Policy extended from November 10 to 19 to boost discipline and exam readiness
By Staff Reporter
Public schools across the UAE are tightening attendance rules as they prepare for the end-of-first-term exams for the 2025–2026 academic year. From November 10 to 19, schools will implement a double-absence policy, under which each unexcused day of absence will count as two, in accordance with the Ministry of Education’s attendance and absence procedural guide.
Previously, this rule applied only to Fridays, but the Ministry has now extended it to all weekdays leading up to the exams to encourage discipline, focus, and academic readiness among students.
School officials have cautioned that the new rule could impact students’ eligibility to meet passing requirements if they accumulate multiple unexcused absences.
The central examinations for the first semester are scheduled from November 20 to December 4, 2025. In recognition of UAE National Day celebrations, exams will pause after November 27, giving students a six-day break—including the weekend—before resuming on December 4.
During this preparatory phase, schools are also conducting several initiatives to enhance learning outcomes, including:
“Together with the Structure” Initiative
“Success Initiative”
“Digital Empowerment Initiative”
These programmes aim to foster independent learning, creativity, and innovation, aligning with the Ministry’s goal to develop a disciplined and future-ready generation.
In addition, schools have reminded students and parents to check electronic devices used for online assessments. Any faulty devices should be submitted early to the school’s technical support unit for repair.
Parents will be responsible for repair costs related to broken screens, damaged devices, or liquid spills, as well as the replacement of lost chargers. To ensure secure testing, schools have also provided official download links for secure browsers required during online exams.
As the exam season approaches, school administrations are urging families to prioritise attendance, preparation, and readiness—key steps toward academic success and excellence.
