India CBSE plans to launch an international school in the UAE, says education minister
India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is planning to launch an international school in the UAE, according to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Speaking at a press conference in Dubai, Pradhan shared that CBSE will commission an international board with affiliated schools opening globally, including in the UAE. Currently, there are 109 CBSE schools in the UAE managed under the regional CBSE office located at the Indian Consulate in Dubai.
In his announcement, Pradhan highlighted the expansion and strengthening of the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) movement in the UAE, where 12 CBSE schools have already joined this innovation-driven initiative. The ATL program provides students with hands-on exposure to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through equipped labs featuring 3D printers, robotics kits, and electronics boards. This setup is designed to nurture creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, preparing students to become future innovators and leaders.
The proposed international board is expected to launch a global curriculum aimed at providing an adaptable, globally aligned syllabus that rivals international boards such as IB and Cambridge. This new curriculum aims to integrate India’s educational priorities with global standards, catering to Indian students abroad and international learners interested in Indian-style education.
The move to establish CBSE’s presence internationally aligns with India’s broader educational vision to provide quality, future-ready education to a global audience, supporting the Indian diaspora while attracting diverse learners.
This announcement was made in conjunction with Teachers’ Day celebrations in Dubai, where the Union Minister also met with school principals and education leaders to discuss the future roadmap for CBSE schools and innovation initiatives like ATL.
