Indian schools adjust exam routines for students, staff ahead of Ramadan

School leaders say 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

- Nandini Sircar [e-mail]

With the holy month of 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 Hijri to Gregorian Date Conversion tool, Ramadan is set to begin in mid-February this year. 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.