ISLAMABAD: Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) on Tuesday partially postponed Secondary School Certificate (SSC) exams in Gulf countries affected Israel-US and Iran war.

The management of board headed by FBISE Chairman Prof Dr Ikram Ali Malik on Tuesday held a meeting to evaluate the impact of regional conflict and geopolitical uncertainty on the conduct of examinations at overseas centres. An official of the board said that around 20,000 expats students take part in FBISE exams every year in 12 countries (majority Gulf countries).

The official said that last week, the board chairman formed a seven-member committee, which met on Tuesday and decided that exams will be held as per schedule in all countries except for Iran, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain from March 30.

“The FBISE shall postpone the forthcoming SSC Annual Examination only in Iran, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain.

Board to postpone forthcoming SSC annual exam in Iran, Kuwait, UAE and Bahrain

“Examinations at all other international centers will proceed as per the previously notified schedule,” read a notification issued by board.

It said that during the meeting, the Controller of Examinations (Test Administration) presented a comprehensive data brief regarding overseas institutions for the forthcoming SSC Annual Examination 2026. The forum discussed FBISE’s state of readiness alongside feedback received from the principals of affiliated international institutions. After detailed deliberation, the exams were postponed in four said countries.

“Consequently, the issuance of Roll Number Slips for institutions in the aforementioned countries has been withheld. The Board shall facilitate candidates from the postponed centers who wish to appear in the examination in Pakistan or any neighbouring country where exams are proceeding as scheduled,” read the notification.

The board said that those institutions wanted to avail exams facility in neighbouring countries or in Pakistan may apply for above facilitation via the online portal of board. “In case of any deficiency identified in logistics arrangement at any of the examination centre abroad the same shall be addressed accordingly with set of alternative arrangements including in-house printing of answer scripts by the institution concerned.

“Additionally, if an institution becomes ready for the examination at belated stage the board shall accommodate their participation within the ongoing examination in accordance with the previously notified schedule.”

The notification further said that aforementioned decision shall be reviewed in 15 days. “This review will account for the evolving security situation and regional uncertainty to determine an appropriate date for rescheduling the postponed examinations.

Furthermore, contingent upon the normalisation of the security situation, all remaining examination papers shall be conducted in accordance with the previously announced schedule.”

When contacted, Chairman FIBSE confirmed that exams in the four countries have been postponed. “ Except these four countries in question, our exams in other countries will be held in accordance with schedule,” he said and added that board made this decision in greater interest of students. “We will review situation after 15 days,” he said.

It is relevant to note here, the FBISE is the only board which not only has jurisdiction in entire Pakistan but it also conduct exams in 12 foreign countries to facilitate children of expats.

Published in Dawn, March 25th, 2026