The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday announced the schedule for the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala, Assam, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and the Union Territory of Puducherry, with polling set to begin on April 9. As per the schedule, voting in Assam, Kerala and Puducherry will be held in a single phase on April 9. Tamil Nadu will also vote in a single phase on April 23. West Bengal will go to polls in two phases, with the first phase scheduled for April 23 and the second phase on April 29. Counting of votes for all four states and the Union Territory will be held on May 4. Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar described the elections as a “festival of pride” and urged first-time voters to participate actively in the democratic process. “My dear friends, you are about to step into one of the most important responsibilities of your life, exercising your democratic right, the right to vote. I urge you to participate enthusiastically in this great democratic exercise and cast your vote with pride, responsibility and confidence,” he said. Kumar emphasised that young voters play a crucial role in shaping the future of both their states and the nation. The Chief Election Commissioner was accompanied at the briefing by Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi. The ECI said a Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls has already been conducted in all four states and Puducherry, and the final voters’ lists have been published. ECI reviews poll preparedness in election-bound states Earlier this month, Kumar along with the Election Commissioners visited West Bengal and other poll-bound states to review election preparedness and assess arrangements for conducting free and fair elections. West Bengal has 294 Assembly seats, with the main contest expected between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The TMC, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has been in power in the state since 2011. In Assam, the battle for 126 Assembly seats is likely to be fought primarily between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the Indian National Congress. Kerala will see a contest for its 140 Assembly seats mainly between the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). The BJP-led NDA is also in the fray, with the BJP planning to contest around 100 seats, while its allies Bharat Dharma Jana Sena and Twenty20 are expected to contest the remaining seats. For the 234-member Assembly in Tamil Nadu, political parties have intensified their campaign efforts and are finalising seat-sharing arrangements within their respective alliances. Puducherry will hold elections for all 30 constituencies of its Legislative Assembly. The Congress-led alliance includes the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and the Communist Party of India (CPI), while the opposition alliance comprises the All India NR Congress, the BJP and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). The ECI has also appointed central observers under the powers granted by Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to assist in conducting free and fair elections and overseeing the electoral process at the field level. Bypolls to eight Assembly constituencies on April 9 and April 23; counting on May 4 CEC said bypolls to five seats in Goa, Karnataka, Nagaland and Tripura will be held on April 9, while voting in three constituencies in Gujarat and Maharashtra will take place on April 23. Counting of votes for all eight constituencies will be conducted on May 4, the same day as the results of the Assembly elections in other states. The bypolls were necessitated following the death of sitting MLAs in these constituencies. The Assembly segments going to polls are Ponda in Goa; Bagalkot and Davangere South in Karnataka; Koridang in Nagaland; Dharmanagar in Tripura; Umreth in Gujarat; and Rahuri and Baramati in Maharashtra. (With Agency inputs)
15 March,2026 06:13 PM IST | | mid-day online correspondentWith the poll season in West Bengal now officially underway, several issues are expected to dominate the campaign rhetoric of political parties in the weeks ahead. SIR/Citizenship anxiety: The publication of post-SIR electoral rolls has triggered one of the most significant pre-election developments in the state in recent years, as the revision pruned nearly 63.66 lakh names from the voter list ahead of the assembly polls. With the electorate shrinking from 7.66 crore to just over 7.04 crore, the exercise has dramatically altered the state's electoral landscape and introduced a new element of political uncertainty just as the campaign season begins. Apart from the deletions, around 60.06 lakh additional names are under adjudication, indicating that the voter list remains in flux even as political parties gear up for the polls. The churn has forced parties to reassess their booth-level arithmetic, particularly in districts where large numbers of deletions have been reported. The deletions are also concentrated in several border districts and urban belts â¿¿ areas that are electorally sensitive and politically contested. Infiltration: When PM Narendra Modi, from a rally in the Muslim-majority bordering