New Delhi: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 5 and March 6, 2026, across seven countries in West Asia following escalating regional tensions.
In a circular issued, the Board said the decision was taken after a critical assessment of the prevailing security situation in parts of the Middle East. The postponement applies to CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Fresh dates to be announced
CBSE clarified that revised examination dates for the affected papers will be announced at a later stage. The Board also indicated that it will review the evolving situation on Thursday before deciding on examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards.
“Schools affiliated to CBSE in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE… the Board has decided to postpone the examinations scheduled for Thursday, 05 March 2026, and Friday, 06 March 2026, for both Class X and Class XII. The new dates shall be announced later,” the circular stated.
Students have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective schools for verified updates and to rely solely on official communications issued by the Board.
The postponement was also communicated by the Embassy of India in Muscat, which urged students and parents to avoid misinformation. In its advisory, the Embassy stressed that candidates should stay in regular contact with school authorities and refrain from relying on unofficial sources or circulating rumors.
Important Update on Class X/XII Exams – Middle East Regions
CBSE has issued Circular-2 today regarding the Class X & XII Board Exams in the Middle East regions.
Details are in attached Circular pic.twitter.com/JAHPj3SBjW— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 3, 2026
Impact on Overseas Candidates
CBSE conducts board examinations annually for thousands of Indian students enrolled in affiliated institutions abroad, particularly across the Gulf region, where a large Indian expatriate community resides.
The temporary deferment underscores the board’s focus on student safety and operational prudence amid volatile geopolitical conditions.
Education authorities are expected to issue further clarification once a fresh assessment of the regional security environment is completed later this week.
