Eighth graders in the country’s schools will have to opt for General or Advanced academic pathways under the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) reformed system, as of 2025–2026.
Consulting with educational counselors and child psychologists Parents worried about educational challenges should seek guidance — either from educational advisers or from child psychologists specializing in children’s issues — to help them make academic decisions, the experts say. Such consultations can scientifically, objectively evaluate children’s cognitive, professional potential.
The General Track is destined to students who will study for their first degree (BA) in humanities, literature, social sciences, law, economics, business, arts or police sciences. The Advanced Track is catered to students aspiring for medicine, engineering, pharmacy, advanced sciences etc., and other STEM areas. 
According to Dr Shhaju George, psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital in Dubai, parents should focus on individual strengths. “Every child is different — one approach won’t fit all,” as one specialist put it. “Support should be child-driven, not parent-driven.”
You need a good atmosphere to work in. “Emotional security helps guide children to make better academic choices,” he added, emphasizing the value of sleep, nutrition and interest-driven learning.
New details for students in grades 8 to 24 New starting in grade 8, students in general or advanced education programs and certain university-bound students will make selections for study (general or advanced) based on their plans for university study.
Track transition criteria
Any student who desires to move from general to advanced must maintain at least an 80 per cent mark in the three core areas of the curriculum – science, math and English – in the first semester of Grade 8. The transition will take place at the conclusion of the ninth grade. The new approach will begin in the Fall during the start of the new academic year.
Students can switch from the Advanced Track to the General Track at any point, due to reasons of preference. The MoE assured that the changes will not impact the academic plans of existing Grade 11 and 12 students.
These changes were informed by feedback from teachers and parents, examination of students’ university interests, and consultation with universities.
The updates were meant to offer students more targeted pathways toward careers and a clearer purview of their options. These policies involve ‘synchronising the curriculum’ whereby General Track students are taught the basics in order to develop and find their talent.
The Advanced Track, as the name suggests is a more rigorous science-maths oriented one, to gear students towards studying science later.
The most important consideration for updating the course is to fit the needs and scientific approach of students. This approach provides the foundation to set academic goals in place, which will be in line with university qualifications and job market requirements.
Star track to be abolished
We will also retire the Elite Track, with the last class of students enrolling in AY 2025–26. Until then, there were four streams: The General Stream, The Specialized (Vocational) Stream, The Levels Stream and the Elite (Gifted) Stream.
The Elite Track is a system in which the gifted students are taught with a certain competitive approach. Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Design and Technology, Computer Science and Creative Design are all delivered in English.
The Ministry said it urges parents to cooperated with their children’s with their children’s choices by learning about their interests and enhancing their talents by recognizing their strengths and weaknesses, and engaging them in activities that will improve their practical abilities.
“But talking to schools and academic advisors is essential in guiding parents to find the best path for their child, and ensuring that performance is consistently monitored.”
Students were also advised to explore their interests, and to talk with academic advisors about what the best route is for them to pursue regarding their education.
