UAE Cancels Second-Term Exams for 2025-2026 Academic Year: A Major Shift in Student Evaluation
The UAE’s education sector has once again taken a bold and progressive step towards revamping the way students are assessed in schools. The UAE has cancelled second-term exams for the 2025-2026 academic year—in what is being touted as an unprecedented and student-friendly decision. The announcement by the UAE Ministry of Education comes just ahead of the new academic year that begins on August 25. As per this decision, students from fifth grade onwards will no longer have to take traditional second-term exams. Instead, they will now be assessed through a continuous assessment model that will run throughout the academic year.
Why did the Ministry cancel second-term exams?
The Ministry has clarified that the primary goal behind this reform is to reduce stress among students and modernise the assessment process. For years, students and parents in the UAE have been accustomed to the pressure that mid-year and final exams bring. By cancelling the second-term exams, the Ministry aims to take away one of the biggest stress factors in students’ lives.
This reform also reflects a global trend where educational systems are moving away from exam-centric evaluations and adopting a more holistic approach. Continuous assessment allows teachers to measure a student’s performance, skills, and learning progress in real-time rather than in a high-pressure, single-exam situation.
Students to be evaluated throughout the year
One of the biggest highlights of this announcement is the Ministry’s plan to evaluate students throughout the year. Instead of relying on one set of exams, schools will now use multiple methods such as projects, assignments, class participation, practical applications, quizzes, and regular tests to gauge performance.
This model provides several benefits:
- Fairer Assessment – Students who may not perform well under pressure during exams will now have multiple chances to showcase their knowledge.
- Focus on Learning, Not Memorisation – Traditional exams often encourage rote learning. Continuous assessment, however, encourages understanding, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
- Skill Development – The new system aligns with modern educational philosophies, which emphasize communication skills, teamwork, and real-world application of knowledge.
A modern approach to education in the UAE
The UAE has always been a pioneer in adopting visionary educational reforms. Over the past few years, the country has continuously implemented new teaching techniques, smart classrooms, AI-powered tools, and student-centric policies. The cancellation of second term exams for the 2025-2026 academic year is in line with this vision.
By focusing on continuous evaluation, the Ministry of Education ensures that schools prepare students not just for exams, but for life beyond the classroom. This system mirrors professional environments where individuals are judged on consistent performance rather than a single test.
Impact on students and parents
For students, this decision means less exam anxiety and more opportunities to focus on real learning. Many young students struggle with exam pressure, and their true potential is often suppressed due to stress. With this new model, they can express themselves in different ways, whether through presentations, projects or teamwork-based tasks.
On the other hand, parents can expect a more balanced learning journey for their children. Instead of forcing them to memorize answers for a single exam, they will now support them in developing critical thinking and long-term learning habits.
Teachers’ role in the new evaluation system
This change puts teachers at the center of the assessment process. Teachers will now have to keep a close eye on students throughout the year. They will be responsible for recording progress, providing feedback, and ensuring that each student is assessed fairly. This not only increases responsibility, but also provides individual guidance to teachers, which helps students improve step by step.
Global perspective
Many countries around the world have already begun moving away from exam-dominated education systems. For example, Finland’s education model places less emphasis on exams and more on creative learning. Similarly, countries such as Canada and Australia place greater importance on projects and year-round assessment. By cancelling the second term exams, the UAE is aligning itself with these global best practices, ensuring that its education system remains competitive and future-ready.
Benefits of continuous evaluation
- Reduces exam stress: Students will not feel the burden of preparing for one big test.
- Encourages creativity: Assignments and projects allow more creative expression.
- Promotes consistent effort: Students will have to stay engaged throughout the year.
- Helps identify strengths and weaknesses early: Teachers can guide students better if they see ongoing performance.
- Prepares for real-life challenges: In the workplace, consistent performance matters more than one-time results, and this system prepares students for that.
Challenges ahead
Although the decision has been widely applauded, it also comes with some challenges. Schools will have to adapt quickly, create new grading rubrics, and train teachers in continuous assessment techniques. In addition, parents will have to understand that their child’s grades will now depend on consistent performance, not just exams.
However, given the UAE’s strong commitment to educational excellence, it is expected that these challenges will be addressed effectively.
A New Era of Education in UAE
The UAE’s announcement to cancel second term exams for the 2025-2026 academic year marks a turning point in the country’s education system. By focusing on continuous assessment, the UAE is not only reducing student stress but also paving the way for a more modern, practical and fair method of assessment.
This bold move reflects the UAE Ministry of Education’s vision for the future—an education system that values knowledge, creativity and skill development over rote learning. With the new academic year starting on August 25, both students and teachers will step into a redefined learning environment that truly prioritises growth over grades.
In the long run, this reform could become a source of inspiration for other countries looking to bring meaningful change to their education systems. For now, it is clear that the UAE continues to set the standard for innovation in education, ensuring that its students are not just test takers, but lifelong learners ready for a global future.
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