2026 CBSE Board Exams Middle East Class 10 & 12 Officially Cancelled

The CBSE Board Exams 2026 in the Middle East have been completely cancelled following six official circulars issued between March 1–15, 2026. What began as a precautionary postponement has resulted in the cancellation of all Class 10 and Class 12 board exams across the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, and Iran, affecting over 50,000 students across 150+ CBSE-affiliated schools.

CBSE has cancelled Class 10 exams in the Middle East due to unrest, issuing Circular 3 on March 5, 2026. This was followed by a final comprehensive cancellation of all Class 12 board exams via Circular 6 on March 15, 2026. Student safety remained the board’s top priority throughout.

This guide uncovers which CBSE board exams Middle East class 10 and class 12 were canceled in 2026, all six circulars explained, how results will be calculated, and what students should do next.

CBSE Board Exam Middle East 2026 Class 10 Cancelled, Class 12 Cancelled

Latest CBSE Circular Update for Middle East Students

CBSE issued six official circulars between March 1–15, 2026, with each update reflecting the rapidly evolving security situation across the Middle East. The most recent and final update, Circular 6 issued on March 15, 2026, confirms the complete cancellation of all board exams in the region.

According to the latest update — Circular 6 (March 15, 2026):

• All Class 12 board exams scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026 are officially cancelled
• All previously postponed Class 12 papers from March 1–14 also stand cancelled
• All Class 10 board exams were cancelled via Circular 3 on March 5, 2026
• CBSE will release a separate notification on the evaluation and result declaration method for both Class 10 and Class 12 students
• No revised exam dates will be announced — cancellation is final for all affected students

The board confirmed that these decisions were taken after determining it was not feasible to conduct board examinations under the current regional conditions, with student and staff safety remaining the top priority throughout.

​​CBSE Board Exam 2026 Middle East Update 

The changes to the CBSE Board Exam 2026 schedule in the Middle East were announced gradually as the situation in the region continued to evolve. Instead of making a single decision, the board released multiple updates over several days to ensure student safety while monitoring developments.

Here is a clear timeline of the major announcements for CBSE exam cancelled Middle East:

March 1, 2026 – CBSE exam postponed 2026

CBSE first announced that some Class 10 and Class 12 board exams scheduled for early March in Middle Eastern countries would be postponed. This decision was taken as a precaution while authorities reviewed the security situation in the region.

March 3, 2026 – Additional Exams Delayed

As conditions were still being assessed, CBSE issued another update postponing additional exams scheduled later in the same week. CBSE Board Exams, Middle East Class 10, students were advised to stay alert for further announcements regarding revised exam dates.

March 5, 2026 – Major Update for Students in the Middle East

CBSE has cancelled class 10 exams in the Middle East due to unrest. The board announced that:

• Several Class 10 board exams scheduled between March 7 and March 11 would be cancelled, further all CBSE Grade 10 exams cancelled in UAE. 
• Grade 12 exams postponed that were scheduled for 7th March.

CBSE also informed schools that new instructions and revised schedules would be announced later, depending on how the situation develops. This phased approach allowed the board to respond carefully while prioritizing the safety and well-being of students appearing for the exams.

March 7, 2026 – Further Class 12 Papers Deferred 

Additional Class 12 papers were postponed. Notably, CBSE also issued a warning about a fake circular circulating on social media that falsely claimed the Class 12 English exam had been rescheduled to March 12. Students and parents were urged to rely only on official CBSE communications.

March 9, 2026 – CBSE postpones class 12 exams in the Middle East region

CBSE postponed further Class 12 papers scheduled between March 12–14 as the regional situation continued to remain uncertain. During this period, the Embassy of India in Riyadh conducted a virtual briefing for school principals across the Gulf to coordinate next steps.

March 15, 2026 – All Exams Cancelled (Latest Update) 

In its final and most comprehensive announcement, CBSE officially cancelled all remaining Class 12 board exams scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026. The board also confirmed that all previously postponed Class 12 papers from March 1–14 stand cancelled. A separate notification on the result declaration and evaluation method for both Class 10 and Class 12 students will be issued in due course.

Countries Affected by the CBSE Exam Postponement in the Middle East

The CBSE Board Exam 2026 update applies to CBSE-affiliated schools located in several countries across the Middle East and Gulf region. These countries host a large number of Indian curriculum schools where thousands of students appear for Class 10 and Class 12 CBSE board exams every year.

The countries affected by the exam changes include:

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

These countries have a strong network of CBSE schools serving the large Indian expatriate community living in the region. Due to this widespread presence, the CBSE board exam postponement and cancellations in the Middle East have affected thousands of students preparing for their board examinations.

Even small changes in the exam schedule can create uncertainty for students and parents, especially for those preparing for important milestone exams like Class 10 and Class 12, which play a crucial role in future academic and career decisions.

