Ministry of Education on Wednesday moved spring break from March 9–22
Some Indian curriculum schools in the UAE have shifted select assessments online, while others are factoring in students’ cumulative performance, principals have said.
Meanwhile, Sharjah has deferred the start of its new academic year by a week. Schools that were scheduled to reopen on Monday, 23 March will now resume on Monday, 30 March, Indian school heads in the emirate confirmed on Thursday.
Unlike most other curricula, Indian schools in the conclude their academic year after completing Term 3 examinations, with the new session beginning in April.
Following the UAE Ministry of Education’s decision to move spring break to March 9–22, several Indian schools indicated that the revised dates align closely with their year-end schedule, easing concerns around disruptions.
For staff and students in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) and CISCE (Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations) schools, this period represents more than a holiday — it signals the culmination of months of preparation and final evaluations.
Dr Arogya Reddy, Principal of Ambassador School Sharjah, said, “All school principals had requested SPEA to grant us some additional time, as the end of the academic year involves extensive logistical work such as result compilation, result submission and parent orientations. These processes require careful planning and time. We also have the Eid break in between. From Monday, March 9, schools have at least been given limited access, with no more than 15 staff members allowed on campus. So, the extension is only by a week, and in Sharjah, since we are off on Friday, it has effectively been readjusted to just four additional days.”
School leaders say their priority remains balancing academic integrity with student wellbeing during this transitional phase.
At GEMS Modern Academy, the message to parents and students has been one of reassurance and clarity.
The Principal, CEO, Gems Modern Academy & EVP, Education, Gems Education, said, “The recent meeting convened by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) with school leaders reaffirmed the UAE’s balanced approach to education, one that values academic rigour alongside student wellbeing.”
With many CBSE and CISCE schools nearing the end of their academic cycle, flexibility has been key. Some assessments have moved online, while others may be calculated based on cumulative performance.
“Where some assessments remain, schools have been given the flexibility to either conduct them online or award cumulative scores based on prior performance, with strong safeguards for authenticity and integrity,” she added.
For families navigating shifting schedules, that adaptability has provided comfort. As she emphasised, “Ultimately, the UAE’s education vision reminds us that true student success rests on both achievement and wellbeing.”
In Ajman, schools say the Ministry’s spring break announcement aligns naturally with the Indian academic calendar.
Dr Prema Muralidhar, Principal of The Royal Academy Ajman, noted that the dates “effectively align with what Indian curriculum schools recognise as the end-of-year break.”
She explained that CBSE schools follow an April-to-March cycle, meaning this phase “marks the culmination of the current academic year while institutions simultaneously prepare for the upcoming session from April 2026 to March 2027.”
At her school, students were midway through their summative assessments when learning briefly shifted online. “The shift to online mode was executed in the blink of an eye, ensuring continuity through structured revision sessions and the smooth conduct of examinations,” she said.
While a few assessments remain, staggered schedules have been arranged to maintain “fairness, credibility and academic integrity,” enabling students to finish “on a confident and positive note.”
Bhanu Sharma, Principal of Woodlem Park School Ajman, said schools are aligning with official directives. “Following the announcement by the UAE Ministry of Education that spring break for all public and private schools will run from 9 March to 22 March, Indian curriculum schools affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are aligning their plans in accordance with the directives issued by the authorities and we will wait to hear from them if it’s applicable to Indian curriculum schools.”
© Khaleej Times
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