The Ministry of Education and the National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) are investigating 7,188 candidates suspected of examination malpractice in the 2025/2026 Primary Leaving Examinations and Ordinary Level examinations.
The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, confirmed the figure on Friday, August 28, 2026, during an interview with the Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA).
The results of the candidates under investigation have been withheld while authorities investigate the cases and determine whether examination malpractice actually occurred.
Suspicion Emerged During Marking
According to Minister Nsengimana, some of the suspected cases were identified during the marking of examination papers.
He explained that when candidates who sat in the same examination room provide identical answers, particularly when they make the same unusual mistakes or give the same incorrect answers, this can raise suspicion that they may have copied from one another.
Candidates can also be investigated if they are found with prohibited materials, including mobile phones or pieces of paper containing information that could help them answer examination questions.
Invigilators Also Under Investigation
The investigation does not only involve candidates. NESA is also examining cases involving invigilators suspected of facilitating examination malpractice.
Authorities said candidates are normally checked before entering examination rooms, raising questions about how prohibited materials or unauthorized assistance may have reached some candidates during the examinations.
Minister Nsengimana warned that invigilators who are found to have deliberately facilitated cheating could face serious consequences.
He said teachers who help students cheat undermine the quality and credibility of education and should not remain in the education sector.
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Candidates Have the Right to Appeal
Candidates suspected of examination malpractice have the right to appeal before a final decision is made.
The authorities say this process is intended to establish the facts of each case and ensure that students who did not engage in cheating are not unfairly punished.
The investigations will therefore determine whether the suspicious patterns or other evidence are sufficient to confirm that malpractice actually occurred.
Candidates Found Guilty Could Receive Zero
Minister Nsengimana said candidates found guilty of examination malpractice will face penalties depending on the nature and seriousness of their offences.
One possible penalty is receiving zero in the subject concerned, while additional consequences could apply depending on the circumstances surrounding each case.
The authorities have not indicated that all 7,188 candidates will necessarily be found guilty, as their cases are still being investigated.
No Entire Examination Centre Found to Have Cheated
The Ministry of Education clarified that the suspected malpractice was not identified across entire examination centres.
Instead, suspicious cases were found among particular candidates or in specific examination rooms. Authorities therefore said they had not established that an entire examination centre had engaged in cheating.
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Withheld Results Expected by Monday
The Ministry of Education said the investigations are expected to be completed soon, with the withheld results expected to be released no later than Monday, August 31, 2026.
The development comes shortly after Rwanda released the 2025/2026 Primary Leaving and Ordinary Level examination results.
For the affected candidates and their families, the completion of the investigations will determine whether their results are confirmed or whether disciplinary measures are imposed.
