Indian-curriculum students in the UAE should not assume they will receive the October mid-term holiday enjoyed by pupils at many British and other international schools. Schools following CBSE and ICSE curricula generally maintain their regular academic schedules during this period, with the next major vacation expected in December 2026.
The difference reflects how Indian-curriculum schools organise their academic year. Many follow an April-to-March cycle, with term assessments and examination preparation influencing when holidays are scheduled. Schools operating on an August-to-June calendar follow a different timetable.
For parents, the distinction is important when planning family trips, childcare and other activities around school holidays.
Why Indian-curriculum schools continue classes in October
The UAE’s published 2026–27 academic calendar places the first-semester mid-term break between October 12 and 18, with students at participating schools returning on October 19. However, that schedule does not automatically apply to private schools following alternative curricula, including Indian-curriculum schools.
Indian schools typically begin their academic year in April. October can coincide with half-yearly assessments and the transition into the second term, making an additional mid-term closure less suitable for some school calendars.
Punit MK Vasu, chief executive of The Indian High Group of Schools, told Gulf News that October is an important academic period for students completing first-term assessments and moving into the next term.
Schools must also account for curriculum requirements and board examinations when arranging their teaching schedules.
When will students get their next holiday?
December’s winter vacation is the next major scheduled break for many Indian-curriculum students in the UAE.
The published Dubai academic calendar for April-start schools lists the winter holiday as beginning on December 14, 2026, with classes resuming on January 4, 2027. Families should confirm the exact dates with their own schools, as approved calendars and additional holidays may vary.
The UAE Ministry of Education’s calendar for schools following its curriculum also lists a winter break beginning on December 14. However, the applicable calendar and precise holiday arrangements depend on the school’s curriculum and regulatory framework.
Can schools schedule additional holidays?
Yes. Individual schools may include additional days off for cultural, religious or school-specific reasons, provided these are consistent with their approved calendars and applicable regulations.
Indian-curriculum schools may accommodate occasions such as Diwali, Eid, Christmas and Republic Day where these dates are included in their school calendars. Parents should therefore avoid assuming that every CBSE or ICSE school will follow exactly the same holiday schedule.
The safest approach is to check the latest circular from the school administration before booking travel or making childcare arrangements.
What parents should check
Before planning the next family holiday, parents should confirm:
-
The school’s approved October and December holiday dates.
-
Whether any additional days off have been announced.
-
The final day of classes before the winter vacation.
-
The confirmed reopening date in January 2027.
-
Any examination or attendance requirements before the break.
The UAE’s education calendar provides a planning framework, but the dates communicated by an individual school are the most useful reference for families.
Q1. Do Indian schools in the UAE have an October mid-term break in 2026?
Indian-curriculum schools generally continue classes during the October break observed by many other schools. Exact arrangements depend on each school’s approved calendar.
Q2. Why do CBSE schools in the UAE continue classes in October?
Many follow an April-to-March academic year, and October may coincide with half-yearly assessments and the transition to the second term.
Q3. When do UAE Indian schools get their winter holidays?
The next major scheduled holiday is expected in December 2026. Many April-start schools list December 14 as the beginning of the winter break, but parents should verify their school’s dates.
Q4. When do schools reopen after the December 2026 break?
The published Dubai calendar for April-start schools lists January 4, 2027, as the reopening date. Individual school calendars should be checked.
Q5. Do all UAE schools follow the same October holiday dates?
No. Dates vary according to curriculum, regulatory requirements and approved school calendars.
Q6. Can Indian schools in Dubai provide extra holidays for Diwali?
Schools may include additional holidays where permitted and included in their approved calendars. Parents should consult their school for confirmation.
Q7. Does the UAE Ministry of Education calendar apply to every private school?
No. The Ministry’s calendar applies to public schools and private schools following its curriculum. Private schools following alternative curricula may operate under different arrangements.
