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CBSE Postpones Class XII Exams in Middle East Amid Regional Conflict Concerns

The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed Class XII board examinations scheduled for March 12-16 in several Middle Eastern countries, citing the regional situation and student well-being. The decision affects schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, with the board set to review the situation again on March 14. Concurrently, Indian embassies in the region have issued security advisories, warning citizens against uncoordinated travel and facilitating transit for stranded nationals. Students are advised to stay in contact with their schools for updates on the new examination schedule.

Key Points: CBSE Postpones Class 12 Board Exams in Middle East

  • Exams from March 12-16 postponed
  • Applies to 7 Middle Eastern nations
  • Fresh dates to be announced later
  • Indian missions issue travel advisories
3 min read

CBSE postpones Class XII board exams in Middle East amid regional conflict

CBSE delays Class XII exams in 7 Middle Eastern countries due to regional conflict and student safety. New dates to be announced.

"After a critical review of the current situation... and the mental agony of the students - CBSE Circular"

New Delhi, March 9

The Central Board of Secondary Education on Monday postponed Class XII board examinations scheduled in several Middle Eastern countries amid the prevailing regional situation and concerns over students' well-being.

In a circular issued today, CBSE said the examinations scheduled between March 12 and March 16, in the Middle East region, will be postponed following a review of the situation.

The decision applies to CBSE-affiliated schools in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

"After a critical review of the current situation in parts of the Middle East and the mental agony of the students and the prevailing uncertainties, the Board has decided to postpone the examinations scheduled from March 12, 2026 to March 16, 2026," the board said in the circular.

CBSE added that fresh dates for the examinations will be announced later and that the board will review the situation again on March 14 before taking further decisions regarding the remaining examinations scheduled from March 16 onwards.

"All students are advised to stay in touch with their schools for updates and follow official announcements carefully," the circular added.

Meanwhile, Indian missions in the region have issued advisories for Indian nationals in view of the evolving security situation.

The Embassy of India in Bahrain advised Indian citizens to remain vigilant and follow updates issued by the embassy and local authorities. It also said priority is being given to stranded Indian nationals seeking transit through Saudi Arabia for travel back to India.

The embassy stated that transit visas through Saudi Arabia are being facilitated in coordination with the Embassy of India in Riyadh, with travellers required to possess confirmed tickets to India onwards and carry official documentation issued by the embassy.

"Transit Through Saudi Arabia from Bahrain. Priority is being given to stranded Indian nationals, especially those on tourist or short-term visas. The Embassy of India in Riyadh is obtaining individual transit visa approvals from the Saudi Government. Therefore, transit visa requests are currently being referred by Embassy of India in Bahrain to the Embassy of India in Riyadh," the statement from the Embassy read.

In Iran, the Embassy of India in Tehran advised Indian nationals not to approach land border points for travel outside the country without prior coordination with the embassy, cautioning that assistance may not be possible once individuals exit Iranian territory.

"Indian nationals are hereby advised not to approach any of the land borders of Iran for travel outside the country without prior coordination with the Embassy. Any movement towards land border points should be undertaken only after obtaining explicit guidance from the Embassy," the statement read.

"It may please be noted that the Embassy will not be in a position to extend assistance once individuals have exited Iranian territory and are unable to enter the third country concerned," it added.

The advisory also shared emergency contact numbers and urged Indian citizens to remain in touch with the embassy for guidance amid the ongoing regional developments.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Safety first! Exams can be rescheduled, but you can't compromise on the security of our children. The embassies also seem to be doing a good job with the advisories and transit help. Jai Hind.
A
Aditya G
While I agree with the postponement, I hope CBSE announces the new dates soon. Uncertainty can be just as stressful for Class 12 students who are already anxious about college admissions. A clear timeline is needed.
S
Sarah B
It's a relief to see the Indian government and CBSE prioritizing student safety. The detailed advisories from the embassies in Bahrain and Iran show they are on top of the situation. My thoughts are with all the families affected.
K
Karthik V
This is the right call. No exam is worth risking lives. Big respect to the teachers and school staff in the Gulf who must be managing this crisis on the ground. Hope the situation stabilizes soon.
N
Nikhil C
A practical decision. However, I hope the board has a solid contingency plan for completing the academic year. These students should not be at a disadvantage compared to their peers in India. The review on March 14 is crucial.

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