Indian education board opens new curriculum office in Dubai

India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has launched its first regional office outside India in Dubai.

The office will be located within the Consulate General of India in Umm Hurair and will officially begin operations in the 2024-25 academic year. It is set to work in close cooperation with the country’s Indian mission.

This regional office and Centre of Excellence will serve not only schools in the UAE but also all foreign schools affiliated with the CBSE curriculum. It is set to ease administrative and logistical processes such as distributing exam question papers, setting up practical exams and registering new students.

"This office will enable the Board to be more responsive to the specific needs of schools and students in the region, such as easing the process of affiliation, supporting the implementation of newer policies, teacher training, skill development courses, etc," said GEMS Our Own Indian School's Principal Lalitha Suresh.

"This will surely bridge any gaps in time or communication between the Board and the affiliated schools. The conduct and the distribution of tasks for the Board examinations and the practical examinations will also be monitored and effectively implemented."

The office will also offer training for teachers and other school staff.

As of 2024, more than 100 CBSE schools operate in the UAE, primarily catering to the country's large Indian expatriate community. These schools also attract students from other South Asian countries, such as Pakistan and Bangladesh, as well as some from the MENA region.

The establishment of the Dubai office was first announced by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an official visit to the UAE on February 13.