UAE CBSE schools step up preparations as Class 10, 12 board exams begin February 16

The countdown to the 2027 Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) examinations has begun for thousands of students across the UAE, with schools intensifying academic preparations following the announcement of the examination timetable.

Class 10 and Class 12 board examinations will begin on February 16, 2027, with the final papers scheduled for March 9 and April 9, respectively. The timetable, released on November 6, gives students just over three months to consolidate their learning, address weak areas and prepare for the demands of the final examinations. Schools across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other emirates are now drawing up intensive preparation schedules, with pre-board assessments, mock examinations and targeted revision sessions forming the backbone of their strategies.

For school leaders, the immediate priority is to help students assess their readiness, identify gaps in understanding and build confidence before entering the examination hall. Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, said the announced schedule was largely in line with the school's expectations and would allow sufficient time to conduct assessments before the final examinations.

The school has scheduled a pre-board examination before the winter vacation, giving students an opportunity to evaluate their preparation and understand where they stand academically. A second round of pre-board examinations will follow, with greater emphasis on revision. Practical examinations are expected to begin on January 4 or 5. Bhanu Sharma, principal of Woodlem Park, Ajman, said students should make effective use of the approximately 100-day preparation window instead of leaving revision until the final weeks. She advised students to complete their syllabus by mid-December, move on to timed practice papers in January and reserve the final fortnight for focused revision. "Focus on weaker topics, stay close to NCERT, and protect sleep, especially with Ramadan expected from early February," Sharma said.

Pre-board tests to identify learning gaps

With the examination schedule in place, schools are placing particular emphasis on mock tests and timed writing practice to familiarise students with the board examination format.

At Credence High School, two rounds of mock examinations have been incorporated into the preparation calendar, said Deepika Thapar Singh, CEO-principal. The first pre-board examination is currently under way, while the second is scheduled for early January, followed by practical examinations. Singh said the assessments would give students sufficient exposure to the examination format before the final papers begin on February 16. She also emphasised that reading textbooks and revising concepts alone would not be enough to secure good results. Students must develop the ability to complete answers accurately within the allotted time.

"They should write as much as they study, and practise regularly with sample papers and question banks, because writing within the time limit builds speed, accuracy and confidence," she said. Shining Star International School is also encouraging students to follow structured revision schedules and use their mock examination results to identify subjects and topics requiring additional attention. Vinoji Jipson, senior supervisor secondary and head of the Department of Computer Science at the school, said consistent preparation and conceptual clarity would be more effective than last-minute cramming. Students should develop realistic study timetables, prioritise difficult topics and devote sufficient time to solving previous years' question papers and sample papers, she advised.

Jipson added that reviewing mock examination performance and addressing individual learning gaps would help students make better use of the remaining preparation period.

Schools put student wellbeing on the agenda

While academic readiness remains central to board examination preparations, educators say managing stress and maintaining emotional wellbeing will be equally important as students approach the examination season.

The pressure of completing extensive syllabuses, meeting expectations and managing time can affect students' concentration and confidence, making individual guidance and emotional support essential. At Shining Star International School, the Teacher Mentor Programme provides students with regular guidance and personalised support. The school also organises stress management and wellbeing sessions through its Department of Special Needs. Jipson said the objective was to ensure that students received the emotional support needed to manage examination pressure alongside their academic responsibilities. Parents, too, have an important role in helping children navigate the demanding preparation period. School leaders have advised families to maintain a calm home environment, encourage consistent study habits and avoid placing excessive pressure on students over their expected scores.

Sharma urged parents to ensure children get seven to eight hours of sleep, eat regular meals and remain physically active. She also advised parents to recognise their children's efforts rather than focusing exclusively on marks, while encouraging them to communicate with schools if they notice signs of examination-related anxiety. "Please talk to us early if your child seems anxious," she said.