UAE students can retake exams remotely in certain cases, ministry clarifies

The UAE Ministry of Education has clarified the circumstances under which students may retake examinations remotely, as well as the measures schools must take when technical issues disrupt centralised electronic tests.According to the ministry, remote exam retakes may be approved for students who are unable to attend in person due to specific circumstances. These include people of determination who cannot physically attend examinations, students undergoing medical treatment inside or outside the UAE, students who are abroad for a valid reason, and minors held in juvenile care centres, Gulf Today reported.The ministry said such arrangements require approval from the school administration in coordination with the General Education Examinations and Assessment Department.The guidance also outlines procedures for handling technical difficulties during examinations. If a student experiences a technical problem or does not have access to a computer required for a centralised electronic exam, the school is responsible for resolving the issue during the examination period and ensuring the student can complete the test.Schools may provide available computer devices or allow students to use school computer laboratories to sit examinations, the ministry said.If technical issues cannot be resolved despite all necessary measures being taken, the student’s details will be recorded for inclusion in the compensatory examination system, allowing them to sit the assessment at a later date.The clarification was issued as part of the ministry’s frequently asked questions guide for students and parents regarding examination procedures and support measures.