CBSE Cancels Class 12 Board Exams 2026 in 7 Middle East Countries after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a circular on 15 March 2026 announcing the cancellation of examinations scheduled between 16 March and 10 April 2026.
The decision applies to students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools located in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. According to the board’s circular, the cancellation also includes papers that had already been postponed earlier in March due to the evolving situation in the region.
Countries Affected by CBSE Exam Cancellation
The board confirmed that the directive applies to the following countries in the Middle East region:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Thousands of students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across these countries were scheduled to appear for the examinations during the March–April session.
Why did CBSE Cancel the Exams?
The board stated that the decision was taken after reviewing the feasibility of conducting examinations in the region and considering inputs from schools, authorities, and Indian diplomatic missions. Reports indicate that the cancellation was also influenced by security concerns and regional tensions, which could affect the safe conduct of exams for students and staff. Earlier in March, CBSE had postponed several examinations in the Middle East before finally cancelling the remaining papers after reviewing the situation.
CBSE Class 12 Result Process for Affected Students
The board has stated that the method for declaring results for these students will be announced separately. CBSE is expected to issue detailed guidelines soon on how the final marks will be calculated for students whose exams have been cancelled.
Officials have also informed universities and institutions about the situation and assured that the final certificates will carry the same academic value as those of students who completed exams in other regions. Students and schools in the affected countries have been advised to monitor official CBSE notifications for updates regarding the result declaration process and evaluation criteria.