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

I am protesting because proceeding with IB exams during the current crisis in the Middle East is simply not fair to students in our region. Standardized exams only work when students prepare under stable and equal conditions. Right now that is not our reality. The uncertainty, fear, and constant tension caused by the conflict make it extremely difficult for students to focus, prepare properly, and perform at their true academic level. Even if the war were to end soon, the countries surrounding the conflict are still deeply affected. Living close to a war zone means dealing with ongoing anxiety, disruptions, and instability. Students cannot simply switch off that stress and sit an exam as if everything is normal. The IB has always spoken about fairness, global understanding, and caring for students. In a moment like this, those values should matter more than rigidly continuing the exam schedule. Just as alternative assessments were used during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect fairness for students worldwide, similar flexibility should be considered now. We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for equal and fair conditions so that our academic futures are not determined by circumstances completely outside our control.

Please

Too much war

Pls

I am truly traumatized from the war I am currently experiencing

Im getting bombed bro

I don’t feel safe studying in a war zone and being attacked multiple times a day. Always hearing warning sirens in apartments and streets, with everyone evacuating.

I haven’t had the time, the place and the psychological preparation to dedicate towards the IB papers up and coming in May. Classes are still limited to online.

CANCEL IB OFFICIALS FOR THOSE WHO GOT DISPLACED

My neigbours house just got bombed in leb...

I support this petition as this political situation going on in the Middle East has greatly affected my study pace and has been constantly distracting me from focusing on the material. Especially with the fact that the situation has worsened in my country as the country within itself is having disputes and cities have became unsafe.

no ib

cancel

I am writing to formally request permission to withdraw from the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. This decision has not been easy for me, but due to the current circumstances affecting my family and country, it has become very difficult for me to maintain the level of focus and academic performance required by the program. Given the ongoing situation in Iraq, the stress and uncertainty have made it extremely challenging for me to concentrate on my studies and keep up with the demanding workload of the IB curriculum. These circumstances have had a significant impact on my ability to study effectively and manage the academic pressure. For this reason, I believe it would be in my best academic and personal interest to step out of the IB program at this time. I remain committed to continuing my education and doing my best academically, but I believe that withdrawing from IB will allow me to focus better on my studies under the current circumstances. I sincerely appreciate your understanding and consideration of my situation. Thank you for taking the time to review my request.

I think this is better for all of us

I think that it is ridiculous for us, IB UAE students, to be having such important exams during a war.

Due to this unique circumstance I think it’s important that some adjustments take place for Middle East and specially UAE

The syllabus is not even completed, and exams are a month away.

Having important life depending exams so soon with the situation that is going in the moment just leads to unfair treatment for us. Us, IB students like other beings are going through stages of stress, fear and anxiety due to what is going on right now at the moment in the world and thinking about an upcoming exam is just implying to more stress than a mere student can hold.. Due to the current conflicts echoing beyond the headlines and into our daily lives, our minds are already sitting in a battlefield of worry and distraction. Expecting students to march into an exam hall and solve papers that depend on their future right now feels like asking them to solve equations while thunder shakes the sky. Postponing the exam would allow calm to return, so when we write our answers, they reflect knowledge—not worry. And therefore please, consider what’s right for us. Then again. DEMOCRACY!!!!!!!!

Please cancel the IB exams, as I have not been able to study properly due to the uncertain situation.