Indian missions across the Gulf have assured parents that they remain in close coordination with schools and education boards to address the situation
India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled Class XII board examinations scheduled across several West Asian countries amid growing regional instability linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The decision affects thousands of Indian students studying in CBSE-affiliated schools across Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the board, all Class XII examinations scheduled between March 16 and April 10 in these countries have been cancelled.
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The announcement follows earlier postponements of several exams as the security situation in the region deteriorated
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CBSE clarified that examinations which had previously been deferred through circulars issued in early March have now also been officially cancelled
The board had already taken a similar step earlier by cancelling Class X examinations that were scheduled between February 17 and March 11 in affected countries.
Indian diplomatic officials have been engaging closely with school authorities and parents to address concerns regarding the academic impact of the cancellations. Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, recently held a virtual interaction with principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia.
During the meeting, which was also attended by First Secretary Vipul Bawa, officials briefed school leaders on the evolving regional security situation and outlined measures being taken by the embassy to support the Indian community.
School administrators were also able to raise questions related to the conduct of examinations, student safety and potential alternative evaluation methods.
The broader regional conflict has intensified over recent weeks, with reports of attacks targeting energy infrastructure and strategic facilities across parts of West Asia. Concerns over maritime security and global energy supplies have also risen as tensions increase around key shipping routes.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently stated that the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping but warned that vessels linked to the United States and Israel could face restrictions.
The uncertainty has raised concerns across the Gulf region, home to millions of expatriates, including a large Indian population and thousands of students enrolled in Indian curriculum schools.
Education authorities are expected to announce alternative assessment mechanisms for affected students in the coming weeks to ensure their academic progression is not disrupted.
