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Eligibility for Class 10 Board Examinations

UAE: CBSE schools say first Class 10 Board exam attempt mandatory under new rules
For many Grade 10 students in the UAE the new format has prompted questions about preparation strategies

BSE-affiliated schools principals across the UAE are reminding students and parents that under the revised Class 10 board examination scheme from 2026, the first board exam is compulsory — and not appearing for it can have serious consequences.

The clarification comes after the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recently issued an official note outlining eligibility rules for the two-exam format that commences this year. The Class 10 board exams began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

For many Grade 10 students in the UAE — already balancing internal assessments, competitive streams, and parental expectations — the new format has prompted questions about preparation strategies.

Dr Prema Muralidhar, Principal of The Royal Academy Ajman – a North Point Education School, said clarity has been central to easing anxiety.

“We are nurturing a mindset where students engage with the first examination with confidence and commitment, while perceiving the second attempt as a supportive opportunity for academic refinement rather than a fallback. This clarity has helped maintain academic rigour while simultaneously reducing performance anxiety.”

The shift has also led to operational changes within schools.

“The policy shift has enabled us to reimagine academic planning through a more personalised and flexible lens. We have redesigned our assessment calendar to incorporate diagnostic checkpoints, targeted remediation cycles, and enrichment modules between the two examination windows.”

Mentoring, too, is becoming more data-driven and reflective.

“Our mentors are engaging learners in goal-setting conversations, helping them analyse performance data, and guiding them to make informed decisions about improvement attempts. Importantly, we are reinforcing the philosophy that excellence is a journey of continuous growth.”

https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/uae-cbse-schools-say-first-class-10-board-exam-attempt-mandatory-under-new-rules?_refresh=true