Resilience in the Face of Adversity: UAE CBSE Students Shine

In a remarkable display of academic resilience, UAE-based students following the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum have secured near-perfect results for Class 12 board examinations in 2026, even though most exams were cancelled due to escalating regional tensions. This achievement not only highlights the dedication of students and educators but also sets the stage for promising pathways into UAE universities and colleges, where these high scores are opening doors to competitive undergraduate programs.

The Central Board of Secondary Education, India's national board overseeing school education, faced unprecedented challenges this year. Starting late February 2026, the US-Iran conflict intensified, leading to missile exchanges and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. CBSE, prioritizing student safety, postponed exams multiple times—on March 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9—before fully cancelling remaining Class 12 papers scheduled from March 16 to April 10 across UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Israel, and Iran.

CBSE's Innovative Alternative Assessment Framework

To ensure no academic year was lost, CBSE swiftly introduced an alternative assessment scheme. For cancelled subjects, final marks were derived from the average of the best three completed theory papers, combined with internal assessments including pre-board exams, projects, practicals, and year-long class tests. A new digital on-screen marking system was implemented, minimizing errors and providing transparency.

This holistic approach rewarded consistent performance throughout the year. Pre-boards, often stricter than board exams, played a pivotal role. Schools uploaded marks between April 6-13 via CBSE's portal, with results declared around May 13, 2026. The framework's fairness has been praised, as it reflected sustained effort without penalizing students for uncontrollable circumstances. Gulf News detailed how this system enabled near-perfect outcomes.

Outstanding School Performances Across the UAE

UAE CBSE schools delivered exceptional results. Indian High School (IHS) Dubai achieved 100% pass rate, with 50% scoring 90%+, 16.7% above 95%, and perfect scores in Mathematics (11 students), AI (63), Business Studies (20), and more. Delhi Private School Dubai also hit 100%, averaging 87.9%, 45.6% above 90%, with 44 perfect scores in various subjects.

Bright Riders School Abu Dhabi saw 45 students score 90%+, averaging 80.71%, perfects in English (10), Math (21). GEMS Our Own Indian School Dubai boasted toppers like Apurva Ranjith (99.8%) and Adithi Pramod (99.6%). Across GEMS' 11 CBSE schools, pass rate was 99.96%, average 85.7%, 35% above 90%.

Other standouts: Credence High School (100% pass, toppers 97.2%), Emirates National School Sharjah (top commerce 97.2%). These feats underscore UAE's robust CBSE ecosystem, home to over 100 schools serving 200,000+ Indian expat students.

Spotlight on UAE's Top CBSE Scorers

Individual brilliance shone through. Science stream leaders: Fatima Saad Dadan (IHS, 99.4%), Deron Lawrance (Bright Riders, 99.4%), Veeva Nilesh Thanki (Credence, 97.2%). Commerce: Joshua Sunny Stanley (IHS, 99.8%), Venu Madhav Mannem (99.8%), Purvika Sharanabasappa (94.2%). Humanities: Haritha Harishkumar (98%).

Students credited year-round consistency. Veeva said, "I prepared throughout because internals matter." Apurva noted pre-boards' rigor prepared them well. Principals like Punit MK Vasu (IHS) lauded CBSE's equitable policy for university readiness.

Photo by James Yarema on Unsplash

Gateway to UAE Universities: Seamless CBSE Recognition

These stellar scores position students ideally for UAE's higher education landscape. All major UAE universities accept CBSE Class 12 certificates for bachelor admissions, often requiring UAE Ministry of Education (MOE) equivalency. No need for additional bridging for most; direct entry based on percentages.

Popular destinations for CBSE graduates include American University of Sharjah (AUS), University of Sharjah (UOS), UAE University (UAEU), Khalifa University (KU), NYU Abu Dhabi, Zayed University, American University in Dubai (AUD), Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, and BITS Pilani Dubai Campus. Indian expats favor these for proximity, multicultural environments, and strong ROI.

Admission Requirements at Premier UAE Institutions

Requirements vary by program. UAEU demands 80% in Math + two sciences for Pharmacy/Engineering, 70% for Law. University of Sharjah: 70-95% minimum (95% Medicine), Scientific track for STEM. Khalifa University: Competitive, EmSAT tests, 80%+ aggregates. AUS/NYUAD: Holistic—GPA 3.0+ (80-85%), essays, extracurriculars; tests optional 2026.

English proficiency (IELTS 5.5-6.5/TOEFL) mandatory unless waived. Applications year-round, but fall intake deadlines May-August. Conditional offers common for pending re-evals. University of Sharjah outlines CBSE specifics.

• STEM Programs: 80-90% in core subjects (Math, Physics, Chemistry/Biology).
• Business/Law: 70-80% overall.
• Medicine: 90-95% + entrance tests.

Scholarships and Financial Aid Opportunities

High CBSE scorers access generous scholarships. MOE scholarships cover tuition for top Emiratis/expats. UAEU/KU offer merit-based up to 100%. AUS provides AED 50,000+ annually for 90%+. Private unis like AUD/Heriot-Watt: 20-50% reductions for 85%+.

Deadlines align with results; apply via portals. Career counseling at schools aids applications.

Student Pathways: From CBSE to UAE Campuses

Top scorers eye diverse programs. Deron Lawrance targets engineering at KU; Apurva psychology at Middlesex Dubai. Many opt UAE unis for family proximity, avoiding India/US visa hassles amid tensions. Symbiosis Dubai, Heriot-Watt host open days May 16.

Foundation programs bridge gaps; high scorers enter Year 1/2 directly. Schools' webinars guide visas, portfolios for creative fields.

Photo by Fajar Herlambang STUDIO on Unsplash

Broader Impact on UAE Higher Education Landscape

This cohort strengthens UAE's higher ed diversity. Indian students comprise 20-30% at top unis, boosting innovation in STEM/business. Amid global disruptions, UAE's stable environment attracts talent. Unis adapt with flexible admissions, EmSAT/equivalency streamlined.

Challenges: Competitive seats; English proficiency. Solutions: Bridge courses, counseling. Khaleej Times covers next steps.

Future Outlook: Building on Success

As UAE invests in higher ed (AED 10B+ annually), CBSE students will thrive. Focus shifts to skills like AI, sustainability—aligning with UAE Vision 2031. With near-perfect foundations, this generation promises to excel, contributing to UAE's knowledge economy.

Parents/students: Prioritize holistic growth; unis value extracurriculars. UAE's welcoming policies ensure bright futures.