Students in grades 10 and 12 across the UAE are awaiting an official announcement from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) regarding the 2027 exam schedule. Nevertheless, school principals strongly advise families not to postpone serious preparation until the exam date is released.
The preliminary CBSE schedule for 2027, based on last year's timeline, is expected closer to the end of September or October, with the exams themselves planned for February-March 2027. Schools in the UAE have already begun planning interim exams (pre-boards) for November and January while students wait for the preliminary CBSE schedule for 2027.
Banu Sharma, Principal of Woodlem Park Al Jurf Ajman, advised parents and students to rely solely on the official CBSE website and school notifications once the schedule is published. She noted that, based on the previous year, the CBSE date set for the 2027 exams is likely to be announced in late September or October 2026, but confirmation should only be sought on official CBSE resources and school alerts.
Sharma emphasized that the waiting period should not lead to a halt in preparation. At Woodlem Park, students will undergo two rounds of interim exams—in November and January. She recommended that students review subject dates, examination times, and intervals between tests before creating a final revision plan.
Other schools in the UAE are also moving forward with their internal testing schedules. Dipika Tapar Singh, CEO of Credence High School, reported that the first interim exam for grades 10 and 12 at this school is scheduled for November 10, with practical exams beginning around mid-January, in line with CBSE recommendations. She reminded that last year CBSE released a preliminary schedule on September 24 and a final one in early December, whereas this year schools are still awaiting the preliminary schedule.
Singh also pointed out that students already have a useful preparation tool—the latest sample papers and marking schemes from CBSE. She stressed: 'What is more important is that CBSE has already shared the latest sample papers with the marking schemes upon which this year's examination papers will be based. Our teachers use them to prepare for interim exams, and parents must ensure that students complete them and carefully study the marking scheme.'
At GEMS Our Own Indian School in Dubai, according to Director/CEO Lalita Suresh, interim exams for grade 12 are scheduled for late November, and for grade 10—for January. These exams are intended to identify knowledge gaps and give students time to improve before the final exams. Suresh added that schools may conduct a second mock test if necessary.
Principals noted that the true value of interim exams lies not only in the scores obtained but also in the actions taken by students afterward. Suresh advised students to complete the first full revision before the interim exams begin, and then use the results to identify areas needing attention. She clarified: 'Interim exams should not be viewed as the final goal, but as an important diagnostic test. They give students the opportunity to understand what they know, where they make mistakes, and which areas require further attention.'
Furthermore, she recommended focusing after the interim exams not on completing the curriculum, but on refining exam-taking skills. Regular practice with CBSE samples and questions will help improve time management, presentation, and accuracy. Analyzing mistakes after each test is equally important. Students should ask themselves not only 'What did I do wrong?' but also 'Why did I do it wrong and how can I ensure I don't repeat this mistake?'
Meanwhile, Singh also urged families not to turn the approaching exams into a source of unnecessary anxiety. She stated: 'There is no need for anyone to worry. Children simply need a proper schedule and study plan after school, as putting everything off until the last minute creates pressure. The CBSE exam requires multiple revisions, so starting early helps.'
She advised students to analyze returned interim exam papers, determine where marks were lost, and revise those sections first. Singh also addressed parents: 'These are older children, so talk to them and help them understand why they should give up phones and study from NCERT textbooks, class notes, and notebooks. If online material is required, set a clear time limit.'
In conclusion, she added: 'Above all, children should write and study, not just read. They should also review the sample answers and top student responses published by CBSE every year to understand where they are right and where they are mistaken. Our teachers regularly discuss this in class so that children understand how the work should be presented.'
