The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced strict penalties, including fines of up to AED 200,000 for school staff involved in exam cheating or leaking confidential exam information. The move comes as public and private schools prepare for the first-term central exams starting November 20, under the newly issued “Guide to Combating Cheating and Exam Misconduct.”
The guide aims to ensure exam transparency, protect academic integrity, and guarantee equal opportunities for all students. Schools have been instructed to conduct awareness programs for students and parents to explain ethical exam behavior and penalties for misconduct.
Under the policy, schools must form internal supervisory committees, share the guide with all stakeholders, and report cheating cases through official channels. Random inspection visits will be carried out at exam centers and grading facilities to ensure compliance.
Students caught cheating may face severe consequences, including a zero grade, deduction of 12 conduct points, exclusion of tampered answer sheets from marking, and compulsory enrollment in behavioral rehabilitation programs.
Prohibited behaviors include using electronic devices, sharing or photographing exam papers, helping others, digital leaks, signaling during exams, and attempting to influence invigilators. Leaving the exam hall without permission also counts as a violation.
Staff members who assist in cheating or compromise exam confidentiality will face administrative penalties and could be fined up to AED 200,000 under federal laws, with serious cases referred to authorities.
The ministry emphasized that the rules apply to both physical and digital exam misconduct, reinforcing a nationwide commitment to a fair and secure assessment system.
