CBSE class 10 exam: Indian expat students in UAE schools may see academic year changed

Consider exam administration

Punit MK Vasu, CEO, The Indian High Group of Schools, said the new measures appear to be aimed at serving two fundamental purposes.

“The first is an acknowledgement that one bad exam day should not be considered as a student’s mastery of a particular subject for grade 10,” he said.

“While that may seem like a good thing to do, one must consider the administration of these exams in April and the likely impact on a student’s next phase of learning in grade 11 as traditionally the academic year in the UAE commences formally in April,” he pointed out.

“However, the spirit of the policy, in offering students a second attempt is fantastic,” Vasu said.

He also welcomed the other measures proposed for grades 10 and 12. “The tendency for a CBSE board exam question paper to test knowledge and learning as being directly correlated to memory has long been seen as a massive pain point and these measures across grades 10 and 12 have been eagerly awaited and very much welcome,” he added.

Significant challenges

Bala Reddy Ambati, principal, Habitat School, Al Jurf, in Ajman said conducting board exams for grade 10 in April poses significant challenges, including resource allocation, classroom availability, and staff management.

“As school heads, we always prioritise the well-being of our students and appreciate the CBSE initiative to conduct grade 10 Board exams twice a year to reduce stress and improve performance,” he said.

“However, we have concerns about the feasibility of this change, especially as it coincides with the start of the academic year for other grades. With teachers and other staff already engaged in beginning the new academic session, administering exams simultaneously becomes difficult,” Ambati pointed out.

Though CBSE had taken the feedback from the UAE schools on the matter, he said there was no official communication about it later.

“In case CBSE insists, we will have no option but to alter our arrangements for the exam,” he explained.

Adjustable calendar

However, Pramod Mahajan, principal, Sharjah Indian School, has a different opinion.

He said the new policy, which emphasises experiential learning, project-based assessments, and competency-based education, is a positive move that aims to reduce exam stress and build students' confidence.

"It’s all about increasing the confidence within the learners,” he said.

While acknowledging that the policy may require adjustments to the academic calendar in Gulf countries, particularly in terms of delayed start dates, Mahajan remained confident that the changes are manageable. “Calendar is a flexible document. It can be modified as per the need and requirement,” he said.

According to him, these operational changes will have minimal impact on the overall educational process. “It is a matter of 10 to 12 working days. It can be adjusted without causing significant disruption to the overall learning process,” he said.

Constructive feedback

Meanwhile, educators like Thomas Mathew, executive principal of Our Own English High School – Dubai (Girls) are planning to give constructive feedback to the Board.

He said the CBSE is a proactive examination body that continually strives to bring in changes that benefit pupils. “We support its ambition to reduce stress for grade 10 students with an opportunity to prepare for a second exam to improve their percentage.”
However, he said “this will be completely optional and will benefit those pupils who feel they didn't fare well enough in the first Board examination.”

“Principals, parents, and students are still digesting the news and it’s fair to say that reactions so far offer a mixed bag. While some feel it will be useful, others feel it will put added pressure on schools while dealing with syllabus completion. We will await developments and offer our colleagues at CBSE constructive feedback as ever,” Mathew added.