Supreme Court to Hear Challenge to CBSE Evaluation Scheme for Gulf Students
The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear petitions challenging the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) assessment scheme for Class 12 students in Gulf countries, whose board examinations were cancelled due to the Iran-US conflict.
A bench of Justices KV Viswanathan and Alok Aradhe issued notices to the Centre and the CBSE on a plea filed by 30 regular students seeking changes to the board's March 27, 2026, evaluation policy. The top court also sought responses on a separate petition filed by a Class 12 student challenging the June 21 assessment policy for private candidates affected by the cancelled examinations.
Appearing for the petitioners, advocate Raj Kishor Choudhary told the bench that students were dissatisfied with the assessment formula adopted by the CBSE. The court directed that copies of the petitions be served on the office of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and listed the matter for hearing on July 14. Advocate Vineet Jindal also appeared for the petitioners.
The CBSE had earlier announced a special evaluation scheme for Class 12 students in Gulf countries after their exams were cancelled due to security concerns following the Iran-US tensions. The scheme, based on internal assessments and practical exams, has faced criticism from students who argue that it is unfair and lacks transparency. The petitioners are seeking a more equitable assessment method that accounts for the disruption caused by the cancellation.
The Supreme Court's intervention comes as a relief for affected students, who have been awaiting clarity on their academic future. The court's decision to hear the matter on July 14 will provide an opportunity for both sides to present their arguments. The outcome of the case could set a precedent for handling similar situations in the future.
