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The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the postponement of Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 5 and March 6, 2026, in select Middle Eastern countries. The decision comes in response to rising security concerns in the region following escalating military tensions between Iran and Israel, which have created uncertainty and safety challenges for students appearing in the exams.

According to the official update, the affected countries include Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to Iran. CBSE clarified that the postponement applies only to these regions and does not affect examination schedules in India or other countries.

Decision Taken After Reviewing Ground Situation

CBSE stated that the move was made after a detailed assessment of the prevailing conditions in the Middle East. In an official communication sent to principals of CBSE-affiliated schools in the affected countries, the board explained that student safety remains its highest priority. Due to the seriousness of the situation, conducting examinations on the originally planned dates was deemed inappropriate.

The board further confirmed that new examination dates will be announced soon. CBSE will continue to monitor developments closely and reassess the situation on March 7, 2026, after which it may issue a fresh notice regarding upcoming exams scheduled beyond that date.

What the Official Notice Says

In its formal notification, CBSE described the postponement as an extension of its earlier circular issued on March 1. After carefully reviewing the evolving security environment across parts of the Middle East, the board decided to defer the examinations planned for Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, 2026. The notice clearly mentioned that revised dates would be shared later through official channels.

Students have been advised to remain in close contact with their respective schools and rely only on CBSE’s verified announcements for updates.

Previous Exam Postponements in the Region

This is not the first time CBSE has rescheduled examinations in the Middle East this year. On March 1, the board had already postponed Class 10 and 12 exams scheduled for March 2 and 3 in the same countries, citing security risks. At that time, CBSE announced that it would review the situation again on March 3 before taking further action.

Following that review, the board extended the postponement to include exams on March 5 and 6, reinforcing its cautious approach amid ongoing instability.

CBSE Dismisses Fake Exam Cancellation Rumors

Alongside the postponement announcement, CBSE also addressed misinformation circulating on social media. The board clarified that rumors claiming a complete cancellation of board exams in the Middle East due to “extraordinary global circumstances” were false. CBSE urged students and parents not to trust unverified messages and to depend only on official updates issued by the board.

What Students Should Do Next

Students appearing for CBSE board exams in the Middle East are advised to stay calm and focused on preparation. Since the postponement is temporary, exams will be conducted once the situation stabilizes. Regular communication with schools and checking CBSE’s official website and notifications will help students stay informed about revised schedules.

Bottom Line:
CBSE’s decision to postpone exams in parts of the Middle East reflects a safety-first approach amid regional unrest. While the delay may cause short-term uncertainty, the board has assured students that new dates will be announced soon and that examinations are not canceled.