UAE: Why school principals say CBSE's biannual board exam is student-friendly
As per the revised guidelines, the first phase of the board exam will be held in February and will be mandatory for all students, while the second phase in May will be optional.
In a significant relief for students, the best score from either attempt will be retained for the final result — offering them a better chance at academic success without the pressure of a single high-stakes exam.
The decision represents a significant transformation in India's education system, aligning with the key goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which prioritises student-focused learning and aims to ease exam-related pressure.
Lalitha Suresh, Principal/CEO, GEMS Our Own Indian School said, 'There will not be many changes from the present structure of examinations. In the new model, the first round of examinations will be finished sooner, and results will be declared earlier. Only those students who wish to improve their results will have to appear for the second round of examinations. These students will be impacted, as they will miss some days of the new academic year. Students who have not qualified in the main examination will be allowed provisional admission into Class 11, with their admission then confirmed based on their results in the second examination.'
'This is a positive move from CBSE, aimed at reducing examination stress among students. I am sure pupils will benefit from this new scheme,' he added.
Principals also clarified that marks from this single internal assessment will apply to both attempts.
While the first set of exams in February will be mandatory for all and the second exam in to be held in May is optional, it is worth noting, that students will be allowed to improve performance in a maximum of three subjects only.
Challenges
Shedding light on the implications of this decision on schools and teachers, Dr S. Reshma, Principal / School Director, Gulf Indian High School Dubai, said,
'Academic calendar adjustment will be necessary where schools must realign annual plans to prepare students for an earlier February exam. Summer exam attempt will add an additional planning cycle post-results. Teachers will experience increased workload as they will be required to prepare revision plans again, conduct internal assessments earlier, and support both exam cycles. Administrative coordination for exam logistics, invigilation, and result analysis will intensify. Deploying staff and scheduling during both exam phases has to be more careful in allocation.'
School leaders also emphasised that extended academic support and remedial classes may be required post-February for May aspirants.
Echoing similar challenges, Deepika Thapar Singh, Principal, Credence High School, said, 'The changes to the CBSE Class 10 board exams from 2026 bring several significant implications for schools and teachers, especially in terms of scheduling, workload, pedagogy, and internal assessments. More intense planning will be needed to balance academic coverage with deep learning. Teachers must prepare students for two board exam windows, including identifying and mentoring students for improvement attempts. Teachers will analyse first-attempt performance and help students select subjects to retake in May.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
30 minutes ago
- Zawya
DAMAC Properties unveils Capri One apartments in Riverside master development
DAMAC Properties, UAE's largest private real estate developer, announced on Tuesday the launch of Capri One at DAMAC Riverside Views, a new phase at Riverside Views located within its DAMAC Riverside master community in Dubai Investments Park. The development will feature one- and two-bedroom apartments, with prices starting from AED 993,000 and AED 1.9 million respectively backed by payment plans of 0.25 percent, the statement said. Riverside Views was launched in January 2025 with eight themed clusters—Teal, Azure, Marine, Indigo, Royal, Capri, Sun and Pacific— and is scheduled for handover in May 2028. 'Our new phase invites residents to slow down, reconnect, and rediscover the outdoors, with curated green spaces, thoughtful water features, and a soft rhythm of community life,' Amira Sajwani, Managing Director, DAMAC Properties. Riverside Views will include world-class amenities, including a clubhouse, a floating island restaurant, a Zen Spa, a Portofino Restaurant, and a hydroponic farm. Earlier releases of townhouses and apartments at DAMAC Riverside have sold out. DAMAC Riverside is the developer's sixth master development in Dubai. (Writing by Majda Muhsen; Editing by Anoop Menon) (
Al Etihad
4 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UAE carries out 69th airdrop of aid, delivers 500 tonnes of food aid into Gaza
12 Aug 2025 20:35 ABU DHABI (WAM)The United Arab Emirates is continuing its humanitarian support for the Palestinian people in the Gaza Tuesday, the UAE conducted its 69th airdrop of aid under Operation Birds of Goodness, part of Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, in cooperation with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and with the participation of Germany, Italy, Belgium, and shipment included quantities of essential food supplies, prepared with the support of UAE-based charitable institutions and entities, to meet the needs of residents amid the difficult humanitarian conditions in the addition, 20 trucks loaded with approximately 500 tonnes of food supplies entered Gaza through land crossings, as part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to secure vital supplies by land and total volume of aid airdropped by the UAE has now reached more than 3,924 tonnes of various relief items, including food and essential supplies, underscoring its steadfast commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and bolstering their resilience. These initiatives reflect the UAE's leading role in international relief work, by mobilising regional and international efforts and reinforcing a humanitarian giving approach to alleviate the suffering of those affected in crisis areas.
