CBSE Board Exams 2026: Class 10 Cancelled, Class 12 Postponed in Middle East Amid Regional War
CBSE Board Exams 2026 Update: Class 10 exams (March 7–11) are CANCELLED for schools in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi, Iran, etc.) amid the US-Israel-Iran conflict. Class 12 exams for March 7 are POSTPONED. A marking scheme for Class 10 and a review for March 9 papers will be announced shortly.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued an emergency "Circular-3" tonight, announcing the cancellation of Class 10 Board Exams and the postponement of Class 12 papers for all affiliated schools across the Middle East. The decision follows a "critical review" of the escalating security situation involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
At a Glance: Key Changes for Middle East Centers
| Key Changes for Middle East Centers | ||
| Category | Status | Affected Dates |
| Class 10 Exams | CANCELLED | March 7 – March 11, 2026 |
| Class 12 Exams | POSTPONED | March 7, 2026 (Review on Mar 7) |
| Previously Postponed | CANCELLED | March 2, 5, and 6 (Class 10) |
| Result Criteria | TBA | Alternative assessment to be notified |
Detailed Impact by Region and Grade
The directive, signed by Dr. Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations, applies to over 150 CBSE-affiliated schools in the following countries:
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UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Iran.
Class 10: Total Cancellation
In a significant departure from earlier "wait-and-watch" advisories, the Board has officially scrapped the remaining Class 10 secondary school examinations.
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Papers Cancelled: All exams scheduled between March 7 and March 11, 2026.
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Past Papers: Exams originally slated for March 2, 5, and 6 (which were previously under postponement) are now officially cancelled.
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Results: CBSE will notify a separate "special marking scheme" or "composite evaluation criterion" for these students at a later date.
Class 12: Indefinite Postponement
For Senior Secondary students, the Board is prioritizing flexibility.
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The exam scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, stands postponed.
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Next Review: CBSE officials will meet on March 7 to assess if exams from March 9 onwards can proceed.
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Action for Students: Candidates are advised to maintain active communication with school principals for real-time updates.
The Catalyst: Regional Instability and Conflict
The disruption is a direct consequence of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, which has intensified following major military operations in the region.
Security Brief: Following the reported death of Iranian leadership in late February, regional airspace closures and missile exchanges have made the safe transit of thousands of students to examination centers impossible.