CBSE 10th, 12th Exams Deferred in Middle East, Result Plan Awaited

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced major changes to the CBSE Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations 2026 for schools in the Middle East. The board decided to cancel some Class 10 exams and postpone certain Class 12 papers after reviewing the security situation and regional tensions in the Middle East. The decision affects CBSE-affiliated schools in countries including United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

Why CBSE Exams Were Deferred in the Middle East?

The board said the decision was taken after assessing the prevailing situation and uncertainty in the region, prioritising student safety and mental well-being. Ongoing tensions and security concerns in parts of the Middle East led the board to modify the exam schedule for overseas centres. Key points regarding the decision include:

• Class 10 exams scheduled up to 11 March 2026 were cancelled
• Some Class 12 exams were postponed and will be rescheduled later
• The board will review the situation again before announcing further decisions.

Countries Affected by the CBSE Exam Changes

Thousands of Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools in the Gulf region are affected by the revised schedule. The affected countries include:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Bahrain
• Iran
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia

Students in these countries follow the same CBSE curriculum and appear for the annual Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations conducted globally.

Will CBSE Prepare Results Without Exams?

One of the major concerns among students and parents is whether the Class 10 results will be prepared without conducting the remaining exams. According to reports, the board has confirmed that:

• An alternative evaluation method for Class 10 results will be announced soon
• Details regarding assessment criteria are still under discussion.

Possible evaluation approaches could include:

• Internal assessment scores
• previous exam performance
• school-based evaluation records

However, the board has not yet issued a final formula for calculating marks.

Update on Class 12 Board Exams

Unlike Class 10 exams, Class 12 examinations have not been cancelled. Instead, the board has postponed some papers and will conduct them later once the situation improves. Officials confirmed that:

• Class 12 exams scheduled between 12 March 2026 and 16 March 2026 were postponed
• New exam dates will be announced later after reviewing the regional situation.

CBSE Warning on Fake Exam Notices

The board has also cautioned students against believing unofficial circulars circulating on social media about exam schedules. CBSE clarified that only official notices issued on its website and verified channels should be trusted to avoid confusion regarding exam dates and updates. Students studying in the affected Middle East countries have been advised to stay in contact with their schools and follow official CBSE announcements for further information about exams and results.