district of Malda on January 17, made infiltration the central plank of his offensive against the TMC government alleging that large-scale illegal migration altered demography, fuelled riots, and thrived due to the ruling party's "patronage and syndicate raj" he left little doubt that the BJP would run its election campaigns with the 'ghoospetiya' issue in forefront. Amid a charged pre-poll political atmosphere, fuelled vigorously by the controversial SIR "roll-cleansing" exercise, the saffron camp has left no stone unturned to justify the process in the name of identifying "Bangladeshis and Rohingyas" on this side of the border. During one of his recent visits, Union home minister Amit Shah sharpened the BJP's pitch on infiltration, declaring that while "only names of infiltrators are being deleted now" from voter rolls, they would be "pushed out" once the party comes to power in the state. He accused CM Mamata Banerjee of abetting infiltration for poll benefits. The TMC, on the other hand, has called the process a politically motivated exercise devoid of truth and reality, which is aimed at targeting the Muslim citizens of the state. Corruption: Allegations of corruption by the opposition parties against the TMC dispensation continue to dominate Bengal's political landscape, with the school jobs scam taking centre stage. The Supreme Court had, in April 2025, cancelled appointments of more than 25,000 candidates as teachers and staff recruited by the state School Service Commission due to irregularities found in the recruitment process. Religion and Polarisation: As the campaign for the elections gathers momentum, political observers expect the contest to witness heightened communal rhetoric and identity-driven mobilisation, with religion emerging as a key undercurrent in the electoral narrative. Bengal, where electoral discourse historically remained relatively insulated from overt communal politics, has gradually been drawn into sharper ideological contestation between the TMC and the BJP. Both parties have accused each other of encouraging polarisation. The BJP alleges minority appeasement by the ruling party, while the TMC counters by accusing its rival of attempting to divide communities along religious lines. Against this backdrop, the upcoming elections could witness a more pronounced communal divide in certain regions, particularly in districts with mixed demographic compositions. Political analysts say the interplay between religious polarisation, the SIR-related voter churn and the anxieties of communities such as the Matuas could together shape the tone and trajectory of the campaign in the months ahead. Law and order/ women's safety: The issue of law and order, particularly those related to women's safety, has emerged as a key political flashpoint in Bengal, drawing sharp reactions from both the ruling establishment and the opposition. Official data cited by the government indicates that several initiatives, including dedicated women police stations, increased night patrolling and helplines, have been introduced to improve safety. However, incidents like the rape-murder of the medical intern at RG Kar hospital and the alleged gang rape of a student inside the South Calcutta Law College premises have led opposition parties to argue that incidents of assault, harassment and trafficking continue to spike in the state. Of the 294-member Bengal assembly, the TMC in 2021 won 215 seats, up four seats from its tally of the 2016 edition of state polls, as against 77 seats won by the BJP, which improved its numbers by 74 seats. Currently, following multiple defections, resignations and bypolls, the strength of the TMC in the assembly stands at 223 with support of one more MLA from the Darjeeling-based Bharatiya Gorkha Prajatantrik Morcha. Suspended TMC leader Partha Chatterjee continues to remain an Independent MLA in the House. The BJP's numbers in the state assembly have currently reduced to 64, mostly on account of defections to the TMC. The Indian Secular Front and the newly formed Aam Janata Unnayan Party occupy one seat each. Three seats in the house remain vacant on account of deaths of sitting MLAs. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 March,2026 06:11 PM IST | Kolkata | PTIThe India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday issued an orange alert for Delhi after the national capital was hit by rains and thunderstorm, reported the IANS. Residents across Delhi-NCR woke up to rain, thunder and strong winds on Sunday morning, providing relief after several days of unusually high temperatures. The IMD issued a warning of moderate rainfall, lightning and strong gusty winds during the day. The sudden change in weather made the morning noticeably cooler and more comfortable across the National Capital Region, including New Delhi. According to the IANS, the weather department said that residents should remain cautious as the changing conditions could bring sudden thunderstorms and intense wind activity. Yellow alert for nearby NCR cities Neighbouring cities in the NCR region, including Noida and Gurugram, have been placed under a yellow alert, as per the IANS. This indicates the possibility of light rainfall and cloudy skies, though the risk level is lower compared with the