Request for Cancellation or Alternative Assessment for IB May 2026 Exams in the Middle East

Me and my family have been extremely stressed and had to take shelter. I sincerely hope this can be cancelled because this is causing a lot of problems and I’ve been struggling to study because of the stress

I am signing this petition because the atmosphere of anxiety, fear, and ongoing regional instability has made it genuinely impossible for students in our area to prepare for IB examinations at the standard these exams demand. The question is not simply whether exams can physically take place — it is whether students can realistically be expected to compete on equal footing with peers in stable environments. Many of us are struggling to focus on coursework due to constant safety concerns and stress. That is not a condition under which anyone can perform at their best. Compounding this further, students in our region have been forced to rely on online schooling , a mode of education that research consistently shows produces weaker academic outcomes than in-person instruction. We are not receiving the quality of teaching and preparation that IB examinations require, through no fault of our own. The gap between what we have been able to access and what the exams expect of us is significant and measurable. Students here deserve the same fair opportunity as any other IB candidate in the world. Proceeding without acknowledgement of these circumstances places us at a clear and unjust disadvantage. I am signing this petition because the atmosphere of anxiety, fear, and ongoing regional instability has made it genuinely impossible for students in our area to prepare for IB examinations at the standard these exams demand. The question is not simply whether exams can physically take place — it is whether students can realistically be expected to compete on equal footing with peers in stable environments. Many of us are struggling to focus on coursework due to constant safety concerns and stress. That is not a condition under which anyone can perform at their best. Compounding this further, students in our region have been forced to rely on online schooling , a mode of education that research consistently shows produces weaker academic outcomes than in-person instruc

how are we supposed to attempt full on world exams with only 1 week of practical school. Ib shall take some kind of alternative measures

In light of the current circumstances in the UAE, we request that the IBO cancels the exams.

Due to the current situation in the Middle East and the constant hits the stress level about our safety and future, due to possible threats is mentally exhausting for us students to be able to put in 100% of our effort in our exams in addition 3 weeks of school have been online putting us in a disadvantage as online school at the end of the day is not the same. This is not about not wanting to take the exams but about the limitations we have been facing for almost one month.

Please cancel the exams we are unable to study

Yes we are traumatised, we don’t have enough time to study, where late in syllabus due to online school and problems and not being able to attend school, exams should be cancelled in order for us to recover.

Due to the current situation in the Middle East and the constant hits the stress level about our safety and future, due to possible threats is mentally exhausting for us students to be able to put in 100% of our effort in our exams in addition 3 weeks of school have been online putting us in a disadvantage as online school at the end of the day is not the same. This is not about not wanting to take the exams but about the limitations we have been facing for almost one month.

Please cancel the exams. I’m stuck in Kuwait even though my school is in Spain.

Absolutely not the conditions to sit examinations that could define future endeavours.

The situation is very bad and are affecting the quality of the preparation for the exams, the students are super distracted with news and Sirens and everything going around

I believe that students in the Middle East should have an opportunity to finish their education without risking their safety.

Cancel them

Should consider the situation in the GCC countries. well bring and safety come first.

Environment is not elgible for testing

Half of the people across uae experienced the sight and sounds of missiles and rockets and drones being aimed at the uae all over its traumatizing and above that we have to prepare for exams like are we legit being set up to fail or what we literally missed so much learning time already this year and now these bombs coming its literally setting us up to fail by making us write FINALS whilst this situation is going on people are really traumatized from things they saw you might think like they will get over it and just focus on the exams no any sound in the exam hall we will all think its bombs above the school

It's a tense situation

Cancel it

As IB students in the Middle East, we are doing everything we can despite circumstances beyond our control. We trust in Allah and remain hopeful that He will grant us ease and success. However, the ongoing instability, uncertainty, and disruptions are seriously affecting our ability to focus and perform at our true potential. I do not want to waste months of hard work, dedication, and studying just to end up with a mark that does not truly reflect my effort or ability. This is not about avoiding exams, but about fairness and being assessed under conditions that allow us to show what we are truly capable of. We sincerely hope the IB will act with understanding and compassion by offering fair alternatives. We pray that Allah grants us all ease, justice, and the results we deserve.

Students have not been provided with suitable conditions for studying. The war has had a clear impact on several aspects, most importantly the psychological aspect, as this is the first time our children have experienced such difficult circumstances. We kindly ask for your understanding. Thank you.