Educational institutions across Kashmir Valley reopened on Monday after remaining closed for nearly a week following protests triggered by the death of Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Schools, colleges and other higher educational institutions had been shut since last Monday after demonstrations erupted across the region following reports that Khamenei was killed in a joint airstrike carried out by United States and Israel on February 28.
Officials confirmed that normal academic activities have now resumed, with students seen returning to campuses and classrooms in uniform on Monday morning.
Classes Resume After Protests Disrupt Academic Calendar
Authorities said the reopening marks a return to normalcy in the Valley after the protests forced educational institutions to suspend operations temporarily.
Secondary schools and higher education institutions had already reopened earlier on February 23 following the winter break. However, middle and primary schools that were scheduled to reopen on March 2 had to delay their start due to the unrest.
With the situation stabilising, officials expect regular classes and academic schedules to resume smoothly across the region.
CBSE Postpones Class 12 Board Exams in Middle East
Meanwhile, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) announced the postponement of Class 12 board examinations in several countries across the Middle East.
According to an official circular issued by the board, exams that were scheduled to begin on March 12, 2026, have now been postponed to March 16, 2026.
The revised schedule applies to CBSE-affiliated schools in the following countries:
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- United Arab Emirates
Decision Taken Amid Regional Tensions
CBSE said the decision was made after a detailed review of the evolving security situation in parts of the Middle East.
The board also considered the mental stress and uncertainty faced by students amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Officials said the examination authority will review the situation again on March 14 before announcing the final schedule for the remaining exams.
Authorities Urge Students to Stay Focused
Education officials have urged students to remain calm and continue preparing for their examinations while authorities closely monitor developments.
With schools in Kashmir now functioning normally and CBSE adjusting exam schedules abroad, authorities aim to minimise disruption to the academic calendar despite the ongoing regional tensions.