The rhythmic sound of school bells returned to the Kashmir Valley this morning. On Monday, March 9, 2026, educational institutions across the region officially resumed operations after a tense week-long hiatus. The closure, which began on March 2, was a direct response to the volatile atmosphere following the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel airstrike.
While students in the Valley are finally returning to their desks, the ripple effects of the West Asia conflict continue to disrupt the academic calendar for Indian students abroad, particularly those appearing for the CBSE Board Examinations.
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Back to Class: The End of the Precautionary Shutdown
The reopening marks a return to normalcy for thousands of students who have been homebound since the protests erupted.
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The Timeline: Secondary and higher education institutions had just finished their winter break on February 23.
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The Delay: Primary and middle schools, which were slated to start on March 2, faced an immediate week-long delay as authorities monitored the streets of Srinagar and other major towns.
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Resumption: On Monday morning, students were seen back in uniform, and official attendance across major colleges remained stable.
Middle East Exam Crisis: CBSE Postpones Boards
For the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and Iran, the situation remains far more precarious.
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The Postponement: CBSE has pushed the start date for Class 12 exams from March 12 to March 16.
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Affected Countries: The order applies to centers in Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
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The Logistical Hurdle: With several airspaces partially closed or restricted, the physical transport of question papers and answer sheets remains a significant challenge.
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The “Mental Stress” Factor: Board’s Reasoning
In a notable shift toward student well-being, the CBSE emphasized the psychological impact of the war.
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Uncertainty: The board acknowledged the “mental stress and uncertainty” faced by students residing in the conflict zone.
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Critical Review: The decision followed a high-level review on Saturday, concluding that conducting exams amidst active regional tensions was not feasible.
Reality Check
The reopening in Kashmir is a positive sign, but the “peace” remains fragile. Still, the post-winter vacation surge in academic activity is crucial for completing the syllabus before the peak summer months. Therefore, while schools are open, internet speed and transportation in some pockets of the Valley may still face intermittent checks. In fact, for students in the Middle East, the March 14 review is the more critical date; if tensions escalate further, the entire 2026 board cycle for international centers could be moved to an “online-proctored” or “deferred” format.
The Loopholes
The CBSE says exams will start on March 16. In fact, this is a “Contingency Loophole”—the board has not yet released the revised subject-wise date sheet, meaning students are preparing in a vacuum. Therefore, “March 16” is a tentative start date subject to the security situation. Still, the “Primary School Loophole” remains in Kashmir; while they have reopened, many parents in rural districts are still hesitant to send children until the public transport system is fully operational and the “double-engine” government (as mentioned in recent political speeches) ensures total security.
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What This Means for You
If you are a student or parent in Kashmir, get back into the routine but stay alert. First, realize that the lost week will likely be compensated for by shortening the upcoming spring breaks. Then, if you are a CBSE student in the Gulf, understand that the March 14 review is final; you should check the official cbse.gov.in portal on Saturday evening for the definitive word.
Finally, understand that mental health is now a priority. You should take advantage of the CBSE’s counseling helplines if the “war anxiety” is affecting your preparation. Before you plan any travel back to India for higher education entrance exams, check the maritime and aviation updates regarding the Strait of Hormuz, as they continue to dictate flight availability.
What’s Next
The J&K Education Department will issue a revised academic calendar for primary schools by Wednesday. Then, look for the CBSE’s final decision on Middle East centers on March 14. Finally, expect security presence to remain visible around major educational hubs in Srinagar for the next 48 hours to ensure a smooth transition.
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