CBSE Board Exams Disrupted in Middle East; 23,000 Students Unable to Appear

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board examinations for 2026 have been significantly disrupted across several Middle Eastern countries, leaving approximately 23,000 students unable to appear for their Class 10 and Class 12 exams.

According to information shared by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) with a Parliamentary panel, the disruption is a direct result of the ongoing geopolitical tensions and conflict in West Asia, which has affected normal functioning in several Gulf nations.

Impact on Students in the Gulf Region

The affected students are primarily based in CBSE-affiliated schools across countries including:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE)
• Saudi Arabia
• Qatar
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Bahrain
• Iran

Due to safety concerns, logistical challenges, and instability in the region, students were unable to reach examination centres or exams were cancelled/postponed altogether.

Officials confirmed that both Class 10 and Class 12 candidates have been impacted by this disruption.

Why Were the Exams Disrupted?

The decision to halt or cancel examinations was taken after assessing:

• Security risks in conflict-affected areas
• Travel and movement restrictions
• Requests from local authorities and schools

CBSE prioritised student safety and well-being, leading to cancellation of several scheduled exams between mid-March and early April 2026.

What Happens Next? (Evaluation Plan)

With thousands of students unable to appear for exams, authorities are now working on alternative evaluation methods.

Discussions between the MEA and the Ministry of Education suggest that CBSE may:

• Use internal assessments and pre-board exam performance
• Consider project work and school records
• Develop a special evaluation framework for affected students

Final details on the assessment process are expected to be announced officially.

Concerns Raised by Students & Parents

The sudden disruption has triggered concerns among students and parents regarding:

• Fairness of alternative evaluation
• Impact on college admissions
• Lack of clarity on marking criteria

Reports indicate that many students had already prepared extensively, making the situation emotionally and academically challenging.

Key Takeaways

• Around 23,000 CBSE students in the Gulf region could not appear for board exams
• Exams were disrupted due to ongoing West Asia conflict
• CBSE is expected to announce alternative evaluation methods soon
• Student safety has been prioritised over conducting exams

Conclusion

The disruption of CBSE board exams in the Middle East highlights how global events can directly impact education systems. While the focus remains on ensuring safety, the next crucial step will be a transparent and fair evaluation process for affected students.

Students are advised to stay updated through official CBSE notifications for further announcements regarding results and assessment criteria.