KUWAIT:
The first semester exams for the academic year 2024-2025 saw a notable 45.5 percent decrease in the number of student disqualifications compared to the previous year, Minister of Education Jalal Al-Tabtabaei said on Thursday. This decline, with a 33.5 percent drop in the scientific section and a 58.7 percent drop in the literary section, reflects the growing awareness among students about adhering to the rules and maintaining the integrity of the examination process.
In a statement released on the final day of exams, January 16, Al-Tabtabaei attributed this positive change to the implementation of new and strict procedures for securing the exams, including the introduction of the national proctor system. These measures ensured transparency, fairness, and equal opportunities for all students, contributing to a significant reduction in violations.
More than 40,000 Grade 12 students — in both the scientific and literary streams — began their first-semester final exams for the 2024-2025 academic year on Sunday, January 5. The minister expressed his congratulations to the 12th-grade students for completing their exams. He wished them continued success in their studies and encouraged them to strive for excellence in achieving their future goals.
Fair correction process
A key part of ensuring fairness during the exams was the rigorous correction process. Al-Tabtabaei noted that the correction process was conducted daily at the central control for both the scientific and literary sections. The Ministry took special care to handle all observations and disqualification cases with transparency and objectivity. Each student’s answers were carefully reviewed to guarantee that they received a fair and accurate evaluation, ensuring that no student was overlooked. Al-Tabtabaei praised the collaboration of school administrations, teachers, and staff in creating a conducive environment for the exams, ensuring that students had a smooth and fair testing experience.
In preparation for the exam season, the Ministry of Education introduced new measures to uphold exam integrity, following a series of cheating scandals and exam leaks that plagued the 2024 exam periods. These steps aim to restore trust in the examination process and ensure a fair environment for all students. Following an internal investigation, the ministry dismissed several high school exam printing press employees for conflict of interest and replaced them with new staff who meet strict criteria and adhere to exam regulations.
The Ministry of Education has also introduced a new national proctor system to enhance the integrity and transparency of exams. Proctors, who come from experienced ministry staff, are responsible for ensuring compliance with exam regulations, monitoring exam committees, and supervising secure printing facilities. National proctors were obliged to sign a pledge of neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest. Al-Tabtabaei highlighted the critical role of national proctors in overseeing the exams, ensuring the proper application of procedures, and preventing potential violations. This system played a key role in guaranteeing that all students were treated fairly and equally.
The results of the exams will be published on the ministry’s official website and mobile applications once the verification process is completed, ensuring that all students’ answers are reviewed thoroughly. — Agencies