Khaleej Times
4 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
AI automation shift: Hiring becomes more selective
NRI Biz Matters Question: There have been recent reports in the Indian press that companies in the IT sector have laid off employees during the last month. What is the reason for this downturn and are there any prospects of its reversal? ANSWER: You are right in pointing out that in the last few weeks some of the top IT companies in India have reduced their workforce, mainly mid-level employees. The industry is undergoing a structural shift in line with global trends where major tech firms are streamlining resources, reallocating assets, and shutting down divisions that no longer align with strategic priorities. Many experts believe that AI is disrupting the traditional workforce pyramid and replacing broad-based hiring models with leaner, more specialised structures which would yield higher revenues. In short, the shift is driven by the widespread adoption of AI, automation and cloud-based architectures. However, the silver lining is that robust outsourcing demand from Europe in recent months has helped IT companies to maintain revenue growth. Europe has started to build capabilities to sustain its tech sovereignty which at the moment is heavily dependent on the United States. The United Kingdom, Ireland and the Benelux countries are enhancing their capabilities in generative AI, cloud, digital and cyber security. Europe comprises around 25 to 30 per cent of the global market for India's top tier IT companies, while the United States is at 40 to 50 per cent. With AI-driven automation reshaping business models, companies are prioritising digital transformation and employee upskilling. Hiring has become more selective and aligned with core business objectives. Question: The US administration has imposed tariffs of 25% on Indian goods exported to America. Will this have a significant impact on the Indian manufacturing sector? ANSWER: The textile, gems and jewellery sectors will be adversely impacted by the 25 per cent tariff. However, India is in the process of negotiating a Bilateral Trade Agreement with the United States. Once this is signed and comes into effect, the provisions and tariff rates as prescribed in the agreement will prevail. . Pharmaceutical products will continue to be exported from India as they have been widely used in the American medicare system and such products are not readily available in large quantities from other countries at the same competitive rates at which Indian companies supply. Question: Have provisions been made for preserving the confidential data of taxpayers in the new income tax law which is to be passed shortly? Is there any difference between the existing law and the new one? ANSWER: The new income tax law has not given any additional powers to officers of the tax department which will continue to work on the philosophy of 'trust first and scrutinise later'. The government has directed tax officials to work on the presumption that taxpayers declare their income honestly. Steps for search and seizure and scrutiny of assessments are taken only where there is credible evidence of large scale tax evasion, concealment of income or involvement in illegal activities. The new tax law has made provisions for maintaining confidentiality of taxpayer data and has put in place internal controls to safeguard its integrity. The faceless nature of procedures like assessments and appeals introduces a layer of anonymity by design. This ensures a neutral, fair and objective approach. Risk assessment uses identity-blind and rule-based algorithms. Powers to access digital devices during search and survey operations have been updated in conformity with the needs of the digital age. In course of time, AI will play a critical role in detecting and curbing shell companies, unaccounted money and illegal transactions. Thus, AI will be used primarily for fraud and anomaly detection, pattern recognition, trend identification, predictive modelling and processing of unstructured data.
