Dubai hosts highest number of CBSE schools in Middle East: Check country-wise list of schools impacted by Israel-Iran war

CBSE Schools in Middle East

• CBSE cancels Class 10 exams in seven Middle East countries
• Class 12 exams postponed; new dates to be reviewed after March 14
• Safety concerns cited due to ongoing conflict in the region

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The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, triggered by the US and Israeli attacks in Iran and subsequent retaliation, has disrupted the academic calendar for students studying in the CBSE-affiliated schools across the region. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has been forced to cancel and postpone board examinations for Classes 10 and 12, citing safety concerns of the students.

The CBSE has a significant presence in this region. According to data released by the Ministry of External Affairs in 2023, there are a total of 217 CBSE-affiliated schools in the Middle East. These institutions, which operate under the same regulations as schools in India, serve thousands of students from the Indian diaspora.

The United Arab Emirates hosts the largest contingent, with 106 CBSE schools spread across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates. Saudi Arabia has the second-highest number with 37 schools, followed by Kuwait (26), Oman (21, Qatar (19), and Bahrain (8).

Source: According to the Ministry of External Affairs (2023), there are 217 CBSE-approved schools in the Middle East.

Board Examinations Suspended in the Middle East

In a series of circulars issued since the beginning of March 2026, the CBSE has announced the cancellation and postponement of board examinations for its schools in seven countries: Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The board's update, issued on March 09, postponed all Class 12 examinations originally scheduled between March 12 and March 16. This follows the complete cancellation of all Class 10 board exams in the region. An official circular issued by CBSE earlier confirmed that all Class 10 examinations scheduled from March 2 onwards have been cancelled.

Exam Cancellations and New Evaluation Methods

For the affected students, the disruption has brought immense stress. Many were in the middle of their final board examinations. The board has stated that for the Class 10 students, whose exams now stand entirely cancelled, the mode of declaration of results will be notified in due course. For Class 12 students, revised dates for the postponed papers will be announced after the board reviews the situation again on March 14.

As the situation remains volatile, the immediate priority for Indian authorities and the CBSE is the safety and well-being of students and their families.