CBSE Global set to transform Indian schools in the UAE with international focus and flexibility
A quiet revolution is reshaping Indian education abroad — and it begins in the UAE. The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to launch CBSE Global, a dedicated curriculum tailored for schools outside India.
Designed to align with international education standards while preserving the Indian academic spirit, CBSE Global will debut in 2026–27. It will include new syllabi, textbooks, assessment models, and teacher training programs. The initiative follows the establishment of CBSE’s Regional Office and Centre of Excellence in Dubai, a first for the Gulf region.
“CBSE Global is not just a syllabus—it’s a complete framework for overseas schools,” said CBSE Director (Academics) Dr. Joseph Emmanuel. The model introduces competency-based exams, where 50% of papers focus on application and reasoning, and allows two Class 10 board exam windows annually from 2026, reducing pressure on students.
The board also plans to pilot open-book assessments for Class 9 to promote real-world thinking, alongside a Holistic Progress Card that measures skills beyond academics
Education experts call this the most significant upgrade in Indian international schooling in decades. For parents, it signals assurance that CBSE understands the UAE’s education ecosystem; for teachers, it brings official recognition and development pathways within reach.
“CBSE Global represents an inclusive, forward-looking approach,” said India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. “It’s about flexibility, confidence, and joyful learning.”
