The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has introduced a special assessment scheme for Class 12 students in West Asian countries due to extraordinary geopolitical circumstances.
Countries affected include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, where conducting Board exams became infeasible. To ensure fairness and academic continuity, CBSE has implemented an alternative evaluation method for result declaration in 2026.
Why CBSE Cancelled Exams in West Asia
Due to ongoing geopolitical challenges:
❌ All Class 12 exams from 16 March to 10 April 2026 were cancelled
❌ Previously postponed exams (early March circulars) were also cancelled
✅ Only exams conducted up to 28 February 2026 remain valid
Total exams conducted before cancellation:
Academic subjects: 17
Skill subjects: 10
Total: 27 subjects
CBSE Class 12 Assessment Structure
CBSE follows a dual-component evaluation system:
| Component | Marks Range |
| Theory Exams | 80 / 70 / 60 / 50 / 30 |
| Practical / Internal Assessment | 20 / 30 / 40 / 50 / 70 |
| Total | 100 |
Internal assessments were already completed and will remain unchanged.
CBSE Alternative Assessment Policy 2026
CBSE has designed a case-based evaluation system to ensure fairness:
1. Students Who Appeared in All Subjects
Result based entirely on actual Board exam performance
2. Students with Pending Exams (1–6 Subjects)
Evaluation will be based on school assessments + internal marks:
For Subjects with 80/70 Marks (Theory)
Best of:
- Quarterly exam
- Half-yearly exam
- Final Pre-board exam
Highest score among the three will be considered
For Subjects with 60/50/30 Marks (Theory)
Marks based on:
Final Pre-board exam only
If absent:
Previous pre-board marks will be used
3. Compartment Students (2025 or Earlier)
If exam attempted → marks considered
If not → allowed to appear in Supplementary Exams (July 2026)
4. Students Who Changed Exam Centres
Result based on actual exams given at new centre (India/other country)
Important Rules for Schools
CBSE has issued strict guidelines:
- Schools must upload marks carefully (no corrections allowed later)
- Records must be sealed and stored securely
- CBSE may verify records for fairness
Note: Any unfair practices can lead to result cancellation or action against schools.
Key Highlights of the Scheme
- Internal assessment marks remain unchanged
- Best-of-three system for major subjects
- Pre-board based evaluation for skill subjects
- Supplementary exam option available
- Results declared along with other CBSE students globally
Conclusion
The CBSE Class 12 Assessment Scheme 2026 for West Asian countries ensures that no student is disadvantaged due to unforeseen circumstances. While it may not fully replace traditional Board exams, the system strives to maintain fairness, transparency, and reliability in evaluating student performance.
Source
Official Notice by CBSE, 27 March, 2026: click here to read.
Kindly note that any and all information is subject to change as per the CBSE, Education Ministry, and Government of India.
Important Links
| CBSE Class 12 Special Exam Dates 2026 Announced for Sports Students: Complete Schedule and Guidelines | CBSE Releases Guidelines for the Establishment of Composite Skill Labs in Schools |







