Photo: KT file

Principals in the UAE have hailed CBSE’s move to drop date sheet for the class 10 and class 12 exams for the academic year 2024-2025 much earlier than usual. They said this will give students enough time to prepare. for the board exams.

On Wednesday, the upper secondary school board announced that the board exams will be held from February 15, 2025 to March 18, 2025.

Notably, this is the first time the date sheets for both Year 10 and Year 12 examinations have been released 86 days ahead.

Dr Ambika Gulati, Principal, The Millennium School – Dubai said, “We are happy that CBSE has declared the date sheet well in advance this year. This will give our students ample time to prepare consciously for the upcoming exams. As the board had declared the start date for the exam at the beginning of the academic year, it is no surprise.”

Teachers available during the first week of winter break

School leaders stressed that teachers will be available during the first week of the winter break to help students address their doubts, conduct revision tests and provide targeted support in small groups. This support will continue throughout the week and resume when school reopens in January.

“We have completed our courses for both year 10 and 12. We have started revising and holding pre-examinations which will help students revise their concepts and revisit areas where they need clarification. This will give students plenty of time to revise their concepts during In fact, our teachers will be available during the first week of vacation so that students can reach out, clear their doubts and take revision tests, Gulati added.

With the Year 10 syllabus complete in many schools, students are currently taking Preboard I assessments to assess their readiness for final exams.

Wellness program

Prarthana Kale, Head of Assessments and Data Analyst, Amity School Dubai, said: “Our structured week-by-week academic plan ensures comprehensive syllabus coverage, supported by cumulative assessments and two preview boards to reinforce learning and improve exam readiness.”

School leaders emphasized that in-house counselors are available to provide one-on-one emotional support to students. In addition, several institutions have implemented a buddy system where mentors offer guidance and support. They also organize sessions to help students develop strategies and tools to manage stress, exam anxiety and maintain a healthy, positive mindset during exam periods.

“In addition to academic rigor, our Grade 10 wellness programs offer tailored support to deal with academic stress, including stress management workshops, mindfulness activities, yoga sessions and goal-setting workshops. We also provide one-on-one counselling, peer support groups and motivational sessions, to ensure students are equipped with the mental and emotional tools necessary to succeed,” Kale added.

Nandini Sircar

Nandini Sircar has a penchant for education, space and women’s stories. She sees the world through a prism of learning: whether it’s the earthly pursuit of wisdom or the unearthly mysteries of space. In her written universe, women and children are at the center.