The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has cancelled the ICSE (Class 10) and ISC (Class 12) board examinations across all centres in the United Arab Emirates, citing security concerns linked to the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The decision affects thousands of Indian students studying in CISCE-affiliated schools across the UAE. The examinations had earlier been postponed but the council has now confirmed that they will not be conducted in the country this year after reviewing the evolving regional situation.

Decision taken after security review

In a circular issued to schools, CISCE said the move was taken after consultations with key authorities, including Dubai’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.

Following an assessment of the prevailing security environment and the logistical feasibility of holding large-scale examinations, the council decided to cancel all ICSE and ISC exams scheduled for centres in the UAE.

The board examinations had earlier been deferred and were expected to be conducted between March 2 and April 6, 2026.

Officials said the cancellation was a precautionary step to prioritise the safety of students, teachers and examination staff.

Regional tensions disrupt exam plans

The development comes as tensions escalate across the Middle East amid the ongoing confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

In recent days, several parts of the Gulf region, including the UAE, Oman and Bahrain, have reported missile interceptions, drone activity and disruptions to aviation services.

Concerns intensified after reports of intercepted missiles and falling debris in parts of Dubai, prompting authorities and institutions to reassess the safety of large public gatherings, including board examinations.

Education officials said the decision reflects precautionary planning during a period of heightened regional uncertainty.

Thousands of Indian students affected

The UAE hosts one of the world’s largest Indian expatriate populations, with a significant number of students enrolled in Indian curriculum schools.

Several schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are affiliated with CISCE, which conducts two major board examinations each year — the ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) for Class 10 and the ISC (Indian School Certificate) for Class 12.

These exams are typically conducted at international centres during the spring academic term. However, this year’s schedule had already faced disruption earlier in March when multiple papers were postponed due to developments in the region.

Evaluation method yet to be announced

CISCE has not yet clarified how students will be evaluated after the cancellation of the exams.

Education experts say the council may adopt alternative assessment methods similar to those used during the Covid-19 pandemic. These could include internal school assessments, pre-board examination scores, coursework and practical evaluations.

Such measures would enable students to receive their final grades and continue their academic progression without losing a year.

Following the announcement, several Indian schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah reassured parents and students that further guidance would be shared once CISCE releases detailed instructions.

School administrators have urged students not to panic, noting that examination boards typically ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged due to exceptional circumstances.

Counselors are also supporting students — particularly those in Class 12 — whose results are critical for university admissions.

Education experts note that cancelling board examinations across an entire country is rare, but extraordinary circumstances such as geopolitical tensions or major crises sometimes necessitate such decisions. For now, students across the UAE await the council’s next update on the final evaluation process.