CBSE Class 12 Special Exam in UAE: Registration Dates and Rules
CBSE has announced special Class 12 examinations for students in the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries. Registration for the List of Candidates (LOC) opens on September 22 and closes on September 26, 2026. The process is online and requires details from the main exam. Marks from these exams wi…
By Felo News Desk · Published
CBSE has issued a new circular that opens a special Class 12 examination window for students residing in the UAE and several other Middle Eastern countries. The announcement, dated September 21, 2026, follows an earlier notice that declared the exams would now proceed in places where they had been postponed earlier in the year. The move is a direct response to a Supreme Court order and aims to give students who were dissatisfied with scores calculated under a special assessment scheme a fair chance to improve their results.
Who Can Apply?
The special exam is exclusively for regular and private candidates who were enrolled in CBSE schools located in the UAE, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. It does not apply to students in other countries or to those who did not sit the main CBSE Class 12 exam in 2026. Candidates must have previously taken the main exam, as they will need to provide details from their Admit Card and Marks Statement during registration.
Key Dates and Registration Window
- LOC registration opens: Tuesday, September 22, 2026
- LOC registration closes: Saturday, September 26, 2026
- No extensions will be granted beyond the closing date
Students are advised to act quickly, as the window is only five days long. Missing the deadline means missing the opportunity to sit the special exam.
How to Register for the Special Exam
The entire process is conducted online through the official CBSE portal. Follow these steps to complete your LOC:
- Visit www.cbse.nic.in and locate the “Special Examination Registration in West Asian Countries” link for Class XII, 2026.
- Click the “Special Exam” tab on the portal’s homepage.
- Enter information from your main exam: previous roll number, centre number, mother’s name as it appears on the Admit Card, and the year of the main exam (2026).
- Provide a valid email address; a one‑time password (OTP) will be sent there. Check your spam folder if you do not see it in your inbox.
- After OTP verification, a checklist of 40 subjects will appear. Select one or more subjects you wish to retake.
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission.
- Once submitted, click “Confirmation Page” to view your application and note the Application Number displayed. Keep this number safe, as it may be required for future reference.
All special exam centres will be the same as those used for the main examinations, and the marks obtained in the special exam will replace the earlier scores for the chosen subjects.
Important Rules and Tips
- Only candidates who have already taken the main CBSE Class 12 exam in 2026 are eligible.
- Keep your Admit Card, Marks Statement, and any other main exam documents handy during registration.
- The application must be submitted before September 26; no extensions will be granted.
- After submission, double‑check the subjects selected and the details entered to avoid errors.
- Once the special exam is completed, the new marks will automatically overwrite the earlier ones for the selected subjects.
Prof. Dr. Ram Shankar, Director of the CBSE Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai, emphasized the importance of following the instructions carefully. He stated that the special exam is intended for students who wish to improve their scores and urged them to complete the registration within the stipulated timeline.
What Happens Next?
After the LOC window closes, CBSE will finalize the list of candidates and announce the exam dates and centres. Students will receive official communication with detailed instructions on how to prepare for the special exam. The board will conduct the exams in the same locations as the main exams, ensuring a seamless experience for all participants.
While the special exam offers a second chance to improve marks, the process remains strict. Candidates must adhere to the deadlines and provide accurate information to avoid disqualification. Those who miss the registration window will not be able to sit the special exam and will need to rely on their original scores.
In summary, CBSE’s special Class 12 examination for UAE and other Middle Eastern students provides a timely opportunity to address earlier assessment concerns. By registering early, following the step‑by‑step online process, and keeping all required documents ready, students can secure their place in the upcoming exams and potentially enhance their academic outcomes.
Key facts
- Special exams open for UAE and 6 other Middle Eastern countries
- LOC registration runs from Sept 22 to 26, 2026
- Online registration requires main exam details and OTP verification
- Marks from special exam replace earlier scores for chosen subjects
- No extensions; deadlines are strict
- Prof. Dr. Ram Shankar stresses careful adherence to instructions
Why it matters
The special exam gives students who were previously disadvantaged by a flawed assessment system a chance to correct their scores, directly impacting their future academic and career opportunities.
Frequently asked questions
What is the LOC in CBSE special exams?
LOC stands for List of Candidates, the online form where students register to sit the special Class 12 exam.
Can I register after September 26?
No. The registration window closes on September 26, 2026, and CBSE will not grant extensions.
Will the special exam be held in a different centre?
No. The special exam will be conducted in the same centres used for the main Class 12 exam.
Do I need to pay any fee for the special exam?
The article does not mention a fee; however, candidates should check the CBSE portal for any applicable charges.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “CBSE Class 12 Special Exam Guidelines for UAE and Middle East Students: LOC Registration, Dates and Rules”
