The Central Board of Secondary Education has temporarily postponed Class 12 board examinations scheduled between 12 March and 16 March 2026 for affiliated schools operating in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
According to the board, the decision was taken in view of the prevailing situation in the Gulf region and the mental pressure on students. The board said it will review the situation on 14 March 2026 and decide the revised dates for the postponed examinations and the next course of the examination process.
As per a CBSE circular, Class 12 board examinations scheduled from 12 March to 16 March have been postponed for the time being. The decision applies to CBSE-affiliated schools operating in Gulf countries where a large number of Indian students are enrolled.
The board stated that the step was taken keeping in mind student safety and the potential impact on their studies. No revised dates for the examinations have been announced yet.
CBSE said the situation in the region will be reviewed again on 14 March 2026. Following the review, a decision will be taken regarding the postponed examinations and the examinations scheduled after 16 March.
If conditions are found to be normal, revised dates for the postponed examinations may be announced. The board has advised students not to rely on rumours and to check only their schools or the CBSE website for official information.
Earlier, CBSE had also decided to cancel the remaining Class 10 examinations in some parts of the Gulf region.
The board had stated at that time that student safety and mental health were the highest priorities.
A large number of Indian families live in Gulf countries and their children study under the CBSE curriculum. Any instability in the region affects examinations and academic activities of these students.
