Kamal Ghorui
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed Class 12 board examinations scheduled between March 9 and March 11, 2026, in several Middle East countries. The decision follows a review of the situation in the region and applies to CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In a notice issued to schools, the board stated that the examinations planned on these three dates will not be conducted as scheduled. Fresh dates for the affected papers will be announced later. The board has also said that it will review the situation again on March 10 before taking a call on exams scheduled from March 12 onwards. Students have been asked to stay in contact with their schools for updates.
CBSE exams on March 9, 10 and 11 postponed for overseas centres
In its latest notice, CBSE said that the Class 12 examinations scheduled on March 9, March 10 and March 11 will be postponed for students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.The board said the decision was taken after reviewing the situation in parts of the Middle East. The notice is a continuation of earlier circulars issued on March 1, March 3 and March 5 regarding the conduct of board examinations in international centres.CBSE conducts its board exams not only in India but also in several overseas schools affiliated with the board. Thousands of Indian students studying in these schools appear for the same board examinations conducted in India.The board clarified that the postponement currently applies only to the specified countries. Exams in India and other international centres will continue as per the existing timetable unless a separate announcement is made.
Revised exam dates to be announced later
CBSE said that new dates for the postponed examinations will be notified later. Schools will be informed once the board finalises the revised schedule.Students have been advised not to rely on unofficial information circulating on social media. Instead, they should follow official announcements issued by the board and instructions shared by their schools.For students preparing for the affected subjects, schools are expected to share updates once the revised timetable is released. Until then, the board has asked candidates to continue their preparation and stay in contact with school authorities.
Board to review situation again on March 10
The board has said it will review the situation again on March 10, 2026. Based on that review, CBSE will decide whether examinations scheduled from March 12 onwards can proceed as planned in the affected countries.The board has asked schools to keep students informed and ensure that any update is shared promptly. Students and parents are also advised to check official notices issued by CBSE regularly for further information.
