58 students' results canceled for cheating, including use of ChatGPT

The National Examinations Council of Tanzania (Necta) has taken decisive action against academic dishonesty, canceling the results of 58 students for the May 2026 examinations. The cheating methods identified were varied, ranging from the use of unauthorized 'notes' within examination rooms to students aiding each other and, notably, the use of artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT to answer questions.

In addition to the canceled results, Necta has withheld the results of 184 other candidates. These students, who took the Form Six (ACSEE), Primary Education Teacher (DPEE), and Secondary Education Teacher (DSEE) exams, faced issues including health challenges. Those whose results were withheld are reportedly given the opportunity to retake their examinations in 2027, as per examination regulations.

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The council has canceled the results of 58 candidates after they were found to be involved in fraudulent activities in the examinations.

Necta's Executive Secretary, Professor Said Mohamed, announced these measures, emphasizing that the cancellations and withholdings are in accordance with the Examination Regulations of 2016 and the Baraza la Mitihani la Tanzania Act. The affected students, including 44 from Form Six exams and 14 from the DPEE, have had their results nullified due to their involvement in fraudulent activities.

Furthermore, Necta has suspended the P5584 Excellency Open School examination center in the Manyara Region. The center was found to be in violation of national examination administration guidelines and will not be permitted to conduct national examinations until it demonstrates it meets the required safety and operational standards. Professor Mohamed also provided an overview of the pass rates for various subject streams, noting high success rates in humanities and social sciences, while science subjects saw a lower but still significant pass rate.

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Candidates whose results have been withheld will be given an opportunity to retake the examination in 2027 in accordance with Regulation 32(1) of the Examination Regulations.