The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, has announced the postponement of Class X and Class XII board examinations scheduled in several Middle Eastern countries.
In an official circular dated March 3, 2026 (Circular-2, CBSE/CE/SPPS/2026/2), the Board informed principals of CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates about the decision. The announcement follows a critical review of the current situation in parts of the Middle East, a circular posted on the entity’s official X account said.
Important Update on Class X/XII Exams – Middle East Regions
CBSE has issued Circular-2 today regarding the Class X & XII Board Exams in the Middle East regions.
Details are in attached Circular pic.twitter.com/JAHPj3SBjW— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 3, 2026
According to the circular, the examinations that were scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and Friday, March 6, 2026, for both Class X and Class XII students have been postponed. The Board stated that the new examination dates will be announced at a later time.
CBSE further noted that it will reassess the situation on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and make appropriate decisions regarding examinations scheduled from March 7, 2026, onwards.
Students have been advised to remain in regular contact with their respective schools for updates and to carefully follow official announcements issued by the Board.
The circular was issued by Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, controller of examinations, CBSE.
Copies of the circular have been forwarded to Indian ambassadors in the United Arab Emirates (Abu Dhabi), Saudi Arabia (Riyadh), Oman (Muscat), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iran (Tehran), as well as to the Consul General of India in Dubai and the Director of CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai.
The board emphasised that further updates will be communicated after reviewing the situation.