CBSE result policy for Gulf students under review, Centre tells Supreme Court

The Centre told the Supreme Court it is examining a policy for private CBSE students in West Asia whose Class 12 results were held up after conflict-related exam disruptions. The review could shape a uniform framework for similarly placed students affected by the cancellations.

In Short

• Private CBSE candidates in West Asia faced exam disruption amid regional conflict
• A Saudi Arabia-based student’s improvement result was marked Result Later
• Only two of five registered subjects could be held after cancellations

The Supreme Court on Friday was told that the Union Government is examining a policy framework for private CBSE students from West Asia whose Class 12 results could not be declared due to conflict-related disruptions in the region.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the issue is broader in scope and the government is actively considering a uniform policy for similarly placed students.

GULF STUDENT MOVES TO COURT

The matter arises from a petition filed by Pransu Jigarkumar Patel, a Gulf-based CBSE private candidate who approached the Supreme Court after his Class 12 improvement result was not declared.

His result status was marked as “R.L. (Result Later)” when CBSE announced Class 12 results on May 13, 2026.

The petitioner, who studied at the International Indian School, Al Jubail in Saudi Arabia, had registered for improvement in Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English and Computer Science. However, due to war-related cancellations across several West Asian countries, only two subjects could be conducted.

WAR DISRUPTIONS AND ASSESSMENT PLAN

CBSE had earlier cancelled examinations in countries including Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE due to prevailing security concerns. To address the disruption, CBSE issued a special assessment scheme on March 27, 2026, for affected students.

Under the scheme, students whose exams were cancelled were to be assessed using school records, including quarterly, half-yearly and pre-board performance, with the best score considered for evaluation.

The scheme also allowed students to opt for fresh exams later if conditions permitted.

STUDENT SAYS POLICY NOT APPLIED

The petition claims that despite being covered under the scheme, his result has not been processed. It argues that the absence of a declared result has affected his higher education plans, including admission to a B Tech programme, where he was required to update his marks before a deadline.

The plea also contends that CBSE’s inaction violates Articles 14 and 21, calling it arbitrary and discriminatory treatment of similarly placed students.

COURT ADJOURNS FOR POLICY REVIEW

A vacation bench of the Supreme Court took note of the Centre’s submission and adjourned the matter, observing that the issue involves wider policy considerations currently under review by the government.

The Court was also informed that similar students affected by cancellations in West Asia may soon be covered under a structured national-level policy.

- Ends