CBSE Postpones March 5–6 Exams in Middle East Amid Tensions

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has postponed the Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 5 and 6, 2026, in select Middle East countries, citing heightened security concerns across the region.

In an official circular issued on March 3, the Board announced that examinations slated for Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6, will not be conducted in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Revised dates will be communicated in due course.

CBSE stated that the decision was taken after a comprehensive assessment of the evolving situation in these countries. The Board also indicated that it will review developments again on March 5 before deciding on examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards. Students have been advised to remain in regular contact with their respective schools and monitor official updates.

Important Update on Class X/XII Exams – Middle East Regions

CBSE has issued Circular-2 today regarding the Class X & XII Board Exams in the Middle East regions.
Details are in attached Circular pic.twitter.com/JAHPj3SBjW

— CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 3, 2026

This marks the second postponement notice within a span of three days. Earlier, through a circular issued on March 1, CBSE had deferred the examinations scheduled for March 2 in the same set of countries. At that time, the Board had said it would reassess conditions on March 3 before taking a call on subsequent exam dates. The latest announcement now extends the deferment to include the March 5 and 6 papers as well.

The move comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions in parts of the Middle East. The region has witnessed heightened security alerts following a series of military escalations over the weekend. Reports indicate that coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel targeted key locations in Tehran, resulting in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

In retaliation, Iran is said to have launched missile and drone attacks aimed at targets in Israel, along with installations linked to American military and diplomatic presence across the region. Several governments have since issued advisories and adopted precautionary measures amid fears of further escalation.

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