UAE Imposes Up to Dh200,000 Fine for Exam Cheating Offence

A recently enacted federal law in the UAE is aimed at combatting cheating in examinations, imposing fines of up to AED 200,000. This penalty is applicable to individuals other than students who engage in any of three prohibited acts before, during, or after exams.

The specified acts include the unauthorized dissemination of information related to questions, answers, or exam content through printing, publishing, promoting, transmitting, or leaking. Additionally, modifying answers or grades awarded is considered an offense, as is impersonating a student to take an exam on their behalf.

This legislation was part of a comprehensive set of 73 federal laws passed across various sectors last year. Notably, the law extends its reach beyond the immediate perpetrators, stating that anyone who participates or contributes as an accomplice to the commission of these prohibited acts, with their knowledge, shall face the same penalty.

In the event of a conviction, the perpetrator may be directed to perform community service for a period of up to six months. This could either serve as an additional penalty or be an alternative to the prescribed fine.

For students found cheating, disciplinary procedures will be set in motion in accordance with the conduct rules and regulations enforced by the Ministry of Education, educational authorities in each Emirate, and the specific policies of educational institutions.

The law comprehensively defines cheating as any attempt to obtain, give, or leak information related to questions, answers, or examination content through illegal means. This includes actions such as penetrating electronic examination systems, falsifying results, or the unauthorized possession and use of information technology means in examination rooms and centers.

The regulations apply universally, covering both governmental and private educational institutions, ranging from schools to universities and colleges. Educational leaders emphasize the importance of integrity within the academic system. Teachers undergo training to instill the significance of academic integrity, and students are encouraged to uphold honesty among their peers.

Instances of misdemeanors are viewed as opportunities for education rather than merely imposing harsh penalties. The emphasis is on guiding students toward the right path, leaving a lasting impact on their lives. While maintaining high integrity standards is crucial, there is also a commitment to fairness in dealing with such situations.

Educational institutions implement stringent measures to prevent cheating, including strict invigilation procedures and protocols to ensure the confidentiality of exam papers. In case of any breach, consequences may range from issuing warnings to more severe actions, such as the issuance of a yellow card indicating serious consequences.

Overall, the legislation reflects a comprehensive approach to address the various facets of cheating in examinations, aligning with the broader objective of fostering a culture of academic honesty and integrity in the UAE's educational system.

Feb. 8, 2024 6:34 p.m. 1442

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