As exam season gathers pace across the UAE, UAE CBSE board practical exams in UAE have entered a decisive phase, with affiliated schools conducting practical and preliminary examinations for Classes 10 and 12. Educators say this stage is just as critical as the final written papers, as it plays a key role in shaping student confidence, academic performance, and emotional well-being.
The CBSE board practical exams in the UAE are scheduled to begin on February 17, and schools are focusing on the careful execution of practical assessments. These evaluations significantly contribute to the final results and demand accuracy, fairness, and consistency.
Practical Exams: A Critical Milestone
At the same time, the Central Board of Secondary Education has consistently underlined the importance of practical examinations, urging schools, parents, and students to treat them with seriousness.
At Woodlem Park School in Ajman, Principal Bhanu Sharma said the school put detailed systems in place to ensure assessments run smoothly and without unnecessary pressure.
At the school level, “We finalised practical schedules well in advance to avoid clashes, especially for students preparing for competitive exams such as JEE. All laboratories follow CBSE norms, and Class XII practicals are conducted under the supervision of CBSE-appointed external examiners to maintain transparency and uniformity.”
As per CBSE guidelines, the board has fixed the practical examination window from January 1 to February 14, 2026. All practicals, internal assessments, and project evaluations must be completed within this period.
Beyond Academics: Wellbeing Takes Centre Stage
Across the UAE, schools are placing student well-being at the centre of exam preparation.
At Woodlem Park School, support extends along with academic preparation, instruction. The school introduced the YOU Matter – Help Is Just a Call Away Tele Counselling Helpline, offering confidential emotional and academic guidance. The initiative includes:
As part of this approach,
- Nano meditation practices
- One-on-one and group counselling sessions
- Inclusion and Pastoral Care support
- Daily emotional monitoring through the Upstrive app, which tracks student mood and well-being
As a result, when signs of stress surface, teachers initiate timely pull-out sessions to support students.
“These coordinated academic and well-being measures help ensure examinations take place in a calm, supportive, and student-friendly environment,” Sharma said.
Preparation Beyond Textbooks
For thousands of students, this phase entails early mornings in laboratories, extended revision hours, and the ongoing challenge of balancing academic focus and mental wellness.
To alleviate anxiety, schools are implementing systematic preparation measures.
To ensure alignment, Woodlem Park School’s introduction sessions in January brought together parents, students, and staff. These sessions addressed expectations, evaluation criteria, and exam methods.
In addition, Mock practicals allowed students to simulate exam settings in advance, increasing familiarity and confidence.
“We also conducted wellbeing sessions focused on stress management, mindful eating, and maintaining healthy routines during long study hours,” Sharma told me.
Targeted review programs, doubt-clearing sessions, and simulated tests based on board exam patterns were implemented to improve subject comprehension and time management.
Abu Dhabi Schools Near the Finish Line
In Abu Dhabi, several CBSE schools are close to completing their practical exam schedules.
At Shining Star International School, Principal Abhilasha Singh said preparations began well before the winter break.
“Tomorrow marks our final board practical, and the process has been smooth. Students practised through mock practicals before the holidays and continued revision during the break. Extra classes and past-paper practice helped them feel confident and exam-ready.”
At the same time, Student wellness remained a parallel priority.
“Teachers and counsellors supported students with sessions on healthy coping strategies, from adequate sleep to eating home-cooked meals to stay energised during exam season.”
Looking ahead, A final round of pre-boards will begin on January 19. Teachers will continue one-on-one support for students who need additional help, while others prepare independently for the final exams.
Careful Planning for High-Pressure Schedules
For larger schools managing multiple cohorts and competitive-exam aspirants, logistical planning has become as critical as academic delivery.
At JSS Private School in Dubai, Principal Chitra Sharma said schedules and infrastructure were carefully designed to prevent overlaps and reduce avoidable strain.
By coordinating laboratory usage, examiner availability, and student timetables, schools enable learners to focus on performance rather than administrative confusion or fatigue.
Overall, A Calm Path to Board Exams
Across the UAE, a clear message is emerging. Exam success is no longer measured only in marks. Confidence, emotional balance, and consistent support now define readiness.
As CBSE students move from practicals to pre-boards and then to final examinations, schools are demonstrating that strong systems, deliberate planning, and genuine care can reshape a traditionally stressful season into one of stability and growth.
With the right academic guidance and well-being support in place, thousands of UAE students are entering exam halls with focus, preparation, and belief in their ability to perform.
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