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CBSE cancels Class XII exams in Gulf amid West Asia conflict, embassy briefs schools

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled all Class XII board examinations scheduled from March 16 to April 10 for students in seven West Asian countries, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This follows the cancellation of earlier postponed exams and previously cancelled Class X board exams. Indian Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Abu Mathen George held a virtual interaction with principals of CBSE-affiliated schools in Saudi Arabia to address queries and brief them on the regional situation. The cancellations come amid a widening conflict in West Asia involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which is threatening global energy supplies and maritime security.

Key Points: CBSE cancels Class 12 exams in Gulf, Indian Embassy addresses schools

  • Class XII exams cancelled in 7 Gulf nations
  • Embassy virtual meeting with school principals
  • Conflict threatens global oil supply
  • Iran restricts Strait of Hormuz for US, Israel ships
  • Earlier Class X exams also cancelled
2 min read

Saudi: Indian Embassy official addresses CBSE school principals after class XII exam cancellation

CBSE cancels Class XII board exams in 7 Gulf nations. Indian Embassy official Abu Mathen George briefs school principals on regional situation and support.

"The DCM briefed them on current regional situation and the Embassy's initiatives to support Indian community - Indian Embassy post on X"

Riyadh, March 16

Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, held a virtual interaction with Principals of schools across Saudi Arabia that are affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education.

George addressed the queries regarding the board examinations.

In a post on X, he said, "DCM Abu Mathen George, joined by First Secretary Vipul Bawa, held a virtual interaction with Principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. The DCM briefed them on current regional situation and the Embassy's initiatives to support Indian community, and also addressed queries related to the CBSE Board Examinations."

The CBSE on Sunday cancelled Class XII board examinations scheduled in several West Asian countries as the conflict continues to worsen in the region.

In a circular, the CBSE said that all examinations of Class XII scheduled from March 16 to April 10 stand cancelled in case of the students from Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.CBSE also cancelled the exams that were earlier notified to be postponed have also been cancelled.

"Examinations which were earlier postponed vide circular dated 01.03.2026, 03.03.2026, 05.03.2026, 07.03.2026 and 09.03.2026 shall also stand cancelled," CBSE stated.

CBSE had earlier cancelled the Class X board exams, which were scheduled to be conducted from February 17 to March 11.

The conflict in West Asia has widened with the US, Israel and Iran targeting each other's energy targets, threatening the global supply of oil and gas.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open to global shipping, but warned that vessels from the United States and Israel would not be allowed to pass through the crucial maritime route, reported The Jerusalem Post.

The Jerusalem Post cited an interview done by US news outlet MS NOW with Araghchi, who stated that the waterway -- a vital corridor for global oil shipments -- is not closed to international traffic despite tensions in the region. However, he indicated that Iran considers the passage restricted specifically for ships linked to the United States and Israel.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Safety first, always. Cancelling exams is the right call given the volatile situation. But CBSE and schools need to have a clear, fair plan for assessment now. Our children's academic year shouldn't suffer due to geopolitics.
A
Aman W
While I appreciate the Embassy's outreach, this highlights a recurring issue. Our education system's heavy reliance on a single, high-pressure board exam makes it very vulnerable to disruptions. Time for CBSE to seriously consider continuous evaluation models.
S
Sarah B
My nephew is in Class XII in Dammam. The family was very anxious. This virtual interaction is a good example of proactive diplomacy and community support. Hope they clarify the alternative grading method soon.
V
Vikram M
The situation in West Asia is worrying for all Indians living there, not just students. Glad the Embassy is briefing principals on the regional situation too. Our people need to be informed and prepared. Jai Hind.
K
Kavya N
Feel for the students who prepared so hard. But their safety is paramount. Now the focus should be on a transparent and equitable evaluation process. The criteria should be announced without delay to reduce uncertainty.

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