CBSE Alternative Assessment For Grade 12: What UAE Students And Parents Need To Know

(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)

Schools must upload all student marks on CBSE’s online platform between April 6 and April 13 amid exam disruptions due to US–Israel–Iran conflict

By: Nandini Sircar

[Editor’s Note: Follow Khaleej Times live blog amid ** US-Israel-Iran war** for the latest regional developments.]

CBSE-affiliated schools across the UAE are now racing to compile and upload marks for Grade 12 students, most of whom were unable to complete their board examinations due to the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.

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The disruption to exam schedules across West Asia prompted the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to cancel or defer multiple papers, leaving thousands of students in uncertainty during a critical academic phase.

The high-stakes exams - key to university admissions - began on February 17 and were originally scheduled to continue until April 10, 2026.

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With a revised evaluation framework now in place, schools are turning to internal records and past assessments to ensure fair grading, even as the academic calendar remains uncertain.

On March 27, the Indian board issued a detailed circular outlining an alternative assessment scheme for Grade 12 students in the UAE and across the region, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Here’s what UAE parents need to know about the CBSE alternative assessment:

** How will CBSE calculate Class 12 results for students in the UAE?**

CBSE will use a combination of available board exam scores and school-based internal assessments. For students who completed some or all exams, the completed subjects will be marked as usual.

For missing subjects, schools will submit performance data from class tests, pre-boards, and internal assessments. Students who did not sit any exams will have their results entirely based on school performance.

** Why do pre-board exams now matter more than before?**

Pre-board exams have become an important component of the grading system. CBSE will select the highest marks from quarterly, half-yearly, and pre-board exams for subjects with higher theory weightings. For subjects with lower weightings, the final pre-board score serves as the primary reference. This means that consistent effort across all internal assessments can significantly impact the final grade.

Pramod Mahajan, principal of Sharjah Indian School, said,“CBSE has outlined the assessment process for Grade 12 students under the current circumstances… Schools are now required to submit the best scores from these exams. Typically, for Grade 12, schools conduct three internal exams: the quarterly, half-yearly, and pre-board exams. Schools are now required to submit the best scores from these exams.”

** Are practical and internal assessment marks affected?**

No. Marks for practical work, laboratory assessments, projects, and other internal evaluations remain unchanged. They will be directly carried forward into final grades, contributing between 20 per cent and 70 per cent of the total marks depending on the subject. This ensures that students who have consistently performed well internally are recognised.

“When it comes to theory, we’ll look at a student’s past performance in internal exams,” Mahajan explained.“For subjects with higher marks - 80 or 70 - we’ll consider the best scores from quarterly, half-yearly, or pre-board exams. For subjects with 60, 50, or 30 marks, we’ll use the final pre-board results, or earlier pre-board scores if needed. Practical and internal assessment marks already awarded will stay as they are, and the balance between theory and practical will continue as before, following the usual ratios for each subject.”

** What responsibilities do schools have in submitting grades?**

Schools must upload all student marks on CBSE’s online platform between April 6 and April 13, 2026. Detailed records and supporting evidence must be maintained, as CBSE may audit submissions to verify accuracy. Once submitted, marks cannot be amended, so the process relies heavily on schools’ diligence and transparency.

Bhanu Sharma, principal of Woodlem Park School in Ajman, said,“Practical and internal assessment marks have already been completed, with no changes permitted”, adding that students who changed examination centres will be assessed based on the exams they appeared for,“while schools must upload fair and accurate marks and securely store all records, and be prepared for CBSE verification. We are in the process of theory marks calculation now.”

** What happens if a student is unhappy with their calculated result**

Students who do not meet passing criteria will be placed in Compartment or Essential Repeat categories, as in previous years. CBSE plans to conduct supplementary exams in July 2026, allowing students to improve grades or complete missing subjects. There may also be opportunities for students to sit full exams later if feasible, though this will be subject to board approval.

“Photocopy, verification, and re-evaluation are permitted only for subjects where board examinations were conducted,” added Sharma.

** How will this alternative assessment affect university admissions?**

CBSE has emphasised that the new grading process maintains credibility and fairness, ensuring that Class 12 results remain valid for higher education admissions both in India and internationally. Consistent performance throughout the year is now a stronger indicator of a student’s abilities, meaning universities can continue to rely on these grades when evaluating applications.

** How does the current assessment approach compare to the Covid-19 method?**

Overall, educators emphasised that CBSE’s approach appears balanced given the current situation. They point out that, unlike during the Covid-19 pandemic - when exams were cancelled and a broader internal assessment model was used, averaging marks from Classes 9, 10, and 11 to ensure fairness - the board has taken a more tailored route this time. Instead of a one-size-fits-all formula, the current strategy is seen as more responsive to the specific situation students are facing.

Abhilasha Singh, principal, Shining Star International School, said,“Historically, students tend to perform better in the final board exams… We hope the board takes this into account while analysing the marks.”

** Is this assessment model permanent?**

No. CBSE has clarified that this approach is a response to“extraordinary circumstances”, such as exam cancellations in the Gulf due to ongoing war and logistical constraints.

However, educators emphasise that internal assessments and pre-board performance may have long-term lessons for students and parents, highlighting the importance of consistent study habits rather than last-minute exam preparation.

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