CISCE cancels ICSE, ISC board exams for UAE centers, students await evaluation plan

The Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has cancelled the ICSE Class 10 and ISC Class 12 board examinations scheduled at centers across the United Arab Emirates.

The council informed schools that the decision was taken after reviewing the situation and consulting authorities, including Dubai’s education regulator, the Knowledge and Human Development Authority, and the Consulate General of India in Dubai. CISCE said the exams will not be conducted in the UAE this year.

The examinations had earlier been postponed and were expected to take place between March 2 and April 6, 2026.

Officials said the decision was taken as a precautionary step to ensure the safety of students and staff involved in the examinations.

The UAE has a large number of Indian curriculum schools affiliated with CISCE. Each year, the council conducts the ICSE examination for Class 10 and the ISC examination for Class 12 at international centers, including several locations in the UAE.

The exam schedule had already faced disruption earlier in March when some papers were postponed.

CISCE has not yet announced how students will be evaluated after the cancellation of the examinations. Education experts say the council may consider alternative assessment methods similar to those used during the Covid 19 pandemic.

Possible evaluation methods could include internal school assessments, pre-board examination results, coursework, and practical assessments. These methods could allow students to receive their final grades and continue their studies without losing an academic year.

Following the announcement, several Indian schools in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah informed parents and students that further instructions will be shared once CISCE issues detailed guidelines.

School administrators have advised students not to panic and said exam boards generally ensure that candidates are not disadvantaged in exceptional situations.

Counselors are also supporting students, particularly those in Class 12 whose results are important for university admissions. Students are now awaiting further updates from CISCE on the final evaluation process.