The US-Israel-Iran conflict has led to the cancellation of major school examinations across the United Arab Emirates, affecting thousands of students across multiple curricula.
Schools and exam boards have prioritised student safety while introducing alternative assessment methods to ensure academic continuity.
Which Curricula are Affected
The cancellations impact UK based IGCSE and A Level qualifications, the International Baccalaureate, and Indian boards such as Central Board of Secondary Education and Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations.
These exams are critical for university admissions, prompting the introduction of non exam assessment routes.
Move to Non Exam Assessment
Most boards are adopting alternative approaches including teacher assessments, internal evaluations and portfolio submissions. These systems aim to reflect a student’s overall performance while maintaining fairness.
Oxford AQA
Status: Summer 2026 IGCSE and International A Level exams have been cancelled by OxfordAQA.
Assessment method: Schools will submit portfolios of student work for external marking.
Will students lose a year due to these cancellations?
No, the portfolio assessment allows students to progress academically while receiving formal certification.
Who determines the final grades?
OxfordAQA examiners will assess the evidence of student performance in line with standard grading criteria.
Are there alternative exams later in the year?
No, there are currently no make up exams planned, as the portfolio replaces the Summer 2026 exams.
Cambridge Assessment International Education
Status: Exams including IGCSE, O Level, AS and A Level will not take place under Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Assessment method: Schools will submit portfolios containing three substantial pieces of assessed work per subject.
What is included in the portfolio?
Each portfolio will include three key pieces of evidence per subject for external marking.
Will this affect university applications?
No, students will receive official certification recognised by universities worldwide.
International Baccalaureate
Status: All May 2026 exams have been cancelled by the International Baccalaureate.
Assessment method: The Non Exam Contingency Measure will be used, combining coursework, projects and teacher predicted grades with external moderation.
What does NECM involve?
It evaluates students using coursework, internal assessments and predicted grades instead of exams.
Are grades still internationally valid?
Yes, results follow IB standards and are recognised globally.
Will there be support for students and schools?
Yes, the IB will provide guidance and is working with universities to ensure clarity and acceptance of results.
Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations
Status: Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations has cancelled Class 10 and Class 12 exams.
Assessment method: Results will be based on internal performance, previous tests and project work.
What is the alternative assessment system?
Grades will be calculated using school based performance and coursework.
Can students request a re exam?
Yes, students can appear for improvement exams later in 2026 if dissatisfied.
Are the results valid for higher education applications?
Yes, certification remains fully recognised.
Central Board of Secondary Education
Status: Central Board of Secondary Education cancelled Grade 12 exams midway, with some Class 10 exams also affected.
Assessment method: The board will combine completed exam scores with internal assessments. For missed subjects, pre board and class test results will be used.
How will grades be determined for incomplete exams?
For higher weight subjects, the best scores from internal exams such as pre boards will be used. For lower weight subjects, earlier assessments will apply, while practical marks remain unchanged.
What happens to students who missed all exams?
Their results will be entirely based on school assessments following CBSE guidelines.
Will this affect university admissions?
No, CBSE results will remain valid, with alternative assessment methods ensuring fairness.
What this means for students
Despite widespread disruption, students will still receive recognised qualifications across all major curricula. Schools and exam boards continue to work together to ensure grading systems are fair, transparent and accepted by universities globally.
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Further Reading:
- When Everything Feels Uncertain, How to Support Your Child Through Disruption, Distance Learning and Change
- Indian Schools in UAE Begin Academic Year Online Amid Regional Tensions