UAE Ministry of Education to launch 30-minute electronic trial exams from June 2

Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Education has announced that students in Grades 5 to 12 across public and private schools following the national curriculum will participate in electronic trial examinations from 2 to 4 June. The initiative aims to ensure both academic readiness and technical preparedness ahead of the third-term final exams for the 2024–2025 academic year.

According to official circulars distributed to schools, each trial test will last 30 minutes and is designed to train students, teachers, and administrative staff in navigating the digital exam system. The exams will be administered through the Swift Assess application, and the Ministry has urged parents and students to update the app on all devices, whether Android or iOS, in advance of the testing period.

The first subject to be trialed will be Social Studies, with school administrations granted flexibility in scheduling to maintain the normal school day routine. These trial exams are strictly for practice and will not contribute to students' academic records. Moreover, no make-up sessions will be offered for absentees.

In parallel, students in Grades 9 to 12 will sit for final assessments in Group B subjects—such as Health Sciences and Business Administration—during the same period. These exams will last one hour and, unlike the trial assessments, are graded and mandatory with no option for retakes.

To facilitate smooth testing, schools have stressed the importance of updating operating systems and installing the secure browser required for exam access. Students using Ministry-issued devices are advised to connect to the school’s internet network to enable automatic system updates.

Understanding Trial Exams: Purpose and Benefits

Trial examinations are simulated versions of actual assessments, offering students a valuable opportunity to familiarise themselves with exam formats, practice time management, and assess their academic readiness.