The Central Board of Secondary Education has postponed additional Class 10 and 12 board examinations in parts of the Middle East, including the UAE, amid the ongoing situation affecting schools in the region. The Board has confirmed that a fresh review of the situation will be conducted on March 5 to decide on examinations scheduled thereafter. Schools following Indian curricula had already shifted to distance learning in line with directives issued by the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, as authorities prioritise student safety and continuity of learning.
Concerns had been growing among schools and parents over how these critical exams would be conducted amid the current situation. In view of the current circumstances, CBSE stated in a circular released on Sunday. “Students and schools are informed that due to the current situation in parts of the Middle East Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE the Board has decided:
The examination schedule for Monday, March 2, for both Class X and XII, are postponed. The new date shall be announced later. The Board will review the situation and take appropriate decisions with regard to examinations scheduled from March 5 onwards. All students are advised to stay in touch with their schools for updates and follow official announcements carefully.
Ongoing Board Examinations
The CBSE Class 10 board exams are currently underway and are expected to conclude soon, while Class 12 examinations are scheduled to continue until April 10, 2026. Key papers such as Hindi Course A and B for Class 10 were due to take place on March 2. Class 12 students are scheduled to take Mathematics and Applied Mathematics on March 9. Meanwhile, the ICSE Class 10 Board Exams and the ISC Class 12 Board Exams conducted by the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations are also ongoing.
Officials Urge Calm and Caution
Dr Ram Shankar, Director of the Regional Office and Centre of Excellence CBSE Dubai, reassured parents and students that relevant authorities are taking cognisance of the matter. He said,
“We are closely engaging with all stakeholders, including regulators and officials from the ministry. At the same time, I am in constant touch with the CBSE headquarters, regularly sharing updates about the situation in the UAE and other GCC countries. I have apprised the headquarters of the developments.”
He added,
“Parents, students, principals, and teachers should remain calm and not panic. Do not rely on social media, as many posts circulating are false. Always refer to official sources and websites for accurate information.”
Schools Shift to Distance Learning
In Abu Dhabi, schools are shifting internal exams online. Shining Star International School Principal Abhilasha Singh said,
“Everything will be done remotely, similar to what we did during Covid times. Today, we are training new teachers to navigate the system and upload the question papers on the MLS Managed Learning System. We are in constant touch with the CBSE Regional Office. Regular reassurances are being shared with staff and parents.”
Other schools in Dubai are also adjusting academic operations in response. Sheela Menon, Principal of Ambassador School Dubai, said,
“We will move ahead with distance learning from March 2 to 4, in line with KHDA guidelines, for students from kindergarten to Grades 9 and 11. Grades 10 and 12 are currently appearing for their board examinations. We are conducting a series of meetings with teachers and senior leadership team members to ensure everyone clearly understands the plan for the next three days. Detailed communication will then be shared in line with the Ministry’s directives.”
Menon also highlighted coordination with CISCE officials, noting that schools have requested rescheduling of upcoming papers, keeping student safety as the top priority. She stressed,
“The most important priority right now is the safety of our students and restoring normalcy. We are also taking special care to ensure that students appearing for board exams are not adversely impacted or face any academic loss.”
Like other institutions, GEMS Our Own Indian School has moved to distance learning for three days, notifying parents that school transport services, after-school activities, clubs and external programmes will be suspended during this time.
The school added that it has coordinated with CBSE and ICSE council leadership, who confirmed that UAE government directives take precedence.
“Any examinations impacted during the period will be rescheduled, with revised dates to be communicated once confirmed.”
For more updates from the Ministry of Education, visit their website below
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