FBISE Postpones Matric Exams in Gulf & Iran: New Facilitation Policy Announced

FBISE Postpones Matric Exams in Gulf & Iran: New Facilitation Policy Announced

The Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (FBISE) has officially postponed the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) annual examinations for students in several overseas centers. The decision, announced via a formal notification on Wednesday, prioritizes student safety amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The suspension specifically targets students appearing for the matric (9th and 10th grade) exams in Iran, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Bahrain . While these four countries face an indefinite postponement, the FBISE has confirmed that examination schedules for all other international centers remain unchanged and will proceed according to the previously announced timetable.

Roll Number Slips Withheld for Affected Regions

In a significant development affecting logistics, the board has decided to withhold the issuance of roll number slips for students enrolled in the affected centers until further notice. This administrative hold is designed to prevent confusion as the board re-evaluates the security landscape and logistical feasibility of conducting high-stakes examinations in volatile regions.

The FBISE notification emphasized that the situation is fluid, stating that if any overseas center in the affected countries manages to restore required logistical arrangements during the ongoing exam period, the board may allow students there to rejoin the exams as per the original schedule.

Facilitation Mechanism: Options for Displaced Students

Understanding the anxiety caused by the sudden disruption, the FBISE has introduced a robust facilitation mechanism for affected candidates. Students who are currently stranded or unable to appear for their exams in the four suspended countries now have options to ensure their academic year does not go to waste.

According to the board’s directive, candidates from the postponed centers can opt to appear for their remaining papers in Pakistan or in neighboring countries where the examination process is continuing normally. This transfer option is available to students and institutions who apply through official channels.

To streamline this process, the board has designated official email addresses and WhatsApp helplines. Institutions and individual candidates seeking to relocate their examination centers are instructed to contact the FBISE through these dedicated platforms to facilitate a smooth transition.

Contingency Plans for Institutions

Recognizing that logistical hurdles extend beyond student safety, the FBISE has also issued specific instructions for educational institutions facing operational difficulties. The notification advises institutions to make alternative arrangements where necessary, including the in-house printing of answer sheets . This measure is intended to circumvent potential supply chain disruptions caused by the regional conflict, ensuring that exams can continue without interruption wherever conditions are deemed safe.

Review Timeline and Future Outlook

The board has confirmed that the decision to postpone the exams is not final but rather a reactive measure to current events. The situation will be formally reviewed within 15 days .

"We are closely monitoring the evolving security situation," the notification read. If conditions improve within the review window, the postponed exams will be rescheduled accordingly. Furthermore, if the security situation stabilizes, the remaining papers may proceed under the existing timetable without further delay.

The FBISE has urged students, parents, and institutions to remain patient and stay in direct contact with the board’s official communication channels. Students are advised to follow official updates closely rather than relying on unverified social media reports to avoid misinformation.

Background and Implications

The Federal Board oversees a vast network of educational institutions, particularly in the Gulf region, where a significant number of Pakistani expatriates reside. The suspension of exams in key hubs like the UAE and Kuwait—typically home to some of the largest overseas cohorts represents a major logistical shift for the board.

This move mirrors previous emergency protocols enacted by the FBISE during periods of geopolitical tension or natural disasters, where the safety of students taking precedence over strict adherence to academic calendars. By offering relocation options and alternative printing solutions, the board aims to minimize academic losses while ensuring that no student is forced to compromise their safety to complete their examinations.

For now, students in the unaffected regions are advised to continue their preparations as scheduled, while those in Iran, Kuwait, UAE, and Bahrain await the upcoming review for clarity on the new exam dates.