UAE Schools Enforce New Anti-Cheating Rules Ahead of Central Exams

As the UAE prepares for first-term central exams on November 20, schools are rolling out a new UAE exam misconduct guide issued by the Ministry of Education. The initiative aims to protect fairness, honesty, and equal opportunities for all students.
The guide outlines clear procedures for every stage of the exam process,from preparation to grading. It reminds everyone that academic integrity is a shared duty between students, teachers, and parents. It’s not just the job of exam invigilators.

Raising Awareness Before Exams

The ministry has asked all schools to organize awareness programs before exams begin. These sessions help students understand the importance of honesty and the serious consequences of cheating. Schools must also share the guide’s contents with students, teachers, and parents to ensure transparency.
Each school must form an internal supervisory committee to monitor compliance during exams. These committees will record any violations and report them directly to the Ministry of Education.

Clear Penalties for Misconduct

The penalties for cheating are strict. Offenders may lose up to 12 points from their conduct record or receive a zero in the subject. If a student deliberately damages an answer sheet, it can be excluded from grading. Those found guilty must also complete behavioral rehabilitation under the ministry’s Behavior Assessment program.
Prohibited actions include using mobile phones, photographing or sharing exam papers online, or helping others in the exam hall. Students are also barred from communicating, signaling, or leaving the room without permission.
By enforcing the UAE exam misconduct guide, schools hope to build a culture of honesty and ensure that success reflects effort, not shortcuts.