Monday 16 / February / 2026
MUSCAT: The Class 10 and 12 board examinations conducted by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) commence tomorrow, with more than 4.5 million students appearing across India and 26 countries worldwide.
In Oman, over 5,000 students from 22 Indian schools across the Sultanate are taking part in the examinations.
More than 2,800 students are appearing for Class 10, while a little over 2,200 students will sit for the Class 12 exams.
“The exams will begin at 9am (Oman time), and students have been advised to reach their respective centres by 7.30am to complete necessary formalities,” said Syed Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Indian Schools in Oman.
On Tuesday, Class 10 students will appear for Mathematics (Standard and Basic), while Class 12 students will sit for Biotechnology and Entrepreneurship papers.
In a message to students, the Chairman said:
“Dear children, as you strive for excellence, remember that no challenge can withstand the power of perseverance and focus. Step into the examination hall with confidence, courage and determination. These examinations mark a significant milestone in your academic journey. Believe in yourselves and stay positive. All the best.”
Meanwhile, CBSE has clarified that appearing for the first Class 10 Board examination is mandatory for all students.
In a letter issued on Saturday, the Board stated that students who miss three or more subjects in the first examination will not be eligible to appear for the second examination.
The clarification follows several requests from students seeking permission to skip the first examination and instead appear for the second due to various reasons.
The Board emphasised that all students must appear for the first examination. Those who pass and are eligible will be allowed to improve their performance in up to three subjects from Science, Mathematics, Social Science and Languages.
“If a student has not appeared in three or more subjects in the first examination, then he/she will not be allowed to appear in the second examination. Such students will be placed in the ‘Essential Repeat’ category and can take the examination only next year during the main examinations in February,” the letter stated.
Students whose results are declared as ‘Compartment’ will be permitted to appear in the second examination under the Compartment category. However, additional subjects will not be permitted after passing Class 10, and students will not be allowed to take stand-alone subjects.
According to CBSE, eligibility to appear in the second examination includes: (i) Improvement category (up to three main subjects), (ii) First/Third Chance Compartment, (iii) Compartment + Improvement, and (iv) Improvement for students who passed by subject replacement.
The Board added that it will not respond to further queries on the matter.
