The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the postponement of Class 12 board exams scheduled from March 9 to March 11 in seven Middle Eastern countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. The decision comes as the region faces heightened security risks due to the ongoing Israel–US–Iran conflict.
New Exam Dates to Be Announced Soon
CBSE issued a circular on March 7, assuring students and parents that the affected exams will be rescheduled at a later date. Revised dates are expected to be announced soon. Officials stated that the situation will be reassessed on March 10, with further guidance to follow for exams scheduled from March 12 onwards. Students are urged to stay in close contact with their schools and follow official CBSE updates for the latest information.
Uncertainty Brings Stress for Students and Families
The postponement has affected thousands of students and their families across the Middle East. Many are struggling to adapt to the uncertainty and adjust their plans accordingly. Abu Dhabi resident Mahra Hussain shared that her son was preparing for his mathematics exam on March 9, but the shifting schedule has added to students’ stress. “We are trying to stay positive in this situation,” she said, noting that her son has only written one exam so far and is now focused on preparing for the remaining subjects.
Another parent, Mohammed Iqbal, highlighted the added complications for families with travel plans. His daughter was set to travel to India in April to sit for the NEET-UG medical entrance test in May, but the new uncertainty has made planning difficult.
CBSE’s Flexible Approach for 2026
This year, the CBSE introduced a revised assessment system, allowing students to take board exams twice within the same academic year to improve their scores. The Class 12 exams began on February 17, and Class 10 exams in the region had already been cancelled earlier due to safety concerns.
Looking Ahead
CBSE has assured students and parents that their safety remains the top priority. The board is closely monitoring the situation and will announce new exam dates as soon as conditions permit. For now, students are encouraged to stay prepared and keep in touch with their schools for the latest updates.
