The Emirates School Education Foundation has identified several cases of cheating among students during the end-of-second-semester exams of the current academic year. Announced on Thursday, these incidents are set to face strict disciplinary actions in accordance with recent educational laws.
Students found guilty of cheating will receive zero marks for the implicated exams. The Foundation also stated that any employees involved in these malpractices would be referred to public prosecution, adhering to Federal Decree Law No. (33) of 2023. This law focuses on preventing fraud and disruptions within the examination system.
In a significant move to curb examination cheating, a federal law enacted in February 2024 introduces a fine of up to Dh200,000. This penalty targets individuals involved in the leakage of exam materials, alteration of answers or grades, and impersonation of students during exams. Convicted individuals might also face up to six months of community service, either alongside or as an alternative to the monetary fine.
The legislation outlines clear disciplinary procedures for students caught cheating, aligned with the Ministry of Education’s rules and regulations, as well as those of educational authorities across the Emirates and educational institutions. It broadly defines cheating to include any unlawful acquisition, sharing, or use of examination content, including breaches of electronic examination systems and falsification of results.
This comprehensive approach extends to both governmental and private educational institutions, including schools, universities, and colleges, aiming to maintain the integrity of the examination process.