orange alert issued for the national capital. Western disturbance behind weather change According to the India Meteorological Department, the sudden shift in weather conditions is linked to atmospheric activity over the Western Himalayas, the news agency reported. Such weather patterns are commonly associated with a Western Disturbance, a system that frequently brings rainfall, thunderstorms and temperature changes to northern parts of India. Temperatures likely to drop The IMD said the rainfall and cloud cover could lead to a drop of around 3 to 5 degrees Celsius in maximum temperatures in New Delhi. Officials also warned that surface winds of 30 to 40 kmph may occur during the rain spell, with gusts possibly reaching up to 50 kmph. Residents have been advised to remain alert, especially during thunderstorms and strong winds. Thunderstorms, rain and gusty winds likely in parts of Maharashtra from March 17-20 Earlier this week, the weather department had predicted that parts of Maharashtra were likely to witness stormy weather accompanied by rain and thunderstorms from March 17 to March 20. Cautioning about the unexpected weather conditions, authorities have asserted that they may turn cloudy during the afternoon hours in many districts, increasing the likelihood of rain, lightning, and gusty winds. The weather pattern is expected to affect regions of the state, including Vidarbha, Marathwada, Khandesh, and parts of Central Maharashtra. As per the officials, overcast skies may lead to intermittent rainfall and thunderstorms in these regions. (with IANS inputs)
15 March,2026 02:47 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentThe National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) on Sunday announced a revision in the FASTag annual pass fee for the financial year 2026–27. The fee has been increased from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075 and the revised rate will come into effect from April 1, 2026. “NHAI has announced the revision of the applicable fee for the FASTag Annual Pass from the current Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,075 for the Financial Year 2026–27,” the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways said. According to NHAI, the revision has been made in line with the provisions of the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The FASTag Annual Pass has been gaining popularity among private vehicle owners, with more than 56 lakh users currently availing the facility. The revised annual pass will continue to be available for eligible non-commercial vehicles that have a valid FASTag. It can be used at around 1,150 fee plazas located on national highways and expressways across the country. The FASTag Annual Pass allows users to avoid frequent recharges by paying a one-time fee that remains valid for one year or for up to 200 toll plaza crossings, whichever comes earlier. The facility is designed to make highway travel more convenient and cost-effective for regular commuters. Once the payment is made, the annual pass is activated on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle within two hours. Users can purchase or renew the pass through the Rajmarg Yatra App or the official website of NHAI. “The annual pass gets activated within two hours on the existing FASTag linked to the vehicle after payment of the one-time fee through the Rajmarg Yatra App or the National Highways Authority of India website,” it added. The FASTag Annual Pass was launched on Independence Day, August 15, 2025, and has received strong response from highway users. NHAI said the growing adoption of the pass reflects the convenience it offers to people travelling frequently on national highways across India. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 March,2026 02:37 PM IST | New Delhi | IANSThe Election Commission of India (ECI) is likely to announce the schedule for Assembly elections on Sunday for four states including Assam, West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu along with the Union Territory of Puducherry, the IANS reported. The Election Commission of India is set to hold a press conference at 4 pm Sunday. Officials said that the poll body has completed its review of election preparedness in these regions and is now ready to finalise the election timetable, the news agency reported. In recent weeks, the Election Commission of India carried out detailed assessments of poll arrangements. The Election Commission reviewed election preparedness in West Bengal on March 9, in Kerala on March 6, and in Tamil Nadu on February 26. Preparations in Assam were examined earlier in February, with a particular focus on security arrangements and electoral roll verification. Assembly terms near completion The upcoming elections are scheduled as the terms of the current Assemblies are nearing completion. - The Assembly in West Bengal will complete its term on 7 May. - The Assembly in Tamil Nadu will conclude on 10 May. - The Assembly in Assam will end on 20 May. - The Assembly in Kerala will complete its tenure on 23 May. Security and CAPF deployment According to the IANS, the Commission has held discussions with political parties to ensure free and fair elections, voter safety and proper security arrangements. For the upcoming polls in West Bengal, the Commission has introduced a new system for managing the movement of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). Unlike previous elections, district administrations will no longer decide the movement of CAPF personnel during the polling period. Instead, police observers appointed by the ECI will oversee the deployment and movement of the forces in each district, as per the IANS. CAPF Presence in West Bengal Sources in the office of the Chief Electoral Officer of West Bengal told the IANS that 480 companies of CAPF have already arrived in the state in two separate batches. District-level teams will also be formed to assess security requirements in specific areas, ensuring that forces are deployed where they are most needed. (with IANS inputs)
