UAE Ministry of Education outlines 7 valid exam absence excuses

Failure to submit a valid excuse results in the absence being marked as ‘unjustified’

Last updated: June 10, 2025 | 14:44

3 MIN READ

For any absence to be officially accepted, students must submit the original excuse within two working days of the exam date to the exam committee head, while retaining a copy for themselves.

Abu Dhabi: As final exams for the 2024–2025 academic year begin on Tuesday across public and private schools that follow the national curriculum, the Ministry of Education has identified seven valid scenarios in which students may be excused from attendance. These exams, running from June 10 to June 19, cover grades 3 through 12.

The Ministry clarified that these valid excuses are stipulated in an official absence form issued by the Student Performance Assessment Department. For any absence to be officially accepted, students must submit the original excuse within two working days of the exam date to the exam committee head, while retaining a copy for themselves.

Also Read: UAE ministry warns against fake overseas study exemption sites

Approved reasons for student absence

The Ministry listed the following seven acceptable reasons for missing exams:

Non-Muslim students excused from taking Islamic Education exams.
Medical conditions, provided they are supported by an accredited medical report.
Bereavement in the first or second degree of kinship.
Official summons from a government authority, supported by formal documentation.
Sudden emergency travel.
Unexplained absence (accepted under review).
Other reasons, provided they are clearly stated by the student or guardian.

To be valid, excuses must be submitted on time. Excuse forms for Grade 12 students are sent to the centralised Exam Results and Evaluation Center. For grades 3 to 11, schools must keep the forms on file. The decision to accept or reject an excuse requires signatures from the head of the evaluation center (for Grade 12) and the school principal (for lower grades).

Consequences of unjustified absences

Failure to submit a valid excuse within the specified time results in the absence being marked as “unjustified” in the “Al Manhal” electronic system. Such absences could negatively impact students’ final results in accordance with Ministry regulations.

These measures aim to uphold discipline and transparency during the examination period, while also considering humanitarian and exceptional circumstances that may prevent students from attending exams as scheduled.

7 directives for school staff

In tandem with the exams, the Ministry has launched an intensive readiness campaign to ensure optimal exam environments across public and private schools. As part of this, the School Operations Sector issued seven key directives to administrative and teaching staff, outlining a holistic framework to foster academic preparedness and emotional well-being for students.

These directives focus on the following:

Positive Role Modeling: Teachers are urged to display professional conduct and emotional stability, serving as role models for students.
Supportive Learning Environments: Ensuring a calm, structured space where students can perform at their best.
Educational Care: Providing psychological and emotional support to help boost students’ self-confidence.
Logistical Readiness: Verifying that all exam venues and resources are fully prepared.
Strict Adherence to Regulations: Enforcing exam rules uniformly to ensure fairness for all students.
Awareness of Exam Importance: Emphasising that exams are a key part of the learning journey and character development.
Educational Mission Reminder: Reinforcing teachers’ role as guardians of knowledge and pillars in shaping the minds of future generations.

These efforts are designed to create a supportive, focused, and equitable testing atmosphere. Emotional stability is seen as a decisive factor in academic performance, and the directives underscore the pivotal role of teachers in fostering a culture of confidence and responsibility.

Student support campaigns

As part of its efforts to support students both academically and mentally, the Ministry launched a motivational video via its official social media platforms. The video features a high school student offering practical tips for mental readiness and personal organization during exams.

The video outlines four core strategies for successful exam preparation:

Flexible study plans: Students are encouraged to create clear, daily schedules that balance study with rest, ensuring effective time management without burnout.
Minimizing distractions: Reducing use of phones, TV, and social media to maximize focus. Students are advised to study in quiet, distraction-free environments.
Getting enough rest: Adequate sleep is essential for memory and comprehension. Students are urged to avoid late-night studying, particularly before exam days.
Engaging in enjoyable activities: Activities such as walking, sports, listening to calm music, or pursuing hobbies can help reduce stress and promote emotional well-being.

Exam schedule and timeline

Today marks the start of final exams for students in grades 3 through 12. The Ministry has set the results announcement period from June 30 to July 2, with make-up exams scheduled for July 4–10, and final results to be released on July 14.

Summer break for students will begin on June 30, while teaching and administrative staff will commence their vacation on July 14.

Grade 12 exam timetable (General, Advanced, Elite tracks):

June 10: Physics
June 11: English
June 12: Islamic Education
June 13: Chemistry
June 16: Mathematics
June 17: Arabic
June 18: Social Studies
June 19: Biology

Applied track timetable:

June 10: Applied Sciences
June 11: English
June 12: Islamic Education
June 16: Applied Mathematics
June 17: Arabic
June 18: Social Studies

For grades 3 to 9, exams begin with Science, while Grade 9 (Advanced Track) through Grade 11 students start with Physics.

These measures and preparations reflect the Ministry’s commitment to upholding academic integrity, student welfare, and educational excellence across the nation’s school system.

Abdulla RasheedEditor - Abu Dhabi

Abdullah Rashid Al Hammadi  is an accomplished Emirati journalist with over 45 years of experience in both Arabic and English media. He currently serves as the Abu Dhabi Bureau Chief fo Gulf News. Al Hammadi began his career in 1980 with Al Ittihad newspaper, where he rose through the ranks to hold key editorial positions, including Head of International News, Director of the Research Center, and Acting Managing Editor. A founding member of the UAE Journalists Association and a former board member, he is also affiliated with the General Federation of Arab Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists. Al Hammadi studied Information Systems Technology at the University of Virginia and completed journalism training with Reuters in Cairo and London. During his time in Washington, D.C., he reported for Alittihad  and became a member of the National Press Club. From 2000 to 2008, he wrote the widely read Dababees column, known for its critical take on social issues. Throughout his career, Al Hammadi has conducted high-profile interviews with prominent leaders including UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and key Arab figures such as the late Yasser Arafat and former presidents of Yemen and Egypt. He has reported on major historical events such as the Iran-Iraq war, the liberation of Kuwait, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the establishment of the Palestinian Authority. His work continues to shape and influence journalism in the UAE and the wider Arab world.