The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled in several West Asian countries due to the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. The board announced that new dates for the postponed examinations will be declared later after reviewing the security situation in the region.
According to the official notification, the decision was taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and examination staff in the affected countries. The postponed examinations were originally scheduled to take place on March 5 and March 6, 2026.
Exams postponed in seven Middle East countries
The postponement applies to CBSE-affiliated schools located in several Middle Eastern nations, including:
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Bahrain
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Iran
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Kuwait
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Oman
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Qatar
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Saudi Arabia
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United Arab Emirates
Students studying in these countries will have to wait for fresh exam dates, which will be announced once the situation stabilizes.
CBSE officials said the decision followed a careful review of the security situation in the region. Rising tensions and military actions linked to the Iran–Israel conflict have disrupted normal activities in several Middle Eastern countries, raising concerns about student safety and transportation to exam centres.
In its statement, CBSE emphasized that the well-being of students and school staff is its top priority. The board also confirmed that it will closely monitor the evolving situation before announcing revised examination schedules.
This is not the first time CBSE has postponed exams in the region this year. Earlier, examinations scheduled for March 2 were also delayed due to the same security concerns. After reviewing the situation, the board decided to extend the postponement to additional exam dates.
CBSE has advised students to remain in regular contact with their schools and follow official announcements for updates regarding new exam dates. The board also warned against fake circulars circulating on social media that falsely claim the cancellation of board exams.
Officials clarified that the exams have only been postponed and not cancelled.
No impact on exams in India
The board also clarified that this decision affects only CBSE schools located in the Middle East region. Board examinations being conducted in India and other countries will continue as per the original schedule.
For thousands of Indian students studying abroad, the postponement has created temporary uncertainty. However, education authorities say the move was necessary to ensure student safety amid the escalating geopolitical tensions in the region.
