UAE students face new exam rules: What’s banned and what to expect

Abu Dhabi: Several schools have announced the introduction of unified student guidelines ahead of the central end-of-term examinations for the 2025–2026 academic year, scheduled from November 20 to December 4. The guidelines, issued through a student and parent declaration form, outline eight prohibited behavioural violations during exams and set out measures to help students prepare for the testing period.

According to circulars sent to parents, the declaration aims to familiarise students and families with exam rules and preparation methods while clearly defining prohibited behaviour inside examination halls. The measures are designed to ensure exams run smoothly and reinforce discipline throughout the testing environment.

School administrations said requiring both students and parents to sign the declaration is essential for ensuring compliance. It raises students’ awareness of exam hall procedures, including the need to arrive early, come prepared, bring essential materials, and avoid any behaviour that may disrupt the exam.

The declaration outlines eight violations banned during examinations, including:

Schools noted that these measures are not only to maintain order but also to foster responsibility and encourage students to follow protocols, supporting a fair and organised academic environment.

Schools said the declaration is part of broader awareness efforts to maintain stability during the exam period. These include training students in effective study habits, offering time-management advice, and providing strategies for coping with stress so that performance reflects genuine preparation rather than anxiety.

Schools stressed that parental signatures strengthen the home–school partnership and increase student accountability. They added that family support plays a crucial role in promoting discipline and positive behaviour, which enhances academic outcomes.

Administrations said these measures help instil a culture of commitment across educational institutions and ensure exams are conducted in calm, orderly conditions — reflecting schools’ dedication to academic success.

Earlier, public and private schools outlined ten mandatory rules for students to ensure fairness and accurately assess academic performance. Five of these rules relate directly to exam regulations. Schools also reminded parents and students that ChatGPT and all social media platforms are strictly prohibited on school premises during exams, warning against the use of any tools designed to bypass restrictions.

End-of-term exams will be held from November 20 to 28 under strict anti-cheating measures aligned with official evaluation and behaviour policies. Schools said these steps aim to ensure an organised process in students’ best interests.

In messages to parents, schools emphasised the need to comply with exam rules to avoid penalties that may include exam cancellation. These rules cover punctuality, silence inside exam halls, following instructions, sitting in assigned seats, avoiding communication, adhering to device bans, not sharing papers, avoiding all forms of cheating (including the use of AI tools), and maintaining respectful behaviour.

Schools confirmed that all violations will be recorded and reported. If cheating or disruption is detected, the incident will be documented with supporting evidence such as notes or photographs. The student will be moved to another supervised room to avoid disturbing others. Penalties will follow the school behaviour code, while non-students involved will face penalties under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 on exam fraud.

Schools said they are working to raise awareness about academic integrity and ensure proper physical exam conditions, such as adequate lighting and spaced seating. Exam proctors are being trained to identify potential cheating attempts. Schools will also block access to online sources, prioritising the restriction of ChatGPT, social media platforms, and VPN applications used to bypass website blocks.

Parents were informed that schools will expand website-blocking measures and prohibit students from bringing personal electronic devices — including mobile phones, smartwatches, and other gadgets — into examination halls. This is to ensure equal opportunities and prevent students from searching for answers or communicating externally. Schools have also banned the sharing of stationery to reinforce order and prevent traditional cheating.