In light of the security circumstances in the Middle East, India's embassy in Riyadh took prompt action on Sunday to reassure the educational communities in the region, just hours after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) declared the cancellation of all Class 12 board exams across seven nations.
Abu Mathen George, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, conducted a virtual meeting with principals of CBSE-affiliated institutions throughout Saudi Arabia to alleviate concerns among students, parents, and educators. He was accompanied by First Secretary Vipul Bawa.
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Abu George updated school principals on the present regional security situation and detailed the embassy's initiatives to assist the Indian populace. He also addressed inquiries about the status of the canceled examinations, although no rescheduling dates have been established.
CBSE cancelled examinations in all 7 Middle east countries
In a statement released on Sunday, the CBSE confirmed that all Class 12 tests scheduled between March 16 and April 10 are annulled for students located in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Examinations previously postponed under announcements made from March 1 to March 9 have also been officially cancelled.
Earlier, the CBSE had already canceled Class 10 board examinations set to occur from Feb. 17 to March 11, following an earlier disruption caused by the escalating conflict.
Important Update on CBSE Class XII Exams in Middle East Countries
— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 15, 2026
CBSE has issued Circular -6 regarding cancellation of Board Exams of Class XII in Middle East countries
See attachment for further details pic.twitter.com/FfZc5vKMHT
CISCE cancels class 10 & 12 exam
Concurrently, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) declared the cancellation of the Indian Certificate of Secondary Education (ICSE) and Indian School Certificate (ISC) board exams planned at all venues in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The cancellation of Classes 10 and 12 comes amidst the ongoing security circumstances in the Middle East. Additionally, the UAE has announced a premature commencement of the spring vacation for educational institutions, with students and staff scheduled to be off from March 9 to March 22.
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CISCE's chief executive and secretary, Dr. Joseph Emmanuel, confirmed to Indian Express that exam results will be determined through an alternative evaluation method. Further information regarding the assessment process will be provided in due course.
The results for Class 10 and Class 12 for students impacted by the cancellation of the 2026 board exams will be issued alongside the results for other Indian students, Dr. Emmanuel added.
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