only on official updates and remain calm