15 March,2026 02:34 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentAmid the LPG crisis in country, the Beed Police in Maharashtra along with a team of revenue department raided a house and recovered as many as 29 gas cylinders which were allegedly illegally stored for suspected black marketing, officials said, reported the PTI. According to the police, a joint team of police and the revenue department seized the LPG cylinders during the raid in Beed district, they said. The operation was conducted at around 1:30 am on Saturday in the Shivnerinagar area on Imampur Road following specific information about illegal storage of gas cylinders, according to the PTI. According to officials, the raid was carried out by a team from Pethbeed Police Station along with revenue department officials. During the operation, authorities found 29 LPG cylinders stored illegally, suspected to be intended for black marketing. The total value of the seized cylinders has been estimated at Rs 73,000. Police said the cylinders were allegedly stored at the residence of one Ajay Mohanrao Ghodke without a valid licence. Case registered under BNS and Essential Commodities Act Following the seizure, a case has been registered at Pethbeed Police Station under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Essential Commodities Act, as per the PTI. Officials said further investigation is underway to determine whether the cylinders were being sold illegally in the local market. Crackdown amid LPG shortage rumours Authorities across Maharashtra have intensified checks following rumours about a possible shortage of LPG supplies due to the ongoing crisis in West Asia, the news agency reported. Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said there was no shortage of domestic LPG, petrol or diesel in the state. He also accused the Congress of spreading misinformation and creating panic among the public with claims of supply disruption. Speaking to reporters, CM Fadnavis had said that both the central government and oil companies have repeatedly clarified that LPG supplies remain adequate. “Whether it is Maharashtra or the entire country, there is no shortage of LPG anywhere. The central government, secretaries and companies have continuously stated this, but deliberately Congress and its leaders are creating confusion among the people and making them stand in queues,” Fadnavis said, reported ANI. (with PTI and ANI inputs)
15 March,2026 02:12 PM IST | Beed | mid-day online correspondentAt least seven Indian pilgrims were killed in a micro-bus accident in Nepal’s Gorkha district on Saturday evening while returning after offering prayers at the Manakamana Temple, the police said. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Raj Kumar Shrestha of the District Police Office in Gorkha told IANS that the pilgrims died after the micro-bus plunged off the road into a gorge in the Kantar area of Sahid Lakhan Rural Municipality. “Seven pilgrims have been injured and have been sent to Chitwan Medical College in Bharatpur, Chitwan district, for treatment,” Shrestha said. Police added that the rescue operation was still underway. According to the local administration, the micro-bus was carrying more than a dozen passengers. “The microbus was heading towards the Anbukhaireni area of Tanahun district, west of the Manakamana Temple, but it is not immediately clear where the passengers were heading after concluding their visit to the temple,” Tulasi Bahadur Shrestha, Chief District Officer of Gorkha, told IANS. Police said the cause of the accident remains unknown, but the electric microbus carrying the Indian pilgrims met with the accident on a steep stretch of the road. In August 2024, a bus carrying Indian pilgrims had met with an accident in the Anbukhaireni area, killing at least 27 people. Nepal has been witnessing a rise in road accidents in recent years, along with an increase in the number of vehicles plying on the roads. A decade ago, 4,999 road accidents were reported by the Nepal Traffic Police. In the fiscal year 2024–25, the country recorded 7,669 road accidents and 190 deaths, official data showed. Of the total accidents, 278 were classified as serious. Apart from the human toll, road safety also has a major economic impact. A study by the World Bank in Nepal found that the economic cost of road traffic injuries has tripled since 2007 and now amounts to 1.5 per cent of the country’s gross national product. Road crashes also have a disproportionate