The Central Board of Secondary Education has cancelled all remaining Class 12 board examinations for students in the UAE and six other Middle East countries after repeated postponements amid escalating regional tensions. The circular, issued in mid-March, covers papers scheduled between 16 March and 10 April 2026 and says a separate notification on results will follow.
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CBSE order
CBSE’s mid-March communication states examinations due in the affected centres will not be conducted and that “a separate notification” will set out the process for declaring results for affected candidates. The board said the step followed continued review of security and logistical conditions across the region.
Number of schools and students affected
The cancellation applies to CBSE-affiliated exam centres in seven countries: the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman and Iran. Papers already postponed earlier in March are included in the order.
Trade and education reports place the number of affected schools at more than 150, with student estimates ranging widely. Regional briefs and national coverage cite figures from roughly 10,000 Indian expatriate students in the UAE to 50,000+ students across the seven countries, depending on whether Class 10 and Class 12 totals are combined. Several outlets report the disruption affects hundreds of centres and tens of thousands of candidates.
Timeline of recent steps
Select papers were first postponed in early March. Between 9–16 March, CBSE issued multiple rescheduling notices while it reviewed conditions; during that period the board also debunked a forged circular that circulated on social media. On 15–16 March, the board issued the formal instruction cancelling all remaining Class 12 papers scheduled from 16 March to 10 April.
Board position on evaluation
CBSE has confirmed a separate notification will explain how results for affected candidates will be prepared. The board is reported to be reviewing alternative assessment methods that may draw on internal assessments, pre-board performance, project work and other academic records. No precise formula or timeline has been published; schools and families have been asked to await the formal circular.
Embassy and administrative coordination
Indian diplomatic missions in the region and local school administrations held briefings with principals to share board updates and coordinate next steps. Embassies have been cited as working with school managements to ensure official information reaches families through school channels.
CBSE-affiliated schools in the UAE have issued messages to parents confirming the board’s cancellation and advising that academic operations will follow local authority guidance. Schools said students who completed some papers will be considered under whatever evaluation mechanism CBSE prescribes.
