NEW DELHI — The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, announced the postponement of Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations scheduled for March 5 and 6 in several West Asian countries. The decision follows a critical review of the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region, which has been engulfed in a widening military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. The affected regions include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
According to an official circular issued by the CBSE, the board has deferred the examinations to ensure the safety of students and staff amidst ongoing hostilities. “The Board has decided to postpone the Class X and Class XII examinations scheduled to be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and Friday, March 6, 2026, in the Middle East region. New dates for these papers will be announced in due course,” the statement read. This follows a similar move on Sunday when the board postponed exams originally slated for March 2. The CBSE is expected to conduct a further review on March 5 to decide on the feasibility of holding examinations scheduled from March 7 onwards.
The geopolitical crisis in the region intensified after joint US-Israeli airstrikes on February 28 targeted key Iranian military infrastructure and resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In retaliation, Iran launched a series of ballistic missile and drone attacks against US assets and allied nations across the Gulf. Adding to the volatility, Hezbollah reportedly claimed a drone attack on Israel’s Ramat David Air Base early Tuesday morning, targeting radar sites and control rooms.
The Indian Embassy in Oman has advised students and parents to rely solely on official CBSE communications and stay in constant contact with their respective schools. Authorities have warned against following unofficial sources or rumours during this high-tension period. As thousands of Indian expatriate students remain affected by the closure of schools and testing centres, the Indian government continues to monitor safe passage and educational continuity for its citizens in the conflict zone.
