The UAE Ministry of Education has introduced strict measures to prevent cheating and exam misconduct as first-term central exams begin on November 20. Public and private schools across the country are now required to follow the new Guide to Combating Cheating and Exam Misconduct.
The guide sets clear rules for all stages of exams, from preparation to grading. It emphasizes that academic honesty is a shared responsibility among students, teachers, and parents—not just invigilators.
Schools are instructed to conduct awareness programs before exams, educating students about expected behavior and consequences for misconduct. Administrations must form internal supervisory committees to monitor compliance and report incidents to the Ministry of Education.
Students caught cheating face strict penalties, including deductions from their conduct record, zero grades in affected subjects, or exclusion of answer sheets from grading. Offenders are also required to attend behavioral rehabilitation programs under the ministry’s Behavior Assessment initiative.
The guide lists prohibited actions, such as using mobile phones or electronic devices, sharing exam questions online, photographing papers, assisting other students, signaling, influencing invigilators, or leaving exam rooms without permission.
School staff involved in cheating or violating exam confidentiality may face fines up to Dh200,000 and administrative penalties under federal regulations. Cases of professional misconduct will be referred to authorities for further action.
The UAE Ministry stressed that these rules cover both in-person and digital exam misconduct. Random inspections by local education authorities and assessment teams will ensure strict compliance at all exam venues and grading centers.
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These measures are designed to protect the integrity of the UAE’s national evaluation system. They aim to provide fair opportunities for all students and maintain high academic standards across the country.