impact on the poor. More than 70 per cent of all road fatality victims in Nepal are vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorcyclists, the World Bank said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 March,2026 02:05 PM IST | Kathmandu | IANSTDP MP from Andhra Pradesh Putta Mahesh Kumar, and former BRS MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, were among six people detained after allegedly testing positive for alleged drug consumption, officials said on Sunday, reported the PTI. Police in Hyderabad detained six individuals, including the Member of Parliament and the former legislator during a raid at a farmhouse on the city’s outskirts. The operation was carried out late on Saturday night after authorities received information about a suspected drug party taking place at a farmhouse in Moinabad. The property is reportedly owned by former MLA Pilot Rohith Reddy, according to the PTI. According to officials, those present at the gathering included Putta Mahesh Kumar, a Member of Parliament from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, along with several realtors, businessmen and political figures. Initially, an on-the-spot urine drug test showed that five individuals, including Rohith Reddy, had allegedly consumed drugs, while Mahesh Kumar tested negative, as per the PTI. However, after being taken to a hospital for further testing, blood tests confirmed that six people, including the MP, tested positive for drug consumption, officials said, the news agency reported. Narcotic substance seized During the raid, police seized around two grams of a suspected narcotic substance, which has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination. Authorities said investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the drugs and whether they were consumed at the farmhouse or elsewhere before the gathering, according to the PTI. Gunshots fired during raid Police officials also reported that one person present at the party allegedly fired three rounds in the air with a revolver after noticing the arrival of the police team, reported the PTI. The weapon has since been seized by authorities, and the incident is being examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Probe continues The raid was conducted by the Elite Action Group for Drug Law Enforcement (EAGLE) Force in coordination with local police teams, according to the PTI. Officials said further investigation is underway to identify all individuals involved and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged drug use at the gathering. (with PTI inputs)
15 March,2026 01:48 PM IST | Hyderabad | mid-day online correspondentAmid the LPG crisis, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a notification, stating that the households that already have a connection for Piped Natural Gas (PNG) will no longer be allowed to retain a domestic Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) connection. The government notification stated that such consumers must immediately surrender their LPG connections and will not be eligible to receive LPG cylinder refills from government oil companies or their authorised distributors. "No person having a piped natural gas (PNG) connection and also having a domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any Government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection," the notification stated. It also clarifies that individuals who already use PNG for domestic cooking will not be allowed to apply for a new LPG connection in the future. This means that both retaining existing LPG connections and obtaining new ones will be prohibited for households with PNG access. In the official notification, issued on March 14, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas amended the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000, under the Essential Commodities Act, making it mandatory for consumers with PNG connections to surrender their domestic LPG connections. Restrictions on oil companies The amendment also places restrictions on government oil companies. Under the revised rules, oil companies and their distributors will not be allowed to provide LPG connections or supply LPG cylinder refills to consumers who already have PNG connections. The provision has been included in Schedule-I of the LPG Regulation Order, which lists prohibited activities for oil companies. The notification indicates that the move is aimed at ensuring efficient distribution of domestic LPG cylinders and preventing duplication of cooking fuel subsidies where PNG pipelines are already available. Government assures adequate petrol, diesel supply Meanwhile, in an advisory, the government has assured that petrol and diesel are adequately available at fuel stations across India, urging citizens not to panic or engage in unnecessary fuel storage. The Centre said there is sufficient supply at retail outlets and advised consumers not to store fuel in loose or inappropriate containers, warning that such practices can pose serious safety hazards. Officials also directed petrol pumps to strictly follow safety protocols while dispensing fuel. Any violation of safety guidelines at retail outlets will attract strict action from authorities, the government said.
