Qatar Schools Introduce Double Shift System Amid High Demand

Qatar School

Several Indian curriculum schools in Qatar are launching afternoon shifts for the 2024-25 academic year to accommodate the growing demand for admissions, The Peninsula reported on 17 October 2024. The Ministry of Education and Higher Education granted permission for the double shift on the condition that no internal transfers occur between Indian schools.

Admissions are open for KG1 to Grade 8 at MES Indian School, Doha Modern Indian School (DMIS), and MES-IS Abu Hamour. Shantiniketan Indian School (SIS) and Ideal Indian School (IIS) are offering afternoon shifts for Grades 1 to 8. Schools are permitted to admit the same number of students as the morning batch.

MES Principal Hameeda Qadar confirmed that their new session will start on November 3, with afternoon classes running from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. SIS reported receiving 4,000 applications within days of opening admissions, while IIS disclosed a waiting list of 4,800 students.

SIS Principal Rafeeq Rahim emphasized that the morning shift’s hours remain unchanged, though break times have been shortened to accommodate both shifts. DMIS Principal Sibi Joseph noted that while existing staff will handle the initial workload, the school is preparing to recruit additional staff and develop a registration website.

The new shifts aim to provide educational opportunities for children currently without placements. School leaders acknowledged challenges given the academic year’s April start but assured that teaching plans will focus on essential content to prepare students for the next academic year.