CBSE Class 12 Board Exams 2026 Cancelled in 7 Middle East Countries – Official Announcement & Details

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled all Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March and April 2026 in the Middle East region. The decision was announced through an official circular issued on March 15, 2026, by CBSE Controller of Examinations Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj.

The cancellation applies to students appearing for board exams in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This is a significant escalation from the earlier decision of postponing exams, as the board has now moved to a complete cancellation for the entire March-April exam schedule.

What Does the CBSE Circular Say?

The circular, addressed to principals of all CBSE-affiliated schools in the Middle East, states that the decision was taken after reviewing the feasibility of conducting board exams in the affected countries. The review considered inputs and requests received from schools and local authorities.

The board has laid out three key decisions in the circular.

First, all Class 12 examinations scheduled from March 16, 2026 to April 10, 2026 stand cancelled for students in the seven affected countries. Second, all exams that were previously postponed through circulars dated March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, 2026 also stand cancelled. Third, the mode of declaring results for Class 12 candidates in these countries will be communicated separately in due course.

Copies of the circular have been forwarded to Indian ambassadors across all seven nations, the Consul General of India in Dubai, and the Director of CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai.

Important Update on CBSE Class XII Exams in Middle East Countries

CBSE has issued Circular -6 regarding cancellation of Board Exams of Class XII in Middle East countries

See attachment for further details pic.twitter.com/FfZc5vKMHT

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 15, 2026

Timeline of CBSE Exam Postponements and Cancellations in the Middle East

How Will CBSE Declare Results for Affected Students?

Since the exams have been cancelled completely and not just postponed, CBSE is expected to adopt an alternative evaluation method to declare results for affected Class 12 students. However, the board hasn't officially announced the assessment process yet. The circular only states that the mode of result declaration will be communicated separately in due course.

Experts believe CBSE may follow a method similar to the one used during the COVID-19 pandemic, which could include internal school assessments, pre-board marks, and overall academic performance during the year. An official announcement is awaited.

CISCE Also Cancels ICSE and ISC Exams in UAE

Meanwhile, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has also announced the cancellation of ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board exams at all centres in the UAE. The cancellation was taken amid the current security situation in the Middle East.

CISCE Chief Executive and Secretary Dr Joseph Emmanuel confirmed that results for affected students will be determined through an alternative assessment method. Details regarding the evaluation process will be shared later. He also added that the Class 10 and Class 12 results of affected students will be declared along with the results for Indian students.

UAE Announces Early Spring Break for Schools

The UAE has also announced an early start to the spring break for all schools and universities in the country. Students and staff are on break from March 9 to March 22, 2026. This decision further supports the cancellation of board exams during this period.

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