The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 2, 2026, in several West Asian countries due to escalating tensions in the region. The move follows heightened insecurity after military strikes involving Iran, Israel and United States, which disrupted normal life and raised safety concerns for students.
In an official notice, CBSE informed schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE that the March 2 exams would not be held as planned. The board said new dates would be announced later, once the situation stabilizes.
Thousands of Indian students studying in Gulf-based CBSE schools are affected by the postponement, especially in countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which host a large number of Indian expatriates. Parents and students had been preparing for these crucial exams when the sudden escalation forced authorities to intervene.
CBSE also stated it would review the situation on March 3 to determine whether other exams, scheduled from March 5 onwards, could proceed as planned. Students and parents in the affected regions have been urged to stay in touch with their schools and follow official updates.
The postponement highlights how the Middle East crisis is affecting not only education but also daily life, travel, and business in the region. While exams in Gulf countries have been deferred, students in India and other unaffected regions will continue with their board schedules as planned.
Parents and students expressed concern over the disruption but largely supported CBSE’s decision, emphasizing the importance of safety during such unpredictable times. The board reassured that the postponement is temporary and that exam timetables will be updated as soon as it is safe to conduct the tests.
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