Major disruption in education: CISCE cancels board exams in UAE amid war between Iran, US and Israel
In an unprecedented move reflecting the implications of the escalating conflict in the Middle East, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has canceled the Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board examinations across the UAE, due to security concerns linked to ongoing regional tensions.
The decision affects thousands of Indian students studying in UAE schools affiliated with the CISCE Board.The Council confirmed that this step came after a detailed review of the security situation and consultations with local authorities and diplomatic representatives. According to a circular sent to schools, the council took the decision after discussions with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the education regulator in Dubai, and the Consulate General of India in Dubai.
The notice stated that after assessing the situation, CISCE has decided to cancel the ICSE and ISC examinations which were previously postponed from March 2 to April 6, 2026, for all examination centers in the UAE.
The war between Iran, the United States, and Israel is disrupting education across the Gulf
These cancellations come at a time when the greater Middle East faces increasing instability in the wake of the escalating confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel. The conflict has led to missile interceptions, drone incidents, and widespread aviation disruption in several Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Bahrain.
In recent days, several incidents, including missile interceptions and falling debris in parts of Dubai, have heightened safety concerns. Although the authorities reassured residents about powerful air defense systems, the tense security environment forced institutions to reconsider large public gatherings, including school exams. Educational authorities say the cancellation of the exam reflects precautionary planning to ensure the safety of students during an uncertain period.
Thousands of Indian ICSE and ISC students have been affected amid the war between Iran, the US and Israel
The UAE hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in the world, with hundreds of thousands of students enrolled in schools that implement Indian curricula. Among these are institutions affiliated with CISCE, which administers two major board examinations:
- ICSE (Indian Certificate of Secondary Education) for class 10
- ISC (Indian School Certificate) for class 12
These exams are usually conducted in international centres, including the UAE, during the spring semester. This year’s exams had already faced disruptions earlier in March when several exams were postponed amid regional tensions and flight disruptions.
The latest announcement officially cancels those postponed exams for UAE centers.
Potential alternative evaluation methods in the UAE amid the war between Iran, the United States and Israel
While CISCE is yet to announce the exact method of assessing affected students, education experts say the council may adopt alternative assessment mechanisms, similar to those used during previous disruptions such as the Covid-19 pandemic.Possible assessment methods could include:
- Internal school assessments
- Pre-board exam scores
- Coursework and practical assessments
Such methods have previously been used to ensure students achieve final grades and progress to higher education without losing a year of study.
Schools across the UAE are currently awaiting further guidance from CISCE regarding the final grading framework. Officials said the decision came after close coordination between education organizers and diplomatic missions.The involvement of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, the school regulator in Dubai, and the Indian Consulate, ensured that the decision balanced academic fairness and student safety. Education directors stressed that the cancellation applies specifically to CISCE examination centers within the United Arab Emirates, and does not affect students applying for examinations in other countries where the Council operates.
UAE schools reassure ICSE and ISC students and parents amid war between Iran, US and Israel
Following this announcement, several Indian schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah have reassured students and parents that they will provide guidance on next steps once CISCE issues further instructions. School principals urged students not to panic, noting that examination boards usually ensure that no candidate is deprived due to exceptional circumstances. Counselors also work with students to address anxiety, particularly among Year 12 candidates whose results are crucial to university admission.Canceling board exams across the country is relatively rare in international education. However, unusual geopolitical circumstances have sometimes forced such measures. In the past, exam boards have suspended exams in areas affected by natural disasters, political instability, or global crises. Education analysts say CISCE’s decision reflects a growing recognition that student safety must remain the top priority during turbulent geopolitical events.
Education amid uncertainty over war between Iran, the United States and Israel
For many students, the announcement represents the latest disruption in what was expected to be one of the most important academic periods of their school lives. However, educators say flexibility during such moments is essential. By canceling exams rather than risking safety, authorities hope to ensure students are able to continue their education without facing unnecessary pressure or risk.As the regional situation continues to evolve, schools and examination boards are expected to closely monitor developments while preparing contingency plans for the remainder of the academic year. Currently, thousands of ICSE and ISC students across the UAE are awaiting the next update from CISCE and the final decision on how their academic performance will be assessed in an academic year shaped by global events beyond their control.
