Non-exam grades for UAE Diploma and Career-related Programme students in the May 2026 session.
Dubai: UAE schools have informed Grade 12 students that this year’s IB final examinations will be canceled, with results to be awarded through a special contingency arrangement.
Circulars issued by Dubai IB schools confirmed that the International Baccalaureate Organisation will not hold the May 2026 examinations for students enrolled in the IB Diploma Programme (DP) and Career-related Programme (CP) in the UAE.
“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 receive results through the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM),” stated multiple circulars seen by Gulf News.
Some schools noted that Adrian Kearney, IB World Schools Director, had approved the measure: “The IB Executive Team has given permission for the use of the Non-Exam Contingency Measure (NECM) for the DP/CP May 2026 examination session,” the announcement said.
How grades will be determined
The NECM is not new to the IB, having been implemented worldwide during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under this measure, final grades will be based on internally assessed coursework that is externally reviewed by IB examiners, teacher-predicted grades derived from all available evidence of a student’s learning, and thorough cross-checks by the IB to ensure alignment with global standards.
Schools have moved quickly to reassure families. One circular stated: “We have been reviewing all internally assessed work to ensure it is of the highest standard and ready for submission.”
University recognition
A major concern for Grade 12 students and their families is whether NECM results will be accepted by universities, particularly abroad.
The IB has addressed this directly. Adrian Kearney was quoted saying, “We are confident that these results will be respected by the vast majority of universities globally,” adding that the IB is actively communicating with institutions worldwide to explain the measure.
Schools have echoed this assurance, telling students: “Your future remains secure, and this pathway is recognised by universities around the world.”
What students must do
Although the exams are canceled, the work continues. Schools are urging students to complete any remaining coursework to the highest standard, act on teacher feedback to strengthen their final submissions, and stay engaged with both their studies and wellbeing during what is acknowledged as a challenging period.
One school principal said: “We know how much this moment mattered. You have worked towards these final exams for a long time, and it is completely natural to feel disappointed or unsettled. We feel that with you.”
Where to get support
The IB has stated that it will provide additional guidance and support materials for families through its public help platform. Parents and students can access IB information and support at help.ibo.org. Schools remain the primary point of contact for day-to-day queries.
