On 30 October 2025, the UAE Ministry of Education confirmed the first-term examination schedule for Grades 3 to 12, establishing a unified timetable for MoE-curriculum schools across the country. The announcement provides long-awaited clarity for families, pupils and school administrators as they prepare for the academic year’s first major assessment period, beginning in early November.
First-term exam schedule across UAE schools
The Ministry confirmed that written examinations for Grades 5 to 12 will begin on 6 November, while Grades 3 and 4 will sit internal, school-based assessments during the same period. The examinations apply to schools following the Ministry of Education curriculum, and the Ministry’s circular advises private schools following alternative curricula to refer to their respective regulators for parallel guidance.A Ministry statement accompanying the circular noted, “The unified examination schedule will enhance alignment and ensure all students are assessed with fairness and clarity
.”
The core written exams, covering major academic disciplines known as Group A subjects (like Mathematics, Science, and Languages), are scheduled to run for two weeks. It’s important to note that the schedule includes a necessary break for a major national celebration.
- Written Exam Start Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025.
- Written Exam End Date: Thursday, December 4, 2025.
- Assessment Deadline for Other Subjects: All assessment records for Group B subjects must be completed and submitted by schools by November 14, 2025, one week before the written exams begin.
- The National Day Pause: The examination period will include a scheduled break during the Eid Al Etihad (National Day) celebrations (December 2 and 3).
Exam rules and student conduct guidelines
The Ministry also issued guidance for schools and pupils, emphasising adherence to examination protocols. Pupils are required to attend exams in full school uniform, report on time, and carry only approved materials. Mobile phones, smartwatches and digital devices are strictly prohibited in exam halls. Any breach will be recorded as a disciplinary violation in accordance with federal school regulations.Schools must ensure that examination papers reflect the approved curriculum and learning outcomes for each grade level. The Ministry highlighted that assessments should measure comprehension, application and skills rather than rote memorisation. Invigilators are instructed to maintain clear seating arrangements, uphold exam integrity and report irregularities immediately.For younger pupils in Grades 3 and 4, assessments will be school-based but must follow the Ministry’s evaluation framework, with teachers required to record results electronically within the specified timeline.
Exam formats and device requirements
Not all exams are the same! Your child’s grade level determines whether they use paper or a laptop:
- Paper-Based Exams Only: Students in Grade 3 and Grade 4, as well as all Grade 5 students across all educational tracks, will complete all their exams on paper.
- Paper or Electronic: Exams for students in Grades 6 through 12 will be either paper-based or electronic, depending on the specific subject and educational track.
- Crucial Digital Requirement: The Grade 12 English language exam will be conducted electronically. For all digital assessments, students must bring their own personal laptops to the examination halls.
Where to check official exam updates
Parents and pupils have been advised to monitor official channels for any future circulars or clarifications. The Ministry will issue further instructions should there be changes to exam procedures or assessment formats.Accurate information can be found through:
- Official Ministry of Education announcements
- School-issued circulars via approved communication platforms
- UAE government education portals
- Verified reporting by national media outlets
The Ministry cautioned families against relying on unverified social media posts or informal shared timetables. The first-term examinations begin a cycle that will shape student progression for the year, and this unified structure offers a clear path through the academic calendar for UAE school communities.
