A fake circular claiming that the Class 12 English board examination has been rescheduled for students in the Middle East triggered confusion and anxiety among students and parents, prompting the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to issue an urgent clarification.

The misleading notice, widely circulated on social media platforms including X and WhatsApp, falsely claimed that multiple CBSE examinations — including the Class 12 English paper — had been postponed in several Gulf countries.

According to the viral message, exams for CBSE students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates had been rescheduled — a claim that quickly spread online just hours before scheduled examinations.

The document appeared authentic and was falsely attributed to the CBSE Controller of Examinations, lending it credibility and helping the misinformation circulate rapidly among student groups and parent networks.

CBSE dismisses viral circular as fake

The Central Board of Secondary Education has categorically dismissed the circular as fabricated, stating that no such notice has been issued by the board and that there has been no decision to reschedule the Class 12 English examination in the Middle East.

Officials urged students, parents and schools not to rely on messages circulating on social media and to verify all information through official CBSE communication channels.

The board also appealed to the public to refrain from forwarding unverified messages, warning that misinformation during the board examination period could create unnecessary panic and confusion.

CBSE emphasised that all exam-related announcements will be issued only through its official website and verified notifications sent directly to affiliated schools.

Some exam changes already announced

While the viral notice is fake, CBSE confirmed that limited changes have been made to certain examinations in the region.

The board recently postponed a few Class 10 and Class 12 papers in parts of the Middle East due to heightened security concerns linked to tensions between Iran and Israel. In addition, some Class 10 examinations in the region have been cancelled.

Schools in the affected countries have been informed of these decisions through official circulars sent to CBSE-affiliated institutions.

The board said fresh dates for postponed examinations will be announced later, adding that all future updates will be communicated through official notifications to ensure clarity for students and schools.