How the CBSE Exam Changes Affect Class 10 Students in the Middle East

One of the biggest concerns among students and parents is how Class 10 CBSE results will be calculated after the cancellation of some board exams in the Middle East.

Due to several CBSE Class 10 exam cancellation, CBSE will need to adopt an alternative evaluation method to ensure students are assessed fairly. At the moment, the board has not released the final marking policy, but it has assured schools that a clear and transparent evaluation system will be introduced.

In similar situations in the past, education boards have used a combination of different assessment methods to calculate final results. CBSE may follow a similar approach so that students are not disadvantaged due to the exam cancellations.

Some possible evaluation methods may include:

1. Internal School Assessments
   Marks from internal assessments, periodic tests, and pre-board exams conducted by the school may be considered as part of the final evaluation.
2. Marks from Exams Already Conducted
   If students have already completed certain board exam papers before the cancellations, those marks may also contribute to the final result calculation.
3. Academic Performance Records
   Schools maintain performance records throughout the academic year, including assignments, practical work, and teacher evaluations. These records may help CBSE determine a fair final score.

Until the board releases the official evaluation policy, students and parents should wait for formal communication from CBSE or their schools. The board is expected to announce the final assessment process before the results are declared.

CBSE Class 12 Exam Cancelled in the Middle East

As of March 15, 2026, CBSE has officially cancelled all Class 12 board exams in the Middle East — not just postponed them. This includes all papers that were previously postponed between March 1–14, as well as all remaining exams scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026.

This is a significant development because Class 12 results directly impact university admissions, scholarships, and higher education opportunities for thousands of students. Conducting exams under the current regional conditions was determined to be not feasible, and student safety remained the board’s top priority.

Unlike Class 10, where internal assessments and pre-board performance will likely form the basis of evaluation, CBSE has not yet released the official result declaration method for Class 12 students. The board has confirmed that a separate notification will be issued outlining how results will be calculated for affected students across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran.

In the meantime, students are advised to stay connected with their schools, avoid unverified information circulating on social media, and wait for official communication from CBSE before drawing any conclusions about their results or university applications.

Why Many Schools Shifted to Online Learning

Several schools in the Middle East temporarily shifted to online learning after the CBSE exam schedule was disrupted. This decision helped schools maintain academic continuity while prioritizing student safety. Below are the key reasons behind the move to digital classrooms.

1. Ensuring Student Safety

The primary reason for switching to online classes was to protect students and staff. Since board exams require students to travel to schools or exam centers, authorities wanted to reduce movement during a sensitive period. Online learning allowed students to continue their education without leaving their homes.

2. Avoiding Travel and Transportation Risks

Many students commute long distances to reach their schools or exam centers. By moving classes online, schools minimized the need for daily travel, helping families feel more secure during uncertain conditions.

3. Maintaining Academic Continuity

Pausing education completely could have disrupted students’ preparation, especially for board exams. Online classes allowed teachers to continue lessons, revision sessions, and doubt-clearing classes, ensuring that students stayed on track with their studies.

4. Supporting Exam Preparation

Even though some exams were postponed or cancelled, students still needed guidance from teachers. Online classes helped schools conduct revision lectures, mock tests, and exam preparation sessions so students could remain prepared for future updates.

5. Easy Access to Digital Learning Tools

Most schools already use digital learning platforms, video conferencing tools, and online assignments, which made the transition smoother. Because of this existing infrastructure, schools were able to shift to virtual classrooms quickly without major disruption.

6. Staying Flexible During Uncertain Situations

Online learning gives schools the flexibility to adjust schedules quickly if new updates are announced. This makes it easier to resume physical classes or continue virtual learning depending on the situation.

Overall, the temporary shift to online learning helped schools balance student safety with uninterrupted education, ensuring that students could continue preparing for their academic goals.

What Students and Parents Should Do After the CBSE Board Exam 2026 Cancellation

With CBSE officially cancelling all Class 10 and Class 12 board exams in the Middle East, many students and parents are understandably anxious about results, university admissions, and next steps. Since exams will not be rescheduled, the focus now shifts entirely to the alternative evaluation process that CBSE is expected to announce soon.

Here are the most important steps students and parents should take right now:

1. Wait for CBSE’s Official Evaluation Notification 

Since all exams are cancelled — not postponed — there is no need to prepare for rescheduled papers. Students should wait for CBSE’s official notification on how Class 10 and Class 12 results will be calculated. This is expected to be based on internal assessments, pre-board performance, practicals, and academic records maintained by schools.

2. Follow Only Official CBSE and School Communications 

CBSE has already warned students about fake circulars circulating on social media. Rely only on official announcements from CBSE’s website or direct communication from your school. Do not act on forwarded messages or unverified sources.

