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CBSE Postpones Gulf Board Exams Amid West Asia Conflict, Reviews Safety

The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed Class 10 and 12 board exams scheduled for March 5 and 6 in several Gulf nations, citing the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The decision affects students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with new dates to be announced later. The postponement follows a series of military strikes, including US-Israeli attacks on Tehran and subsequent Iranian retaliatory strikes. The Board will reassess the situation on March 5 to decide on exams scheduled from March 7 onwards.

Key Points: CBSE Postpones Class 10, 12 Exams in Gulf Over West Asia Conflict

  • Exams for March 5-6 postponed in 7 Gulf nations
  • Decision due to escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict
  • Fresh exam dates to be notified later
  • CBSE to review situation again on March 5
2 min read

CBSE postpones board exams in Gulf nations amid West Asia conflict

CBSE defers board exams in 7 Gulf nations due to West Asia conflict. New dates pending review. US-Israel strikes and Iranian retaliation cited.

"after a critical review of the current situation in parts of the Middle East - CBSE Official Statement"

New Delhi, March 3

The Central Board of Secondary Education on Tuesday announced that the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 5 and 6 have been postponed in several Gulf nations in view of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The move follows escalating tensions in the region after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iran over the weekend, which were followed by retaliatory attacks by Tehran.

In an official statement, the Board stated the decision was taken "after a critical review of the current situation in parts of the Middle East".

As per Circular-2 issued on March 3, 2026, the examinations for students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have been deferred.

The Board clarified that fresh dates for the postponed examinations will be notified at a later stage.

CBSE further stated that it will undertake another review of the evolving situation on Thursday, March 5, to assess whether examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards can proceed as planned.

Earlier, the Board had also postponed the Class 10 and 12 examinations slated for March 2, 2026, indicating at the time that revised dates would be communicated subsequently.

It had added that the situation would be reassessed on March 3 before taking a call on examinations scheduled from March 5 onward.

The postponement comes against the backdrop of dramatic developments in the region.

On Saturday afternoon, the United States and Israel launched a series of missile and drone strikes on multiple targets in Tehran, including the compound of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, located in the city centre.

Hours later, Iran confirmed that Khamenei had been killed in the attack.

Iran subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes targeting Tel Aviv and other locations in Israel, along with American military bases and diplomatic missions across West Asia.

Iranian attacks also hit civilian and energy infrastructure in neighbouring countries, including an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia and a luxury hotel in Dubai.

The exchange of strikes has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict that could draw in additional West Asian nations and severely disrupt global energy markets.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While the decision is right, the constant postponement creates so much anxiety for students. They've been preparing for years and this uncertainty is terrible for their mental health. CBSE should have a clearer contingency plan for such situations.
A
Aman W
The situation sounds very serious. Praying for the safety of all Indian citizens in the Gulf region. Our embassies should be on high alert. Jai Hind.
S
Sarah B
It's heartbreaking to see conflict disrupting education. These students have worked so hard. I hope the situation de-escalates quickly and they can take their exams in a peaceful environment soon.
V
Vikram M
This will have a ripple effect on college admissions too. Many Gulf students apply to Indian universities. The delay needs to be communicated clearly to all institutions so these kids don't lose out on opportunities.
K
Karthik V
The geopolitical tension is worrying for India as well, given our energy imports and large diaspora in the Gulf. Hope our government is taking strong diplomatic steps. Safety first for students, absolutely.

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