The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced a comprehensive alternative assessment scheme for Class 12 students in West Asia, stepping in after board examinations were cancelled due to extraordinary circumstances across the region.

The Board said the new evaluation framework is designed to ensure fairness, reliability and transparency, even as it acknowledged the inherent challenges of replacing formal examinations with alternative methods.

Exams disrupted across eight countries

CBSE had earlier cancelled exams scheduled between March 16 and April 10, 2026, along with previously postponed papers, affecting students in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Examinations conducted up to February 28 were completed successfully before disruptions halted the process.

Calling the situation “exceptionally challenging”, the Board said it would rely on credible academic records to deliver the most accurate possible results under the circumstances.

Students classified for tailored evaluation

To streamline assessment, students have been divided into categories based on the number of subjects they appeared for—ranging from those who completed all exams to those who could not appear in any. Compartment candidates from previous years have also been included under the scheme.

The Board clarified that results will be declared through an alternate mechanism tailored to each category, ensuring minimal academic disadvantage.

How marks will be calculated

CBSE reiterated that Class 12 evaluation comprises theory exams and practical/internal assessments, with students assessed out of 100 marks per subject. Since internal assessments have already been completed and submitted, they will remain unchanged.

For theory components, the Board has laid out clear criteria:

• For subjects with 80 or 70 theory marks, the best performance among quarterly, half-yearly and pre-board exams will be considered.
• For subjects with 60, 50 or 30 theory marks, final pre-board exam scores will be used.
• In cases where students missed the final pre-board, earlier pre-board performance will be taken into account.

Subjects affected include major disciplines such as history, political science, economics, mathematics, biology, business studies, computer science and English core, among others.

Special provisions and supplementary exams

Students who managed to shift examination centres to other countries, including India, will have their results based on exams they appeared for. Meanwhile, compartment candidates or those who missed exams entirely will be given an opportunity to appear for supplementary exams in July 2026.

Strict guidelines for schools

CBSE will open a dedicated portal for schools to upload marks between April 6 and April 13, 2026. The Board has made it clear that:

• No corrections will be allowed after submission
• Schools must ensure complete accuracy
• All records, including answer scripts, must be securely stored for verification

The Board warned that any discrepancies, non-compliance or unfair practices could lead to cancellation of results and further action against institutions.

Focus on credibility amid crisis

While acknowledging that alternative assessments cannot fully replicate formal board exams, CBSE emphasised that the policy prioritises academic integrity and fairness, aiming to protect students’ futures amid an unprecedented disruption.