CBSE Cancels Class 12 Exams in Middle East

General Studies Paper II: Education, Government Policies and Interventions

Why in News?

Recently, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) cancelled Class 12 board examinations in several Middle East countries due to escalating regional conflict and prioritizing student safety and well-being. The board exams were scheduled to be conducted from March 16 to April 10, 2026.

The evaluation method for these affected students will be notified in due course, ensuring safety while finalizing results.

Reasons for Cancellation of CBSE Class 12 Exams in Middle East

Escalating Geopolitical Conflict: The primary reason was the ongoing Iran–Israel–US conflict, which created a war-like situation across the region. Countries like UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia faced security threats and instability, making exam conduct unsafe.
Serious Security Concerns: CBSE prioritised student safety, as risks of missile attacks, airspace restrictions, and emergency situations increased. Authorities concluded that conducting exams in such volatile conditions could endanger 20,000 students across 200 schools.
Logistical Disruptions: The conflict caused transport disruptions, school closures, and sudden holidays (e.g., UAE spring break extension). Movement restrictions made it difficult to ensure timely paper delivery, invigilation, and fair conduct of exams.
Continuous Postponements: Initially, CBSE adopted a phased approach—postponing exams on multiple dates (March 1–9). However, worsening conditions and lack of improvement forced a shift from postponement to complete cancellation.
Lack of Predictability in Situation: The rapidly evolving conflict created high uncertainty, with no clear timeline for normalcy. This made rescheduling impractical, compelling CBSE to cancel exams and later design alternative evaluation methods similar to past crises.

What will be CBSE’s Expected Evaluation Mechanism?

Internal Assessments: CBSE is expected to rely on internal assessments, including unit tests, mid-term exams, and periodic tests conducted throughout the academic year. These components already form part of the evaluation system and ensure continuous academic performance tracking.
Pre-Board Examination Scores: Pre-board exam marks are likely to play a significant role in final result calculation. Since pre-boards simulate board exam conditions, CBSE may assign substantial weightage to ensure comparability and standardisation across schools.
Project Work Marks: CBSE’s system already allocates 20–30% marks to practicals, projects, and internal work depending on the subject. These already evaluated components will be fully utilised to maintain academic credibility and objectivity in results.
Performance-Based Evaluation: The board is likely to adopt a holistic assessment model, combining academic consistency, attendance, and overall school performance. This approach ensures that students are assessed beyond a single exam, reducing exam-centric bias.

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE):

About: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is a national-level education board under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
Established in 1962, it regulates and supervises public and private schools to ensure standardised and quality education.
Reach: CBSE is one of the largest school boards globally, with 27,000+ affiliated schools in India and 240+ schools in 28+ foreign countries.

- - CBSE schools are concentrated in the Middle East (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait), along with presence in Singapore, Nepal, Malaysia, and Africa.
  - The model primarily serves over 9 million Indians in the Gulf region, maintaining cultural and academic linkage with India.
Curriculum: CBSE follows the NCERT-based curriculum, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP 2020). It emphasises conceptual clarity, competency-based learning, and skill development across Classes 1–12.

- - The board conducts All India Secondary School Examination (Class 10) and All India Senior School Certificate Examination (Class 12).
Affiliation: International schools must meet strict affiliation norms, including infrastructure, qualified faculty, and safety standards.
Digital Education: CBSE promotes digital learning platforms, online teacher training, and e-content through initiatives like DIKSHA.

Highlights of Iran–Israel–US Conflict

- Operation: The conflict began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury, marking one of the largest escalations in West Asia in recent decades.
- Objective: The US–Israel coalition justified the attack citing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, missile programme, and intent to push for regime change.
- Targets: In the first phase, nearly 900 airstrikes within 12 hours targeted Iran’s missile systems, nuclear facilities, and leadership, demonstrating a high-intensity modern warfare strategy.
  - Top Iranian leaders, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, were killed early in the strikes, indicating a decapitation strategy aimed at weakening Iran’s command structure.
- Iran’s Response: Iran responded with ballistic missiles and drones targeting Israel, US bases, and Gulf countries, expanding the conflict across the entire West Asian region.
  - Countries like UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain faced missile and drone attacks, increasing regional instability and civilian casualties.
  - Iran disrupted the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of global oil supply passes, triggering global energy insecurity.
- Casualties: The war has caused 2,000+ deaths regionally, including over 1,300–1,400 in Iran, alongside casualties in Israel, Gulf nations, and among US forces.
  - Estimates indicate 4,000–5,000 Iranian military personnel killed, with 10,000+ injured, reflecting severe degradation of Iran’s military capacity.

6 military personnel from American Forces and several Israelis were killed during this operation.

Impact: The conflict spread to Lebanon, Gulf states, and maritime zones, involving Hezbollah and regional actors, making it a multi-front war.
- Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel, increasing inflation and fuel costs worldwide, including sharp rises in US gasoline prices.