CISCE ICSE, ISC board exams 2026 Cancelled: ICSE Class 10th, ISC Class 12th exam cancelled in UAE amid Iran war

The board cancelled the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board exams for all centres in the UAE

In view of the escalating tensions in the Middle East, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has taken a significant decision. According to the latest update, the board has cancelled the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board exams for all centres in the United Arab Emirates(UAE). The decision has been taken citing security concerns linked to the escalating tension.

Why were CISCE ICSE, ISC board exams 2026 cancelled?

This decision will impact thousands of Indian students studying across UAE schools affiliated with the CISCE board. As per a circular given to the schools, the Council consulted with significant authorities, such as the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) in Dubai and the Consulate General of India in Dubai, before deciding to cancel all ICSE and ISC examinations at UAE centres. The exams had earlier been postponed and were scheduled to take place between March 2 and April 6, 2026.

The cancellation comes against the backdrop of dramatic developments in the region.

On February 28, the United States and Israel launched a series of missile and drone strikes on multiple targets in Tehran, including the compound of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, located in the city centre.

Hours later, Iran confirmed that Khamenei had been killed in the attack.

Iran subsequently carried out retaliatory strikes targeting Tel Aviv and other locations in Israel, along with American military bases and diplomatic missions across West Asia.

Iranian attacks also hit civilian and energy infrastructure in neighbouring countries, including an oil refinery in Saudi Arabia and a luxury hotel in Dubai.

The exchange of strikes has heightened fears of a wider regional conflict that could draw in additional West Asian nations and severely disrupt global energy markets. Students have also been urged to stay in regular contact with their schools,