CBSE Student in Saudi Arabia Moves Supreme Court Over Withheld Class 12 Improvement Exam Results
A CBSE student based in Saudi Arabia has approached the Supreme Court after the board withheld his Class 12 improvement examination results. The student, who appeared for the exams from the Gulf region, has filed a petition challenging the board’s decision, arguing that the delay has severely impacted his academic future and higher education prospects.
Special Assessment Scheme and Its Implementation
The petitioner, Pranshu Jigarkumar Patel, appeared for the CBSE Class 12 improvement examination in 2026 as a private candidate from Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia. He had registered for five subjects — Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, English, and Computer Science. However, due to conflict-like conditions and security concerns in the Gulf region, the board was forced to cancel several examinations, including Mathematics, English, and Computer Science.
In response to the disruption faced by students across West Asian countries, CBSE introduced a special assessment scheme on March 27. Under this plan, results were to be calculated based on students’ performance in quarterly, half-yearly, and pre-board examinations. The scheme also allowed for the possibility of conducting special examinations if deemed necessary.
Despite these provisions, when CBSE announced the Class 12 results on May 13, the petitioner’s outcome was conspicuously absent. His result status was marked as “R.L.” (Result Later), leaving him in a state of uncertainty that has persisted since then.
Repeated Appeals and Lack of Response
According to the petition, the student made multiple attempts to resolve the matter through official channels. Applications were submitted to CBSE on May 17, May 21, and May 30, requesting either the declaration of results under the special assessment scheme or permission to sit for a special examination. Despite these repeated efforts, the board reportedly did not provide any response or clarification.
The petition states that the student consistently requested the authorities to either implement the assessment scheme or allow him to appear for a special exam. However, the lack of any communication has left his academic status in limbo, with his result remaining withheld.
Impact on Higher Education and Admission Prospects
The prolonged delay in declaring results has had tangible consequences for the student’s educational journey. Patel had applied for admission to a university’s B.Tech program in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence, and had already paid the required fees. The university had set a deadline of June 1 for him to update his Class 12 result status.
As the petition highlights, the failure to declare his results has deprived the student of the opportunity to complete the admission process. Furthermore, he has been unable to apply to other institutions due to the unresolved status of his academic records. This has effectively stalled his educational progression at a critical juncture.
Allegations of Arbitrary and Discriminatory Action
The petitioner has accused the authorities of acting in a manner that is arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory. He argues that the board’s inaction constitutes a violation of his fundamental rights guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, which protect the right to equality and the right to life and personal liberty, respectively.
According to the petition, the student’s situation is particularly distressing because he had followed all prescribed procedures and had fulfilled every requirement expected of a candidate. The lack of transparency and communication from the board has only compounded his difficulties.
Journey Through the Legal System
Before approaching the Supreme Court, the student had initially filed a petition under Article 226 of the Constitution at the Delhi High Court. However, due to the court’s vacation period, the matter was not deemed urgent enough to be placed before a vacation bench. This procedural setback left the student with no effective alternative but to escalate the matter to the highest court in the country.
In his petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, Patel has sought the Supreme Court’s intervention to direct CBSE to declare his Class 12 results in accordance with the special assessment scheme formulated for West Asian countries.
Demands and Relief Sought
The student has presented two primary requests before the Supreme Court:
- Direct CBSE to declare his Class 12 results based on the special assessment scheme designed for students in West Asian nations
- Alternatively, order the board to conduct special examinations for the subjects that were cancelled due to the regional crisis
The petitioner emphasizes that immediate relief is essential to protect his academic future and prevent further loss of opportunities. He maintains that the board’s continued silence on his repeated requests is both unjust and detrimental to his educational aspirations.
The case underscores the challenges faced by Indian students studying abroad, particularly in regions affected by geopolitical instability. It also raises important questions about the responsibilities of educational boards towards students who are unable to complete examinations due to circumstances beyond their control.
As the matter now awaits judicial consideration, the outcome could set a precedent for how similar cases involving students in conflict-affected regions are handled in the future. The student remains hopeful that the Supreme Court will provide the necessary direction to ensure his academic journey can proceed without further delay.
