CBSE Board Exams 2026 Postponed in Middle East: Class 10 & 12 Exams on March 5 and 6 Deferred – Official Circular

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has officially announced the postponement of Class 10 and Class 12 Board Examinations 2026 scheduled for March 5 and March 6, 2026, in selected Middle East countries. This important update comes through Circular-2 dated 03 March 2026, issued by the board after reviewing the current situation in the region.

If you are a student or parent from the Middle East appearing for the CBSE Board Exams 2026, here is everything you need to know.

CBSE Board Exams 2026 Postponed: Key Highlights

Exam Dates Postponed:

• Thursday, 05 March 2026
• Friday, 06 March 2026

Applicable Classes:

• Class X (10)
• Class XII (12)

Regions Covered:

• Bahrain
• Iran
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Qatar
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

New Dates: To be announced later by CBSE.

What Does the Official CBSE Circular Say?

According to the official notification released by CBSE on 03 March 2026, the Board conducted a critical review of the prevailing situation in parts of the Middle East. After careful consideration, it decided to postpone examinations scheduled for March 5 and 6, 2026.

The circular further states:

• The Board will review the situation again on Thursday, 05 March 2026.
• A decision regarding exams scheduled from 07 March 2026 onwards will be taken accordingly.
• Students are advised to stay in regular contact with their respective schools and follow official announcements.

The circular has been issued under the authority of the Controller of Examinations.

Why Has CBSE Postponed the Exams in the Middle East?

While the circular does not elaborate in detail, the postponement has been made after reviewing the “current situation” in these countries. CBSE’s primary focus remains the safety, accessibility, and well-being of students.

The Board has previously taken similar precautionary measures during extraordinary circumstances to ensure that students are not disadvantaged.

What Should Class 10 & 12 Students Do Now?

If you are appearing for the CBSE Board Exams 2026 in the Middle East, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Do Not Panic

The exams are postponed—not cancelled. Fresh dates will be announced soon.

2️⃣ Continue Your Preparation

• Use this additional time to:
• Revise important chapters
• Practice previous year question papers
• Work on weak areas
• Focus on time management strategies

3️⃣ Stay Updated

• Regularly check your school communication channels.
• Visit the official CBSE website (cbse.gov.in).
• Follow updates shared by your school administration.

Schools in Middle East: What Happens Next?

CBSE has informed:

• Principals of affiliated schools in the above-mentioned countries.
• Indian embassies and consulates in the respective nations.
• CBSE Regional Office (RO) & Centre of Excellence (CoE), Dubai.
• Schools will communicate further instructions once revised dates are announced.

Will Exams After March 7 Continue?

As per the circular:

• The Board will review the situation on March 5.
• A decision regarding exams scheduled from 07 March 2026 onwards will be communicated separately.
• Students must wait for official confirmation before making any assumptions.

How This Impacts CBSE Board Exam 2026 Schedule

The CBSE Board Exams 2026 are crucial for:

• Class 10 students moving to higher secondary streams.
• Class 12 students preparing for university admissions.
• Competitive exam aspirants.
• A postponement may lead to slight adjustments in the overall timetable, but CBSE typically ensures that academic timelines remain balanced.
• Students should use this time productively rather than treating it as a break.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Has CBSE cancelled the Class 10 and 12 exams in the Middle East?

No. The exams scheduled for March 5 and 6, 2026 are postponed, not cancelled.

Q2. Which countries are affected by the postponement?

The postponement applies to Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE.

Q3. When will new dates be announced?

CBSE will announce new dates after reviewing the situation. Students must wait for official updates.

Q4. Will exams after March 7 be conducted as scheduled?

The Board will review the situation on March 5 and take a decision regarding exams from March 7 onwards.

Q5. Where can students check official updates?

Students should check:

Official CBSE website

School notifications

Official circulars issued by CBSE

The decision by the Central Board of Secondary Education to postpone the CBSE Board Exams 2026 in the Middle East demonstrates the Board’s commitment to student safety and fairness. While uncertainties can be stressful, students should remain calm, focused, and prepared.

Keep revising, stay connected with your school, and wait for the official announcement of revised dates.