15 March,2026 12:59 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondentIndiGo has announced a 'Fuel Charge' on both domestic and international flights, stating that the decision was taken amid rising jet fuel prices amid the ongoing West Asia war. IndiGo said that the fuel charge effective from 00:01 hrs on March 14, 2026. The airline said the decision was taken due to the sharp rise in aviation fuel prices linked to the evolving geopolitical situation in parts of the Middle East. The airline stated that Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) forms a significant portion of operating costs for airlines. A steep increase in global fuel prices has placed considerable financial pressure on carriers. Data from the International Air Transport Association Jet Fuel Monitor shows that fuel prices in the region have risen by more than 85 per cent, largely due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. IndiGo said the newly introduced charge is a partial adjustment, as fully offsetting the fuel price surge would require a much larger increase in ticket fares. According to the airline, bookings made on or after the effective date will include an additional charge per sector as part of the overall ticket price. Fuel charge details by route Under the revised pricing structure, passengers will pay an additional fuel charge depending on the destination: Domestic India routes: ₹425 per sector Indian Subcontinent: ₹425 per sector Middle East routes: ₹900 per sector South East Asia and China: ₹1,800 per sector Africa: ₹1,800 per sector Europe: ₹2,300 per sector Fuel charge on bookings Due to the sharp increase in fuel prices amid the evolving geopolitical situation in parts of the Middle East, IndiGo will implement a fuel charge on domestic and international routes for bookings made on or after 14 March 2026.Please find the detailed… pic.twitter.com/Q0CGCPz59I — IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) March 13, 2026 The airline expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers but emphasised that the step was necessary due to the sudden change in operating conditions. Meanwhile, IndiGo has also announced the temporary suspension of flights to seven destinations in the Middle East until March 28, 2026. The affected destinations include Doha, Kuwait City, Manama, Dammam, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah. The airline said the move is part of operational adjustments due to the ongoing conflict and associated airspace restrictions in the region. Conflict in Middle East disrupts flights The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which began on February 28, has disrupted aviation operations across the region. Despite the suspension of certain routes, IndiGo said it plans to operate 252 weekly flights to and from the Middle East between March 16 and 28, maintaining essential connectivity.
15 March,2026 12:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced the cancellation of Class XII board examinations for students in several Middle East countries. The affected countries include Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. All exams that were scheduled from March 16 to April 10, 2026, have now been cancelled. This decision also applies to exams that had been postponed earlier as per previous CBSE circulars dated March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9, 2026. Important Update on CBSE Class XII Exams in Middle East CountriesCBSE has issued Circular -6 regarding cancellation of Board Exams of Class XII in Middle East countriesSee attachment for further details pic.twitter.com/FfZc5vKMHT — CBSE HQ (@cbseindia29) March 15, 2026 Reason behind the cancellation The Board reviewed the feasibility of conducting the Class XII exams based on requests from schools and authorities in the affected countries. After careful consideration, CBSE decided that holding the exams would not be practical, leading to the cancellation. Result declaration for affected students CBSE has said that the mode of result declaration for students in these countries will be announced separately in due course. Students and parents are advised to stay updated with official notifications from the Board for details about how results will be processed and shared. Guidance for students and schools Schools in the affected countries are expected to follow further instructions from CBSE regarding internal assessment, grading, and result preparation. CBSE’s priority is to ensure that students are assessed fairly, even though the exams could not be conducted. The Board emphasised that this step has been taken keeping in mind the safety, convenience, and fairness for all students studying in these regions.
15 March,2026 11:17 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
-1773575097621_d.png "File Photo")
-1773565214687_d.png "NHAI increases FASTag pass price as usage crosses 56 lakh users. Representational Pic")
-1773563564927_d.png "Representational Image")
-1773552872240_d.png "Middle East Class XII board exams cancelled amid feasibility concerns. Representational Pic")