CBSE cancels board exams in several Middle East countries amid Iran-Israel-US war

In an official notice, the board said all Class 12 examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026 will no longer be conducted for students in multiple Gulf countries due to the security situation.

The exams were originally planned between February 17 and April 10.

According to the notice, the cancellation applies to CBSE students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

“All examinations of Class XII scheduled from 16.03.2026 to 10.04.2026 stand cancelled in case of students from these countries,” the board said.

CBSE also confirmed that exams previously postponed through circulars issued on March 1, March 3, March 5, March 7 and March 9 have now been fully cancelled.

The board said it will soon announce the evaluation method for affected students.

“The mode of declaration of results for Class XII candidates in these countries will be notified separately in due course,” CBSE said.

Students’ final scores are expected to be calculated using a combination of school-based assessments, including internal assessment marks, periodic or unit tests, pre-board examination marks, practical or project work, and overall academic performance during the year.

CBSE had earlier announced disruptions to Class 10 board examinations, which were scheduled between February 17 and March 11, 2026.

Several papers were postponed or cancelled due to the escalating conflict in the region.

The decision comes as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East following military escalation between Israel, the United States and Iran.