As board exam season gathers pace, CBSE-affiliated schools across the UAE are deep into conducting practical and preliminary examinations for Classes 10 and 12 — a phase many educators describe as just as critical as the final written papers themselves.
The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has repeatedly highlighted the weight of practical examinations in the final results, cautioning schools, students and parents to approach them with “utmost seriousness”.
The board fixed the practical exam window from January 1 to February 14, 2026, within which all practicals, internal assessments and project evaluations must be completed.
For thousands of students in the UAE, this period has meant early mornings in laboratories, revision after school hours and a careful balancing act between academic preparation and emotional wellbeing.
To understand how schools are navigating this intense stretch, Khaleej Times spoke to principals across the country.
At Woodlem Park School in Ajman, the focus has been on preparation, clarity and reducing anxiety — well before students stepped into exam halls.
Principal Bhanu Sharma said the school began by aligning parents, students and teachers through structured orientation and practice.
“To ensure the fair, smooth, and stress-free conduct of practical and pre-board examinations, the school has taken several proactive measures. A parent and student orientation was conducted on January to apprise all stakeholders about the preparation, assessment criteria, and execution of the practical and pre-board examinations.
In addition, mock practicals were conducted to provide students with first-hand examination experience, helping them build confidence and familiarity with procedures.”
Standardised assessment practices are being followed, and teachers have been briefed to ensure transparency and uniformity.
She added, “Students, parents and staff attended wellbeing session with main focus on stress management during exams, mindful eating and following healthy regimes during long sitting hours of exam preparation conducted by certified trained professional.”
The emphasis, Sharma explained, has been not just on syllabus completion but on readiness — academic and emotional — as students move closer to the main board exams.
“We have implemented targeted revision plans, doubt-clearing sessions, and focused practice based on exam patterns to help students consolidate key concepts. Mock tests and pre-board analyses are being used to familiarise students with time management and question formats.
Equally important, we are supporting students’ emotional well-being through regular mentoring, counselling support, and reassurance from teachers. Parents are kept informed so that school and home work together during this crucial phase. Our aim is to ensure that every child enters the Board examinations confident, well-prepared, and stress-free.”
In Abu Dhabi, some schools are nearing the end of their practical exam schedules. At Shining Star International School, Principal Abhilasha Singh said preparation began well before winter vacation, giving students ample time to practise and settle nerves.
“Tomorrow marks our final board practical, and the process has gone smoothly so far. Students were well prepared, having gone through mock practicals before the winter break and continued practising during the holidays. Extra classes were held, along with past-paper practice, to ensure they felt confident and ready.
Alongside academics, we focused strongly on student wellbeing. Teachers and counsellors were on hand to help manage stress, with sessions on healthy coping strategies and practical advice — from getting enough sleep to eating home-cooked meals to stay well during exam season.”
Singh added that teacher availability and follow-up support have been key during this period, especially as schools transition from practicals to pre-boards.
“A final round of pre-boards will be held from January 19. Our teachers have been available almost round the clock, showing real commitment to supporting their students. After the pre-boards, those who need extra help will continue coming to school for one-on-one support to clear doubts, while others will be given time off to prepare independently for the final exams.”
For larger schools managing multiple cohorts and competitive exam aspirants, logistical planning has been just as important as academic rigour.
At JSS Private School, Dubai, Principal, Chitra Sharma said schedules and infrastructure were carefully designed to prevent clashes and unnecessary stress.
“With the CBSE Board Examinations commencing from February 17, we have implemented thoughtfully planned measures to ensure the fair, smooth, and stress-free conduct of practical examinations. Practical schedules are finalised and communicated well in advance to prevent overlaps, particularly for students appearing for multiple assessments, including those concurrently preparing for competitive examinations such as JEE. All laboratories and examination venues are prepared in accordance with CBSE norms, with Class XII practicals conducted under the supervision of CBSE-appointed external examiners to ensure transparency and uniformity.”
Beyond exam halls and labs, Sharma said student wellbeing has been placed firmly at the centre of the process.
“Reaffirming our commitment to student well-being, the school has introduced the ‘YOU Matter – Help Is Just a Call Away’ Tele Counselling Helpline (offering confidential emotional and academic support), complemented by regular nano meditation practices, one-on-one and group support sessions with Inclusion and Pastoral Care (IPC) teachers, and continuous emotional monitoring through the Upstrive app, which tracks students’ daily mood and well-being. Where indicators of stress are identified, teachers conduct timely pull-out support sessions. Through these coordinated academic and well-being measures, we ensure that examinations are conducted in a calm, supportive, and student-friendly environment.”
© Khaleej Times
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