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. The Ministry of Education has announced a new policy that counts unexcused absences between November 10 and 19 as double, aiming to ensure student discipline and readiness before exams begin.
According to the ministry’s attendance and absence procedural guide, one unexcused day of absence during this period will be recorded as two. This stricter approach could affect students’ eligibility to meet the minimum attendance requirements for passing their courses.
In previous academic terms, schools applied the double-absence rule only on Fridays, a day often associated with increased absenteeism. However, this term, the policy will extend to all weekdays leading up to the exams.
Education officials explained that the expanded policy seeks to prevent last-minute absenteeism and encourage consistent participation in lessons during the crucial pre-exam period.
The central examinations for the first semester are scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 4, 2025. To accommodate UAE National Day celebrations, students will sit for exams until November 27, after which they will enjoy a six-day break, including the weekend. Exams will resume on December 4, marking the final day of the term assessments.
In preparation for the exams, schools have urged students and parents to check the functionality of their electronic devices, particularly those used for online assessments. Schools emphasized the importance of early inspection, advising families to report any technical issues to the school’s technical support unit well in advance.
“Students depend heavily on technology for assessments, so ensuring that devices are in good working order is critical,” one school administrator noted. “We want to avoid any last-minute disruptions during exams.”
Schools have also reminded parents that repair costs for broken screens, damaged devices, or liquid spills will be their responsibility. The same applies to the replacement of lost chargers or accessories.
To maintain a secure and reliable testing environment, institutions are also encouraging families to download the ministry-approved secure browsers on students’ personal devices. These browsers are designed to restrict access to unauthorized applications and websites during examinations, ensuring academic integrity in online testing.
Education officials believe the dual focus on attendance and technical readiness will help improve student performance and minimize disruptions during the exam period. They also noted that maintaining high attendance rates is essential for effective learning outcomes, particularly in the final stretch of the semester.
The Ministry of Education continues to stress the importance of parental cooperation in reinforcing these policies at home. With final exams approaching, both students and parents are urged to prioritize attendance, discipline, and proper preparation to ensure a smooth and successful conclusion to the first term.