UAE: CISCE Cancels Board Exams for Classes 10 and 12

Abu Dhabi: In light of the increased geopolitical unrest in the area, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has cancelled the 2026 ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board exams at all locations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The council made the decision after reviewing the security situation in cooperation with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) and the Indian Consulate General in Dubai, according to a circular emailed to school principals on Thursday, March 12.

According to the announcement, the examinations that were previously postponed for CISCE-affiliated institutions in the UAE are affected by the cancellation.

The council had earlier issued letters on March 1, March 3, and March 6 announcing the postponement of examinations scheduled for March 2 to March 14.

Following a reassessment of the circumstances, the CISCE decided to cancel both the postponed exams and the remaining tests scheduled for March 16 to April 6.

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The board stated that the decision was made to prioritise the safety and well-being of students, examination personnel, and other stakeholders.

CISCE also indicated

CISCE also indicated that UAE candidates’ results will be determined using an alternate assessment mechanism, the specifics of which will be disclosed later.

Students who are dissatisfied with the grades assigned under the alternative system will be able to take a 2026 improvement exam after the results are announced.

School administrators have been required to notify students, parents, and staff about the cancellation and upcoming evaluation process.

Separately, India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has cancelled the Class 10 examinations scheduled for schools in the Middle East from March 7 to March 11, 2026. Due to the evolving regional situation, the board has postponed Class 12 tests scheduled in numerous Gulf countries from March 12 to March 16.

Students in the UAE who are dissatisfied with the marks assigned via the alternative assessment system will be offered the opportunity to take a 2026 Improvement Examination after the results are announced, the Board confirmed.

School administrators have been directed to notify students, parents, and staff of the cancellation and the upcoming assessment process.