In an unprecedented move reflecting the ripple effects of the escalating Middle East conflict, the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) has cancelled Class 10 (ICSE) and Class 12 (ISC) board examinations across the United Arab Emirates, citing security concerns linked to the ongoing regional tensions. The decision affects thousands of Indian students studying in UAE schools affiliated with the CISCE board.The council confirmed that the move followed a detailed review of the security situation and consultations with local authorities and diplomatic representatives. According to a circular sent to schools, the council made the decision after discussions with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), Dubai’s education regulator and the Consulate General of India, Dubai.The notice stated that after assessing the situation, CISCE had decided to cancel the ICSE and ISC examinations that had earlier been postponed from March 2 to April 6, 2026, for all examination centres in the UAE.
Iran vs US-Israel war disrupts education across the Gulf
The cancellations come as the wider Middle East faces rising instability following the intensifying confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The conflict has triggered missile interceptions, drone incidents, and widespread aviation disruptions across 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 authorities have reassured residents about strong air defence systems, the tense security environment has forced institutions to reconsider large public gatherings, including school examinations. Education authorities say the exam cancellation reflects precautionary planning to ensure student safety during an uncertain period.
Thousands of ICSE and ISC Indian students affected amid Iran vs US-Israel war
The UAE hosts one of the largest Indian expatriate communities in the world, with hundreds of thousands of students enrolled in Indian curriculum schools. 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 typically conducted across international centres, including the UAE, during the spring academic term. This year’s examinations had already faced disruption earlier in March when several tests were postponed amid regional tensions and aviation disruptions. The latest announcement formally cancels those postponed exams for UAE centres.
Alternative assessment methods likely in the UAE amid Iran vs US-Israel war
While CISCE has not yet announced the exact method of evaluating 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 evaluation methods could include:
- Internal school assessments
- Pre-board examination scores
- Coursework and practical evaluations
Such approaches have previously been used to ensure students can receive final grades and progress to higher education without losing an academic year. Schools across the UAE are currently awaiting further guidance from CISCE regarding the final grading framework. Officials said that the decision followed close coordination between education regulators and diplomatic missions.The involvement of KHDA, Dubai’s school regulator and the Indian consulate ensured that the decision balanced academic fairness with student safety. Education administrators emphasised that the cancellation applies specifically to CISCE examination centres within the UAE, and does not affect students sitting the exams in other countries where the board operates.
UAE schools reassure ICSE and ISC students and parents amid Iran vs US-Israel war
Following the announcement, several Indian schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah reassured students and parents that they would provide guidance on next steps once CISCE issues further instructions. School administrators have urged students not to panic, noting that exam boards typically ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged due to extraordinary circumstances. Counsellors are also working with students to address anxiety, particularly among Class 12 candidates whose results are critical for university admissions.The cancellation of board examinations across an entire country is relatively rare in international education. However, extraordinary geopolitical circumstances have occasionally forced such measures. In the past, exam boards have suspended tests in regions affected by natural disasters, political instability, or global crises. Education analysts say the CISCE decision reflects a growing recognition that student safety must remain the top priority during volatile geopolitical events.
Education amid uncertainty of Iran vs US-Israel war
For many students, the announcement marks the latest disruption in what was expected to be one of the most important academic periods of their school lives. Yet educators argue that flexibility during such moments is essential. By cancelling the exams rather than risking safety, authorities hope to ensure that students can continue their education without facing unnecessary stress or danger.As the regional situation continues to evolve, schools and exam boards are expected to monitor developments closely while preparing contingency plans for the remainder of the academic year. For now, thousands of ICSE and ISC students across the UAE will await 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.
