The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has cancelled the ICSE Class 10 and ISC Class 12 board exams at all centres in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) because of rising tensions in the Middle East. This decision was made amid increased security concerns stemming from the ongoing conflict involving Iran and its effects in the region.
This affects thousands of Indian students in CISCE-affiliated schools across the UAE, many of whom are now waiting for more information on how their final results will be decided.
An official circular sent to schools said CISCE made this decision after consulting key authorities, including the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
Board officials said the cancellation was needed to keep students, teachers, and exam staff safe. The exams had already been postponed once due to rising tensions and were originally scheduled for March 2 to April 6, 2026.
With the security situation becoming more uncertain, the council ultimately decided that conducting the exams at UAE centres would not be safe.
The cancellation affects many Indian students in ICSE and ISC schools across the UAE. For many, these exams were an important step toward higher education.
Schools are now awaiting detailed instructions from CISCE on alternative ways to assess students, such as internal assessments, predicted scores, and other methods. Until an official announcement is made, students and parents are anxious about how final results will be decided.
This decision comes amid major developments in the Middle East that have raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
On February 28, the United States and Israel reportedly launched missile and drone strikes on locations in Tehran, including a compound linked to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian authorities later confirmed that Khamenei was killed in the attack.
In response, Iran launched strikes targeting Tel Aviv and other places in Israel, along with American military bases and diplomatic sites across West Asia.
Some attacks also hit neighbouring countries. Reports say Iranian strikes damaged civilian and energy facilities, including an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia and a luxury hotel in Dubai.
The ongoing exchange of attacks has intensified fears that the conflict could expand across the region. Analysts warn that a prolonged confrontation could draw more West Asian nations into the crisis and potentially disrupt global energy markets.
For schools and families in the UAE, the immediate concern remains safety. CISCE’s decision to cancel the exams reflects the seriousness of the situation and the uncertainty surrounding regional security.
CISCE is expected to release further updates soon outlining how ICSE and ISC students in the UAE will be assessed in place of the cancelled examinations. Schools have advised students to stay in touch with their institutions and wait for official guidance from the board.
Until then, students and parents are watching closely, hoping for clear information about the next steps in their academic journey.