3. Gather and Organise Your Academic Records 

Since results are likely to be based on internal assessments and pre-board marks, students should connect with their schools to ensure their academic records — assignments, practicals, periodic tests, and pre-board scores — are complete and up to date.

4. Contact Universities Early if Applying for Admissions 

Class 12 students with pending university applications should proactively reach out to their institutions and explain the situation. Most universities are aware of the CBSE Middle East cancellations and are expected to make provisions for affected students.

5. Maintain a Balanced Routine 

Exam cancellations can cause stress and uncertainty. Maintaining a regular daily routine, staying connected with teachers, and focusing on overall wellbeing will help students stay mentally prepared for whatever comes next.

Conclusion

The CBSE board exam 2026 Middle East cancellations mark an unprecedented disruption for over 50,000 students across UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. With all Class 10 and Class 12 exams officially cancelled across six circulars, the CBSE board exam Middle East situation remains closely monitored by students, parents, and schools awaiting the official evaluation notification.

AtSunbeam World School, our structured online classrooms and dedicated teacher support ensure learning never stops. Follow only official CBSE communications, keep academic records organised, and reach out to universities early. With the right support, students can confidently navigate this disruption.

FAQs

Is CBSE Class 12 exam postponed or cancelled in 2026 in the Middle East?

CBSE Class 12 board exams in the Middle East are fully cancelled, not just postponed. All papers from March 1 to April 10, 2026 stand cancelled. CBSE will announce an alternative evaluation method to declare results for affected students.

What is CBSE Circular 6 for the Middle East? 

CBSE Circular 6, issued on March 15, 2026, is the final official circular cancelling all remaining Class 12 board exams across UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran. It also cancels all previously postponed papers from March 1–14.

How many students are affected by CBSE exam cancellations in the Middle East? 

Approximately 20,000 students across 150+ CBSE-affiliated schools in 7 Middle East countries are affected by the 2026 exam cancellations. Both Class 10 and Class 12 students in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Iran are impacted.

Why did CBSE cancel board exams in the Middle East in 2026? 

CBSE cancelled board exams in the Middle East following escalating regional conflict after US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February 2026. The board determined that conducting examinations was not feasible and prioritised the safety of students and school staff.

Is the CBSE exam postponed in 2026 for Class 12 students in the Middle East? 

No, CBSE Class 12 board exams in the Middle East are fully cancelled, not postponed. Following Circular 6 issued on March 15, 2026, all Class 12 papers from March 1 to April 10, 2026 stand officially cancelled. CBSE will announce an alternative evaluation method to declare results for affected students.

Will cancelled CBSE Class 12 exams be conducted later in the Middle East?

No, CBSE has confirmed that all Class 12 board exams in the Middle East are permanently cancelled and will not be rescheduled. As per Circular 6 issued on March 15, 2026, both previously postponed papers and remaining exams stand cancelled. CBSE will instead announce an alternative evaluation and result declaration method for all affected students.

Is Class 10 Board Exam 2026 postponed?

No, the CBSE Class 10 board exams 2026 have not been postponed for Middle East schools. According to the latest update from the Central Board of Secondary Education, the remaining Class 10 exams scheduled up to March 11, 2026 were cancelled. CBSE will announce an alternative evaluation method for affected students.

Is the CBSE Exam postponed in 2026 for Class 12 students?

Yes, but only partially. The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed the Class 12 board exam scheduled on March 7, 2026 for students in Middle East schools. The exam has now been cancelled by Circular 6 CBSE.

Why were CBSE board exams cancelled in the Middle East in 2026?

The Central Board of Secondary Education cancelled some Class 10 exams and postponed a Class 12 paper as a precautionary measure after reviewing the security situation in parts of the Middle East to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff.

Which countries are affected by the CBSE exam changes in the Middle East?

The CBSE exam changes apply to affiliated schools located in United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Iran, where thousands of Indian students follow the CBSE curriculum and appear for Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations.

How will CBSE calculate Class 10 results after exam cancellations?

CBSE is expected to introduce a fair evaluation system that may include internal school assessments, marks from exams already conducted, and academic performance records maintained by schools. The board will release official guidelines before declaring final results.

Why did schools in the Middle East switch to online learning?

Many schools temporarily moved to online learning to maintain academic continuity while prioritizing student safety. Virtual classes allowed students to continue revision sessions, exam preparation, and regular lessons without travelling to schools or exam centers.

When will the postponed CBSE Class 12 exam be conducted?

The Central Board of Secondary Education has cancelled class 12 exams, thus no exams will be conducted. This was stated by CBSE through Circular 6. Read the Circular thoroughly and get a clear understanding of your class 12 board exams 2026.