Cancellation of Indian Board Examinations of Class XII in the Middle East Regions

The Central Board of Secondary Education has canceled the 12th class board exams in consideration of the regional situation.

In the sixth circular the Board issued on Sunday stated that the board has decided the following: '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.'

'This decision has been made with the utmost consideration for the well-being of our children. Rather than keeping students in a state of 'limbo' and prolonged uncertainty, the Board has chosen a path that provides immediate clarity, said Syed Ahmad Salman, Chairman of the Indian School Board of Directors while speaking to the Observer, 

He added, '​We believe this proactive step allows our students to move forward without the mental burden of waiting for rescheduled dates in an unpredictable environment. While the specific mode of result declaration is yet to be notified, we remain confident that the evaluation criteria will be designed in the best interest of the students. As seen during previous challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, CBSE has a proven track record of prioritizing student fairness and academic future.' He said he understands that parents or students may have questions regarding college admissions and future pathways,' Our Career Counselors are available at all our school branches to provide personalized guidance. We, as Board of Directors are here to support them through every step of this transition.'

The announcement of the cancellation of 12th CBSE exams was received with mixed reactions by student and their parents. For many students, this development leaves them without a proper closure. On the other hand, it is a precaution taken for the students' safety. Some of the students of 12th grade were not able to attend any of their exams, such as students of the Commerce stream.

Speaking to the Observer, one parent said, “I am not sure whether to laugh or cry or be sad or happy to hear this announcement.'

He explained,'If there is relief that the uncertainty has ended, there is also a growing sense of uneasiness as to what the future holds for my son – he has gone through hours of learning, as of course all students studying for the final exams should, and he has received extensive support from both his school teachers and outside. Now, all that effort has gone in vain. There is nothing like studying, attending the exams, and then waiting for the results. But now, I am literally unsure as to how the whole thing will work.'

He remarked, “Anyway, I hope it won’t affect my son’s future adversely!”

This leads to the next step. And students are anxious about how they will be graded.

A concerned mother expressed, 'Most of the children took it easy during the preboard examinations, saying they will do their best for the actual board exam. So now we as parents are anxious and the children are disappointed.'

The CBSE has said that the mode of declaration of results for Class XII candidates in these countries will be notified separately in due course.

This is in continuation of circulars dated 01.03.2026, 03.03.2026, 05.03.2026, 07.03.2026 and 09.03.2026. The feasibility of conducting board examinations for Class XII was further reviewed based on inputs obtained and requests received from schools and authorities of the affected countries.

The circular issued by Dr Sanyam Bhardwaj, Controller of Examinations stated the schools affiliated to CBSE

in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE said the feasibility of conducting board examinations for Class XII was further reviewed based on inputs obtained and requests received from schools and authorities of the affected countries.

Examinations, which were earlier postponed (circular dated 01.03.2026, 03.03.2026, 05.03.2026, 07.03.2026 and 09.03.2026) shall also stand cancelled.

The mode of declaration of results for Class XII candidates in these countries will be notified separately in due course.