When V Sivankutty, General Education Minister of Government of Kerala, announced the cancellation of board exams in the Gulf on April 16, 2026, it marked a decisive shift from earlier postponements. The decision affects over 1,200 students following the Kerala state syllabus in the Middle East, whose futures now hinge on internal assessments rather than traditional written papers.
The announcement came from Thiruvananthapuram, addressing the escalating security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Here’s the thing: this isn’t just about missing a test day. It’s about ensuring that children of expatriates aren’t penalized for geopolitical instability beyond their control. The government has opted for a compassionate but rigorous alternative evaluation system.
From Postponement to Cancellation
The road to this decision wasn’t straightforward. Initially, Kerala Pareeksha Bhavan, the body responsible for conducting state board exams, had merely postponed the 2026 SSLC (Class 10) and Plus Two (Class 12) examinations in Middle East centers. Those exams were originally scheduled between March 5 and March 30, 2026, for SSLC, with Plus Two starting on March 6.
But as tensions persisted, waiting became untenable. By mid-April, the government realized that rescheduling wouldn’t solve the core issue: students couldn’t safely or reliably appear for exams. So, they pulled the plug entirely on the Gulf centers. Meanwhile, exams in Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep continued as planned, highlighting the localized nature of the crisis abroad.
Who Is Affected?
The numbers are specific and significant. Exactly 633 SSLC candidates and 592 Plus Two candidates in the Gulf region are impacted. A Malayalam news report confirmed that these figures include students across various emirates in the United Arab Emirates, among other Gulf nations.
Interestingly, the net widens slightly. The benefit extends to Kerala-origin students who traveled to the Gulf for other reasons and got stranded due to the conflict. However, there’s a catch: strict verification. School principals must certify original hall tickets, visas, and passports to prove the student was indeed stuck in the region during the exam window. This prevents misuse while offering a lifeline to those genuinely affected.
How Results Will Be Calculated
So, how do you grade a class without an exam? The government has devised a two-pronged approach based on existing data.
- For SSLC Students: Results will be derived from model or term examination marks. To ensure fairness, grace marks will be added. Think of it as averaging out their consistent performance throughout the year, rather than judging them on one high-stress day.
- For Plus Two Students: It’s a carry-forward system. Marks obtained in the first year of higher secondary will be carried forward to the second year. These will be combined with Continuous Evaluation (CE) scores and practical marks from the current year.
This method relies on the premise that continuous assessment provides a holistic view of a student’s ability, especially when external disruptions occur. It’s not perfect, but it’s pragmatic.
Timeline and Future Opportunities
Timing is everything in education. Sivankutty stated that SSLC results are expected in the third week of May 2026. Plus Two results are likely to be announced on May 25, 2026. This aligns the Gulf cohort with their peers back home, preventing delays in college admissions or job applications.
But what if a student disagrees with their calculated score? The government hasn’t left them hanging. Dissatisfied students will have the opportunity to appear for SAY (Supplementary Annual Year) exams or improvement exams at a later date. While exact dates for these remedial tests aren’t set yet, the option exists to ensure no student feels trapped by an unfair result.
Why This Matters
This move reflects a broader trend in global education: flexibility in the face of uncertainty. For Indian expatriate families, stability is often an illusion. When conflicts erupt, daily life—including schooling—disrupts instantly. By prioritizing internal assessments, Kerala acknowledges that learning continues even when formal testing cannot.
It also sets a precedent. If other states or boards follow suit, we might see a more resilient framework for overseas students. For now, though, the focus remains on these 1,225 students navigating a complex transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will students in Kerala be affected by this cancellation?
No. The cancellation applies strictly to examination centers in the Gulf and Middle East regions. Students studying within Kerala state and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep will continue their SSLC and Plus Two exams as originally scheduled in March 2026.
How are SSLC marks calculated without the final exam?
SSLC results for the 633 affected students will be based on their performance in model or term examinations conducted during the academic year. Grace marks will also be included to ensure fair evaluation, replacing the traditional public written paper.
Can stranded students from Kerala qualify for this scheme?
Yes, provided they can prove they were stranded in the Gulf due to the conflict. They must submit original hall tickets, visas, and passports for verification by their school principals. Only verified cases will receive the internal assessment benefit.
What if I am unhappy with my internally assessed result?
Students dissatisfied with their results will have the opportunity to appear for SAY (Supplementary) exams or improvement exams at a later stage. Specific dates for these remedial exams will be announced separately by the education department.
When will the results be declared?
SSLC results are expected to be declared in the third week of May 2026. Plus Two results are likely to be announced on May 25, 2026. This timeline ensures synchronization with results for students in Kerala and Lakshadweep.