Request for Cancellation or Alternative Assessment for IB May 2026 Exams in the Middle East
We are IB students from the Middle East asking the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to reconsider requiring students in our region to sit the May 2026 examinations under the current circumstances.
Students across United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, and Iraq are living in a region affected by ongoing conflict, instability, and geopolitical tension. Airspace restrictions, travel disruptions, and constant uncertainty are affecting daily life across the region.
Even for those not in areas directly impacted by violence, the atmosphere of anxiety, fear, and distraction makes it extremely difficult to prepare for one of the most demanding academic programs in the world. IB exams are already highly stressful, and expecting students in our region to perform at their best under these conditions places them at a clear disadvantage compared to students in more stable environments.
The issue is not simply whether exams can physically take place, but whether students can realistically prepare for them at the level required. Many students are struggling to focus on studying because of constant stress, safety concerns, and regional instability.
We are not necessarily asking for the May 2026 exams to be cancelled worldwide. We are asking the IB to recognize that students in the Middle East are not working under normal conditions. Fair alternatives could include a non-exam route based on coursework, internal assessments, and predicted grades, adjusted grade boundaries, or region-specific policies for affected countries.
The IB values fairness, international-mindedness, and student wellbeing. We ask the IBO to uphold these values by reconsidering the May 2026 examinations for students in the Middle East and implementing fair alternatives that reflect the reality we are facing.
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
March 17, 2026
Reached 1,000 supporters
March 16, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
March 16, 2026
1,246 Comments
It doesn't make sense to cancel country by country in the GCC when all the countries are very much connected. IB should cancel regionally instead of cherry picking just because it suits their interest, why are they not considering the student majority?
Exams in the Middle East should be cancelled or postponed because ongoing instability can affect students’ safety, focus, and mental health. With disrupted learning and unequal conditions, exams would not fairly reflect students’ abilities.
Even if we go back to school there would still be a risk that out of nowhere schools are targeted. Schools should use mock grades or postpone them to November session. Half every school left the uae already so it would be hard to do it in may
As a student in grade 12 going through bombings on a day to day basis, I find it unfair that not only are we unable to attend school and learn from teachers but it is also hard for us to study at home with constant bombings and loud noises.
There is a lot of stress going on whether or not we might get hit or not. Especially that our school is near the US consulate here in Jeddah. Also the Constant fear of not knowing whether our friends/families might get hit makes it harder to study
makes no sense due to current political situation
Please release IBDP students in Riyadh from the fina exams. Their learning has been disrupted by the war!
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Request for Cancellation or Alternative Assessment for IB May 2026 Exams in the Middle East
We are IB students from the Middle East asking the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) to reconsider requiring students in our region to sit the May 2026 examinations under the current circumstances.
Students across United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Iran, Palestine, and Iraq are living in a region affected by ongoing conflict, instability, and geopolitical tension. Airspace restrictions, travel disruptions, and constant uncertainty are affecting daily life across the region.
Even for those not in areas directly impacted by violence, the atmosphere of anxiety, fear, and distraction makes it extremely difficult to prepare for one of the most demanding academic programs in the world. IB exams are already highly stressful, and expecting students in our region to perform at their best under these conditions places them at a clear disadvantage compared to students in more stable environments.
The issue is not simply whether exams can physically take place, but whether students can realistically prepare for them at the level required. Many students are struggling to focus on studying because of constant stress, safety concerns, and regional instability.
We are not necessarily asking for the May 2026 exams to be cancelled worldwide. We are asking the IB to recognize that students in the Middle East are not working under normal conditions. Fair alternatives could include a non-exam route based on coursework, internal assessments, and predicted grades, adjusted grade boundaries, or region-specific policies for affected countries.
The IB values fairness, international-mindedness, and student wellbeing. We ask the IBO to uphold these values by reconsidering the May 2026 examinations for students in the Middle East and implementing fair alternatives that reflect the reality we are facing.
Updates
Reached 2,500 supporters
March 17, 2026
Reached 1,000 supporters
March 16, 2026
Reached 100 supporters
March 16, 2026
1,246 Comments
Exams should be cancelled because no student should be expected to prove their ability while facing fear, instability, or uncertainty. When safety and well-being are at risk, fairness in assessment no longer exists. Humanity must come before grades.
It doesn't make sense to cancel country by country in the GCC when all the countries are very much connected. IB should cancel regionally instead of cherry picking just because it suits their interest, why are they not considering the student majority?
Exams in the Middle East should be cancelled or postponed because ongoing instability can affect students’ safety, focus, and mental health. With disrupted learning and unequal conditions, exams would not fairly reflect students’ abilities.
Even if we go back to school there would still be a risk that out of nowhere schools are targeted. Schools should use mock grades or postpone them to November session. Half every school left the uae already so it would be hard to do it in may
As a student in grade 12 going through bombings on a day to day basis, I find it unfair that not only are we unable to attend school and learn from teachers but it is also hard for us to study at home with constant bombings and loud noises.
There is a lot of stress going on whether or not we might get hit or not. Especially that our school is near the US consulate here in Jeddah. Also the Constant fear of not knowing whether our friends/families might get hit makes it harder to study
makes no sense due to current political situation
Please release IBDP students in Riyadh from the fina exams. Their learning has been disrupted by the war!
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Exams should be cancelled because no student should be expected to prove their ability while facing fear, instability, or uncertainty. When safety and well-being are at risk, fairness in assessment no longer exists. Humanity must come before grades.