IGCSE October November 2026 Exam Timetable UAE and Dubai: GST Timezone and Key Dates
Students in UAE and Dubai (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and across the UAE) sitting the IGCSE October/November 2026 exams need to use the correct timetable for their exam board. Both Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel IGCSE are widely offered in UAE and Dubai—check with your school which board you use.
Cambridge IGCSE
Schools in UAE and Dubai are typically allocated to Cambridge Zone 3.
IGCSE October November 2026: UAE and Dubai Key Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Exam period starts | 28 September 2026 |
| Exam period ends | 13 November 2026 |
| Final entries deadline | 16 August 2026 |
| Late entries deadline | 21 September 2026 |
| Results release | 14 January 2027 |
Timezone: Gulf Standard Time (GST)
UAE and Dubai operates on Gulf Standard Time (GST), UTC+4. Exam start times on the Cambridge timetable are set in local time for your centre. Confirm exact session times (AM/PM) with your school or exam centre.
Where to Find Your Timetable
- Check with your school – Your exams officer will confirm your administrative zone and provide the correct November 2026 timetable.
- Cambridge International – Download the Zone 3 timetable from Cambridge Timetables.
- British Council UAE and Dubai – If you’re a private candidate, the British Council provides exam administration in UAE and Dubai.
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE
Pearson Edexcel International GCSE uses different timetables from Cambridge. If your school follows Edexcel, you must use the Edexcel timetable—do not use the Cambridge timetable above.
- Where to find your timetable: Pearson Edexcel International GCSE timetables
- Entry deadline: 12 September 2026
- Exam period: 27 October – 19 November 2026
- Results release: 21 January 2027 (students)
- Check with your school to confirm which exam board you use—Cambridge and Edexcel have different timetables and key dates.
Important for UAE and Dubai Students
- Verify your zone – UAE and Dubai schools typically fall under Zone 3; always confirm with your centre.
- This is the smaller sitting – The October/November series has fewer candidates than May/June, and is commonly used for retakes and private candidates. Check with your school which subjects you’re entered for.
- Check for local holidays – Confirm with your school calendar whether any religious or public holidays fall during the exam period (28 September – 19 November 2026) and plan revision around them.
- Arrive early – Dubai traffic can be unpredictable; plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your exam.
Exam Period Overview
The October/November 2026 series runs across these windows:
- 28 September–2 October 2026
- 5–9 October 2026
- 12–16 October 2026
- 19–23 October 2026
- 26–30 October 2026
- 2–6 November 2026
- 9–13 November 2026
Subject-specific dates vary. Use the official Zone 3 timetable for exact dates and times for each paper.
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