MUSCAT : More than 2,200 students scheduled to sit for the CBSE Class XII Board Examinations in the Sultanate of Oman are grappling with uncertainty and anxiety after authorities postponed several papers across the Middle East due to the prevailing regional situation.

In a circular issued on March 9, the Central Board of Secondary Education announced that examinations scheduled from March 12 to March 16 in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates have been deferred following a review of the situation in the region.

Fresh dates for the affected papers have not yet been announced. The board said another review will be conducted on March 14 to determine the schedule for examinations beyond March 16.

Syed Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman, clarified that the move is a collective precautionary measure spanning several GCC nations. Speaking to The Arabian Stories, he highlighted that the postponement was unavoidable as it is a matter of prioritising student safety during the current geopolitical climate.

“This decision is not based on Oman alone. Several other GCC countries are also involved — Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and the UAE. It is a collective decision, and individual countries will not be singled out,” he stated.

He added that schools in Oman remain fully prepared to conduct examinations whenever the board announces the revised schedule.

“We are prepared and ready even if the CBSE decides to hold the exams tomorrow. Even at short notice we will be able to handle the arrangements,” Salman said.

Acknowledging the anxiety among students and families, he said schools are making counselling support available.

“We can understand the stress levels of students, especially since many may have already booked tickets to India for competitive exams. CBSE is in touch with us and we are doing all that is possible.

“Parents and children facing stress at this time can be in touch with school counsellors. All schools are ready to meet students either one-on-one or in groups, depending on their needs,” he said.

The latest delay follows the cancellation of the Mathematics exam earlier this week, leaving students in a state of academic limbo. For many, the stress is not merely about the exams themselves, but the cascading effect on their future plans.

“We have been studying in ‘marathon mode’ for months now, and every time we get to the finish line, it moves further away,” said one Grade 12 student, adding: “The mental toll of staying exam-ready while the dates keep shifting is immense.”

Expressing similar sentiments, another student pointed out the difficulty to stay focused in the current scenario. “It’s extremely stressful because we prepared according to the original schedule. Now we don’t know when the next exam will happen…” she said.

Parents have also expressed concern over the impact on students’ academic plans, particularly those intending to travel to India for entrance examinations.

“My daughter had already booked her ticket to India for competitive exams after the board papers. With no clarity on the new dates, everything is uncertain,” said one parent.

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