With Ramadan expected to begin in mid-February, Indian schools across the UAE are responding in varied ways to final examinations — from modifying study schedules during school hours to spreading teacher tasks such as paper correction over multiple shorter sessions.

School leaders pointed out that the key lies in preparing nearly a year in advance, aligning UAE academic calendars with the shifting Islamic lunar cycle, and ensuring that exams respect both academic requirements and the realities of fasting, altered routines and reduced school hours during the holy month.

According to Dubai’s Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department (IACAD) Hijri to Gregorian Date Conversion tool, Ramadan is set to begin in mid-February this year.

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Since the Islamic calendar is based on lunar cycles and is around 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Muslim holidays and observances move earlier each year.

For many parents, especially those with children preparing for board or promotion exams, the question is not just about dates on a calendar, but about energy levels, revision time, and emotional readiness during a month marked by fasting and altered routines.

Early planning is key

Schools emphasised that the answer lies in planning almost a year ahead — and sticking to it.

At Springdales School Dubai, the focus has been on adjusting the school day — rather than the exam calendar — to reflect Ramadan timings. Principal David Jones said the school has ensured that exam schedules respect both academic needs and the spirit of the holy month.

“Springdales School will not be moving the final examination schedule this year, for the following reasons:

• We have ensured school aligns with the Ramadan school timings (starting February 18 or 19, 2026), with the school day, concluding at 12 noon. This will be the case, even during the examinations.

• The examination schedule dates do not clash with the Eid break. The exams are scheduled between February 16 and March 11, 2026, while Eid is predicted to be on March 19 or 20, 2026.

• To support students during Ramadan, the revision schedule, will take place in school, giving the fasting students ample rest at home. Our aim is to fully support Islamic values while maintaining strong academic integrity.”

At Gems Our Own Indian School, principal and CEO Lalitha Suresh said examination schedules are finalised long before Ramadan draws near, leaving little room — or need — for changes.

Emphasising the importance of predictability for students and families, she explained how the academic calendar is designed to support learning, not disrupt it.

“Our examination schedules are meticulously planned and prepared well in advance, typically a year ahead. Once these dates are finalised and approved by the KHDA, they are printed in the school diary for everyone's reference. Additionally, we ensure that there are preparatory days between examination days to allow our students ample time to revise and thoroughly understand the content.

“Given this well-thought-out structure, we have decided not to make any changes to our examination schedules for this year,” added Suresh.

Different operational demands during Ramadan

For institutions, however, the impact of Ramadan is not limited to classroom hours or exam halls. Behind the scenes, administrative and academic teams also work within compressed schedules, particularly during result preparation.

At Woodlem Park School in Ajman, principal Bhanu Sharma said that while exam dates remain unchanged, the operational demands of Ramadan require flexibility and thoughtful planning.

“For the final examination, no amendments were made to the academic plan or examination schedule. The examination dates shared with parents at the beginning of the academic year 2025–26 remain unchanged, as the planning was done very carefully and well in advance, keeping the tentative Ramadan dates in mind."

"However, the shortened working hours during Ramadan result in compressed timelines for paper correction, data entry, and result analysis. Tasks that would normally be completed in a full working day therefore need to be spread across multiple shorter sessions. Ramadan does not compromise the quality of paper correction or result preparation; rather, it calls for smarter scheduling, flexibility, and empathy.”