Monday 09 / March / 2026
Muscat: More than 2,200 students appearing for the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) Class XII board examinations are under severe stress as repeated postponements continue in the Middle East including the Sultanate of Oman.
According to a CBSE circular issued on March 9, 2026, exams scheduled from March 12 to March 16 in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and United Arab Emirates have been postponed following a review of the prevailing situation.
New dates are yet to be announced, with another review scheduled for March 14, 2026 for exams beyond March 16.
Students in Oman, who missed the Mathematics exam on Monday, expressed frustration.
“I have lost all interest in studying theory or practicing papers. I have been trying to study for this exam since last May, and due to some reason or the other they keep postponing it as if nothing is happening in Oman.”
“They could have stopped the exams in countries where there are disturbances, but not in Oman. What is our fault?” said one student.
Another student from Indian School Muscat added: “I was already burnt out before the previous exam date, but I kept pushing, thinking the English exam on Thursday would happen. But that too has been postponed. I do not see myself being able to study at all.”
Syed Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, said the decision to postpone the CBSE Class XII examinations was taken keeping the safety of students in mind.
“We fully recognise that the current geopolitical situation has created a difficult and unpredictable environment for everyone. The decision to postpone the CBSE Class XII examinations is a matter of compulsion and has been taken by the CBSE to ensure the safety and well-being of all students across the region during these uncertain times,” he said.
Salman encouraged students not to see the delay as a setback but as an opportunity to strengthen their preparation.
“While it is natural to feel unsettled, we urge our students to take this unexpected pause not as a setback, but as an opportunity. Continue with your preparation and use this additional time effectively, as it will also help you perform better in competitive examinations,” he said. He also advised students to revisit areas they may have previously rushed through.
“Utilise this extra time to revisit even the smallest parts of the curriculum. This is a rare chance to turn your difficult topics into strengths, which will ultimately help you score even better than originally planned,” he added.
“The Board of Directors sends its best wishes to all students and remains steadfast in its support. We have immense faith in our students’ resilience and are confident that they will emerge successful from this situation and perform even better than expected,” Salman said.
