New Delhi, March 7: In a significant development amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the postponement of Class 12 board exams scheduled for March 9, 10, and 11 in seven key countries: Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The decision comes directly in response to the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict, which has created uncertain security conditions across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region and beyond. The Indian Embassy in Oman relayed the CBSE circular, emphasizing that affiliated schools in these nations must halt preparations for the upcoming papers until further notice.
This latest advisory builds on previous postponements. Earlier circulars dated March 1, 3, and 5 had already deferred exams on March 5 and 6 for both Class 10 and 12 students in the same regions. CBSE officials conducted a thorough review of the ground situation, prioritizing student safety above all else.
New exam dates will be announced separately once stability returns. The board plans to reassess conditions on March 10 for exams starting March 12. Students are urged to stay connected with their schools and rely solely on official CBSE communications, avoiding rumors circulating on social media.
The move underscores the board’s commitment to ensuring examinations proceed in secure environments, especially for the thousands of Indian expatriate students studying in these countries. Parents and educators have welcomed the proactive stance, though uncertainty lingers over the academic calendar.
As the conflict shows no immediate signs of resolution, CBSE continues to monitor developments closely. This series of deferrals highlights the broader impact of geopolitical unrest on education, forcing global boards to adapt swiftly to protect young learners.