UAE First-Term Final Exam Schedule 2025–2026 Announced – Check Full Details
The UAE Ministry of Education has officially released the first-term final exam schedule for the 2025–2026 academic year. The new schedule applies to grades 3 through 12 in both public and private schools that follow the Ministry’s national curriculum.
This update provides clarity for students, parents, and teachers across the Emirates, ensuring smooth exam preparation and standardized assessment procedures.
UAE Final Exam Schedule 2025–2026
According to the Ministry, Group A subjects (core academic disciplines) will begin on Thursday, November 20, 2025, and continue until Thursday, December 4, 2025.
Meanwhile, schools must complete assessments and record marks for Group B subjects (non-core and activity-based disciplines) by November 14, 2025.
There will be an official break during the Eid Al Etihad celebrations, after which exams will resume as per the announced timetable.
Exam Format and Key Guidelines
The Ministry of Education has issued detailed guidelines to ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency in the first-term exams. These include instructions on exam format, calculator use, supervision, and electronic device policies.
For Grades 3–5:
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Students in grades 3 and 4 will take paper-based exams in person.
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Grade 5 students across all streams will also sit for paper-based exams.
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Teachers cannot read out exam questions, except for grade 3, where reading the question (not the answer) is permitted.
For Grades 6–12:
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Exams may be either paper-based or electronic, depending on the subject and academic track.
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Students must bring their own laptops for online exams.
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All assessments will be conducted under strict supervision by the School Operations Department.
Special Instructions for Grade 12 Students
Grade 12 exams hold special significance as they determine university eligibility. The Ministry confirmed that:
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English Language exams will be conducted electronically.
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Students in general, advanced, elite, and applied tracks will start their exams on November 20.
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All exams will be held in public school facilities, even for private school students, under direct ministry supervision.
Subject-Wise Exam Schedule for Grade 12:
| Date | Subject | Track |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 20 | Physics / Applied Science | All Tracks |
| Nov 21 | Chemistry / Applied Mathematics | All Tracks |
| Nov 24 | Mathematics | General, Advanced, Elite, Applied |
| Nov 25 | English Language | All Tracks |
| Nov 27–30 | Arabic, Islamic Education | All Tracks |
| Dec 4 | Social Studies (Final Exam) | All Tracks |
💡 Note: During the Chemistry Exam, schools must provide printed copies of the periodic table. However, Elite Track students must use the electronic version on the Swift Assess platform through the Ministry’s Education Media Portal.
Calculator Use Policy
The Ministry has implemented strict calculator regulations to maintain fairness across all streams.
Calculator Rules by Subject & Track:
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Science Subjects (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Health Sciences):
Grades 6–12 may use scientific calculators in all tracks. -
Mathematics:
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General & Advanced Tracks: No calculators for grades 6–9, allowed for grades 10–12.
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Elite Track: Both scientific and graphical calculators allowed.
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Applied Track: Only graphical calculators permitted.
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These rules aim to balance exam integrity with practical learning tools in technical subjects.
Restrictions on Electronic Devices
To ensure exam security, the Ministry has banned all unauthorized electronic gadgets, including smartphones, smartwatches, and tablets.
Only approved laptops and calculators may be used, under strict monitoring by invigilators.
Violations of these policies will result in disciplinary action in accordance with UAE’s education regulations.
Oversight and Administration
All exams will be held under the direct supervision of the School Operations Department, ensuring standardized assessment practices across the country.
Each school is required to:
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Follow ministry-issued exam formats without modification.
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Ensure proper invigilation during tests.
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Submit results promptly to the Ministry’s central grading portal.
The Ministry emphasized that no school is allowed to alter exam dates or formats without prior approval.
Objective of the New Schedule
The updated timetable and exam structure reflect the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to:
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Strengthen academic consistency across public and private institutions.
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Enhance digital examination systems for higher grades.
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Maintain exam transparency and fairness across all Emirates.
“The UAE is committed to preparing students for global competitiveness through standardized, secure, and modern assessments,”
said an official from the Ministry of Education.
Final Words
The UAE Ministry of Education’s First-Term Exam Schedule 2025–2026 is designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and academic excellence across all schools.
From November 20 to December 4, thousands of students from grades 3 to 12 will sit for their final exams under a unified system combining traditional and digital methods.
Parents and students are advised to check the official Ministry of Education website for any last-minute updates, guidelines, or schedule revisions.
🌐 Official Source: https://www.moe.gov.ae
