CBSE Postpones Class 10 & 12 Board Exams In Gulf Over Iran-Israel Conflict

The Central Board of Secondary Education postpones Class X and Class XII examinations scheduled for 2 March 2026 in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to regional tension. A review is planned for 3 March with updated dates to be released through official channels, guiding students and schools in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

CBSE has postponed Class X and Class XII exams set for 2 March 2026 in several Middle East countries, citing the tense situation in the region. The decision affects centres in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, where many Indian families, including from Uttar Pradesh, live and study.

The Board has not fixed replacement dates yet and will announce the new schedule later through official channels. The move covers only the papers planned on 2 March 2026 in these Middle East locations, while CBSE exams in India, including Uttar Pradesh, continue as per the existing timetable.

CBSE Middle East exam postponement and review plan

Explaining the decision, the Central Board said, "Students and schools are informed that due to the current situation in parts of the Middle East (Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE), the Board has decided to postpone the Class X and Class XII examinations scheduled to be held on Monday, March 02, 2026, in the Middle East region," said the Central board in a statement.

CBSE will reassess the situation on 3 March 2026 and then decide about examinations planned from 5 March onwards. This review will guide whether later papers in the same Middle East centres go ahead as scheduled or also need changes, giving students and schools clearer direction.

CBSE Middle East exam postponement and advisory for students

The Board has advised students to stay closely connected with their respective schools and to track only official CBSE updates. Schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are expected to guide candidates, including many from Uttar Pradesh families, about revised dates once CBSE issues detailed instructions.

CBSE has stressed that information shared through verified circulars and the official website should be treated as the single reliable source. The Board wants students to avoid confusion, maintain their study routine, and prepare calmly for the rescheduled Class X and Class XII examinations in the Middle East region.

CBSE Middle East exam postponement and fake notice warning

The postponement announcement followed a strong CBSE warning against a fake notice that had gone viral on social media. That forged document wrongly claimed all CBSE exams were cancelled till 7 March and suggested that students would get marks without sitting for the papers, causing anxiety among families.

The bogus notice stated that "marks for these cancelled papers shall be awarded on a composite evaluation criteria including continuous comprehensive evaluation, periodic tests, pre-board examinations, and relevant internal assessment throughout the academic year. The exact formulation will be shared shortly." It attempted to copy CBSE language to appear genuine.

The same fake message further claimed, "In view of the unprecedented nature of this situation, no failed in these subjects, the candidates are advised that this evaluation based on average marks may impact the overall percentage and result of the candidate," raising doubts about overall results for students.

CBSE has clarified that it has made no such promise about automatic passing, composite marking, or cancellation of exams till 7 March. The only confirmed change is the postponement of Class X and Class XII papers on 2 March 2026 in Middle East centres, while other regions, including Uttar Pradesh, follow the notified schedule.

CBSE Middle East exam postponement and regional tensions

The Board’s cautious approach follows fast-changing events in West Asia after the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran. Iran then launched strikes on United States and Israeli targets, including American military bases in the region and locations linked to Israel, raising security concerns.

According to reports, the operation that killed Khamenei was a United States-led action under President Donald Trump, named Operation Epic Fury. Strikes early Sunday in Tehran also reportedly killed Khamenei's daughter and grandchild, and hit multiple key sites in the Iranian capital, deepening regional instability.

Trump reacted on his Truth Social platform, stating, "Khamenei, one of the most evil people in History, is dead." Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also took part in the attacks under the codename Operation Lion's Roar, adding another layer to the conflict affecting the wider Middle East.

For Indian families based in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, many with roots in Uttar Pradesh, CBSE’s postponement offers an extra safety cushion. The Board’s plan to review the situation on 3 March 2026 and issue fresh dates aims to protect students while keeping their academic progress on track.