From prayer sessions to traffic planning, schools in the Emirates ensured smooth first day of CBSE exams as students appear math paper
Thousands of Indian school students in the UAE and in several other parts of the world took their first CBSE exams on Tuesday. Grade 10 students appeared for their Math exam, which is the first since the system’s assessment method was significantly changed.
“It was a fairly easy exam for my son,” said Dubai parent Lekha Justin. “He was very tense, but after the exam, he felt quite satisfied. He said it was much easier than his mock exams, and he was able to answer every question.”
Starting in 2026, CBSE students can take an exam twice in the same academic year if they want to improve their grades. The first exams in February are mandatory, while the second set in May is optional. Previously, board exams were held in March, and students had only one chance to take them. “The good thing about finishing exams early is that students get a chance to relax and destress before starting Grade 11,” said Lekha.
Educators took steps to ease their students’ nerves. “I called my students to wish them the very best,” said Abhilasha Singh, Principal at Shining Star International School. “I advised them to give their best and not worry about anything else. The children also sounded excited and happy.”
At Gems New Millennium School, everything ran like clockwork with all hands-on-deck, from various departments including transport, logistics and our staff, according to Principal Fatima Martin. “We spent time planning for the exams- be it traffic coordination, provision for student of determination or those with medical issues to ensure a seamless process,” she said.
She added that board exams usually make students nervous, and the school had done all it could to help. “This morning, there was a great sense of purpose and calm as our students embarked towards their exam centre,” she said.
Bhanu Sharma, Principal of Woodlem Park School in Ajman, said that as per routine, she did a short prayer session before her students left for the exam to help them stay focused and reduce anxiety. “I often tell them that this exam is important, but it is not everything,” she said. “In five years, what will matter more than a percentage is their resilience, work ethic, and how they handled challenges. A calm, steady mind performs better than one overwhelmed by pressure.”
As students settled into the new exam rhythm, CBSE also clarified a key rule. On Monday, the board announced that appearing in the first Class 10 examination is compulsory for all students, and those who miss three or more subjects in the first exam will be ineligible to appear in the second examination.
Meanwhile, other parents said that their students were preparing for their upcoming board examinations. Nisha Sreejith’s daughter will appear for her Grade 12 Physics exam on Friday. “A lot has changed in the way students prepare for their exams,” she said. “My daughter has been studying using live YouTube sessions where a presenter solves exam papers, among other tools.”
She said she has been helping her daughter stay calm and focused on the exams, not get stressed.
© Khaleej Times
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