The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced major changes to the ongoing Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations for 2026 in several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, citing security concerns in the region.
The decision impacts thousands of Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across the Middle East.
According to CBSE, some Class 12 board examinations scheduled in early March have been postponed, while remaining Class 10 exams in the affected region will not be conducted.
CBSE issued a circular to schools across the Middle East informing them of the change in the examination schedule.
Students and parents can read the official circular here:
🔗 CBSE Official Circular (PDF)
https://www.cbse.gov.in/cbsenew/documents/Circular_3_Pricnipals_Middle_East_Regions_05032026.pdf
The circular states that examinations scheduled in certain Middle East centres have been postponed after reviewing the prevailing situation in the region.
Countries affected include:
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Oman
Kuwait
Bahrain
Iran
CBSE has asked schools to inform students and parents about the changes and await further instructions regarding revised dates.
For Class 10 students appearing in the Gulf region, CBSE has decided not to conduct the remaining examinations scheduled until March 11, 2026.
Instead, the board will later announce an alternative evaluation policy for these students.
Officials indicated that the results may be calculated using:
Internal assessment marks
Project work
Periodic tests
Pre-board examination performance
However, the final evaluation formula will be announced in a separate notification.
The cancellation applies only to CBSE examination centres located in Middle East countries, while exams in India continue according to the original schedule.
For Class 12 students, CBSE has postponed several papers that were scheduled between March 9 and March 16, 2026 in Gulf countries.
According to education officials, the board is closely monitoring the situation before announcing fresh exam dates.
Students have been advised to continue preparing for their exams, as the revised schedule could be announced at short notice.
Several media reports suggest that some of the postponed papers could be conducted from March 16 onwards, depending on security conditions and logistical arrangements.
CBSE has also warned students and parents about fake circulars circulating on social media platforms, claiming revised exam dates.
The board has clarified that only notices published on the official CBSE website should be considered authentic.
Students are advised to rely on:
Official CBSE website
School communication channels
Verified government notifications
The Gulf region hosts a large number of CBSE schools serving the Indian expatriate community.
The UAE alone has more than 100 CBSE-affiliated schools, with thousands of students appearing for board examinations every year.
Cities where CBSE exams are conducted include:
Dubai
Abu Dhabi
Sharjah
Riyadh
Jeddah
Doha
Muscat
Kuwait City
Several schools across the region have advised students not to panic and to continue their exam preparation while waiting for official updates from CBSE.
School administrators have also warned parents not to rely on WhatsApp forwards or unofficial notices circulating online.
CBSE is expected to release further instructions regarding revised Class 12 exam dates and the evaluation policy for Class 10 students in the coming days.
Students and parents are advised to regularly check the CBSE official website for updates.
