Institutions in Sharjah get one-week extension to new academic year as authorities prioritise student wellbeing amid scheduling changes
Dubai/UAE — Indian curriculum schools across the UAE are implementing flexible assessment strategies following the Ministry of Education’s decision to reschedule spring break to March 9–22, with several institutions moving select examinations online and others adopting cumulative performance models.
In a further adjustment, Sharjah-based Indian schools will delay the start of their new academic year by one week, now reopening on March 30 instead of the previously scheduled March 23, principals confirmed Thursday.
The timing of the ministry’s announcement coincides with the critical end-of-year examination period for CBSE and CISCE schools, which operate on an April-to-March academic cycle. Education leaders say the revised dates, while requiring logistical adjustments, ultimately align with existing year-end timelines.
“We had requested additional time through SPEA, as year-end closure involves extensive logistical work including result compilation, submission, and parent orientations,” said Dr Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah. “Schools now have limited access until March 9 with no more than 15 staff members on campus. The extension effectively adds just four working days.”
Balancing Assessment Integrity With Student Support
School heads emphasise that maintaining academic credibility while supporting student wellbeing remains their primary focus during the transition.
At GEMS Modern Academy, leadership has communicated clearly with parents about adapted assessment procedures. “The KHDA’s recent meeting with school leaders reaffirmed the UAE’s balanced approach—one that values academic rigour alongside student wellbeing,” said Nargish Khambatta, Principal and CEO of GEMS Modern Academy and EVP at GEMS Education.
“Where assessments remain, schools have flexibility to conduct them online or award cumulative scores based on prior performance, with strong safeguards for authenticity and integrity.”
Smooth Transition in Northern Emirates
In Ajman, school administrators report that the spring break announcement naturally complements the Indian academic calendar. Dr Prema Muralidhar, Principal of The Royal Academy Ajman, noted the dates “effectively align with what Indian curriculum schools recognise as the end-of-year break.”
Her institution swiftly transitioned to online learning mid-assessments. “The shift was executed in the blink of an eye, ensuring continuity through structured revision sessions and smooth examination conduct.” Staggered schedules for remaining assessments aim to maintain “fairness, credibility and academic integrity.”
Bhanu Sharma, Principal of Woodlem Park School Ajman, confirmed institutions are awaiting further clarification on whether all directives apply uniformly to Indian curriculum schools while aligning current plans with official guidance.
United Arab Emirates Dirham Exchange Rate
