No exams for UAE IB students, alternative grading system set
In a significant shift for the current exam cycle, International Baccalaureate (IB) students across the UAE will not sit their final examinations this year, following the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict.
Parents across IB schools in the country were informed of the decision through emails sent on Monday evening, marking a major change in how students will be assessed.
In a circular sent by one of the IB schools, it was stated that, “Following discussions with the Ministry of Education, the government has decided that IB Diploma and Career-related Programme students will not sit IB examinations and will instead be awarded results using the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM).”
The notification also clarified that instead, students enrolled in the IB Diploma and Career-related Programme will be assessed through an alternative grading system.
The decision has been taken to prioritise student safety and ensure continuity in education amid ongoing uncertainties. The move echoes contingency approaches adopted globally during past disruptions, offering students a pathway to progress without the need for traditional exam settings.
Under the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM), students will be awarded final grades based on a combination of internal assessments, coursework, and other academic evidence. The system is designed to maintain academic standards while reducing pressure on students during an already challenging period.
The International Baccalaureate Organisation has said it will communicate directly with universities worldwide to ensure clarity on the NECM approach in the Middle East.
Officials remain confident that the grades awarded through this system will be recognised and accepted by the vast majority of higher education institutions globally.
Schools in the UAE are meanwhile continuing lessons as normal, with a renewed focus on completing Internal Assessments (IAs), which will play a critical role in determining final outcomes.
Further details on how grades will be calculated are expected to be shared with students and parents in the coming weeks.
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