India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) is preparing to establish its first international school in the United Arab Emirates, marking a major step in its effort to globalize Indian education, according to Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The move aims to serve the large Indian expatriate community while setting new standards for CBSE schools abroad.
The school will operate as a CBSE International School, combining the board’s academic rigor with a globally-oriented curriculum. It will focus on modern pedagogy, critical thinking, and global competencies, while retaining core Indian educational values.
While over 100 CBSE-affiliated schools already exist in the Gulf, this will be the first directly managed by CBSE under its international framework, rather than through private operators. Officials are in talks with UAE authorities to finalize regulatory approvals, location, and infrastructure.
The initiative reflects growing India-UAE collaboration in education, skills development, and knowledge exchange. It is expected to provide Indian families in the UAE with a seamless, high-quality education and prepare students for higher education and careers worldwide.
This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, supporting CBSE’s ambition to become a globally relevant education board and expand international partnerships in education.
