The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has taken the significant step of cancelling the Class X board examinations and postponing a Class XII exam for students attending CBSE-affiliated schools across Oman and several other Middle Eastern countries. This decision comes in response to the ongoing regional instability that has affected the safety and logistics of conducting exams in these areas.
In an official circular released on March 5, 2026, the CBSE announced the cancellation of all Class X exams that were originally scheduled to take place between March 7 and March 11, 2026. This move also includes the cancellation of exams that had previously been postponed on March 2, 5, and 6. The board has assured students and parents that the process for declaring results for Class X candidates in the Middle East will be communicated in due course, once the situation stabilizes and a feasible assessment method is finalized.
Regarding Class XII examinations, the CBSE has postponed the paper initially set for March 7, 2026. Revised dates for this exam will be announced later, as the board continues to monitor the evolving circumstances closely. Furthermore, the CBSE plans to reassess the situation on March 7 and will provide updated instructions for exams scheduled from March 9 onwards. This cautious approach reflects the board’s commitment to ensuring the safety of students and maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
The circular specifically affects CBSE-affiliated schools located in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Students in these countries have been urged to stay in regular contact with their respective schools and keep an eye on official communications for the latest updates. The board’s proactive measures highlight the challenges of conducting standardized exams amid geopolitical tensions and underline the importance of student safety.
Meanwhile, in Oman, the Ministry of Education has announced a shift to online classes for schools in the Musandam Governorate as a precautionary measure due to the ongoing regional unrest. The ministry declared that all educational institutions in this northernmost region of Oman will operate remotely until the end of the week. This decision aims to minimize disruption to students’ learning while prioritizing their safety during uncertain times.
These developments underscore the broader impact of regional instability on education systems, particularly for students studying under international curricula like the CBSE. Authorities and educational boards are navigating complex challenges to balance academic schedules with the imperative of safeguarding students and staff. As the situation unfolds, stakeholders remain hopeful for a swift resolution that will allow examinations to resume smoothly and students to continue their academic journeys without further interruptions.
