Want the easy way out? Well, before you take out your cheat sheet, the consequences of cheating during exams could affect your education and future. Whether you are studying matric or at a distance learning college, cheating is a serious offence.
What Counts as Cheating During an Exam?
If you think you’ve seen it all, just wait. Students think of the most creative ways to cheat, from writing answers on their arms to writing on fruit. Take a look at some of the common ways students cheat during exams below:
- Crib notes and cheat sheets
- Communicating with other students
- Copying from another student
- Using cellphones
- Writing answers on water bottles or stationary
- Sharing notes during the test
- Taking toilet breaks to check answers
- Writing answers on tables
Do NOT try using the methods above, you will get caught!
Consequences of Cheating During Exams
If you think your teacher will only yell at you for cheating, you’re in for a surprise. Even a minor offence could lead to you failing your test. Below are the consequences of cheating during your exam:
You Can’t Complete the Test
Even if you cheated on only one question, the invigilator will take your entire paper. You will not be able to complete the test. This could lead to a zero mark for that subject.
Suspension
If necessary, the school governing body or the board could suspend you. This could be up to seven days. If it is a major offence, they could expel you from the school or institution.
Disciplinary Hearings
As a student, you have the right to appeal the decision made by the governing body. This should happen within 14 days of the incident. If found guilty, you’ll get suspended and unable to rewrite.
Losing Your Bursary or Scholarship
Have a scholarship or bursary? Then you might want to rethink cheating. They can take away your bursary or scholarship. This will leave you without financial aid.
Added to Your Student Transcript
Once you’re caught cheating, they will add the offence to your academic transcript. This will make it difficult to enrol for a course. The college will now question your reputation.
Impact on Your Mental Health
Whether they catch you or not, this could impact your mental health. This is a major setback for your education and even career. It could lead to a guilty conscience.
Consequences of Cheating During Your Matric Exam
Your matric exam is the highlight of your education. It opens the door for higher learning and entry level jobs. So it comes as no surprise that cheating in your final exam has serious consequences. It includes the following:
Incomplete Mark and Results
When you can’t complete your exam, you will be left with an incomplete mark. Your results will state that there is an irregularity. It will also have an outstanding mark.
Rewrite the Subject
Since you have no mark, you will need to rewrite the subject. But it’s not that easy. You may only rewrite matric if you are cleared of the irregularity. If the case is ongoing, you cannot write.
Pay the Price of Matric Rewrite
Rewriting your matric doesn’t come cheap either. You need to pay the cost involved to rewrite the subjects with outstanding results.
Banned From Writing Matric
If you are caught cheating or have leaked exam papers, you could be banned from writing matric. According to the Minister of Education, this could last for up to three years.
No Admission to Higher Learning Institutions
Without your matric results, you won’t be able to register at higher learning institutions. This is a major setback. You will need to wait until you can rewrite and get your matric.
What are the Chances of Getting Caught Cheating?
“They will never catch me”. Well, your chances of getting away with it is slim to nothing. Exam invigilators know the tell-tale signs of cheating. It is easy for them to pick up on suspicious activity. Don’t think you’ll get away with cheating on online tests either. Your webcam has to be turned on along with specialised software to check your online exam.
How to Stay Clear of Cheating
So you’ve decided to steer clear of cheating. That’s great! If you’re still stressed out by your exam, we have you covered. Follow our tips below and you’ll be all set for your exam.
Study for your test – Studying is the best way to get top marks in your exam. Start studying early for the best results.
Speak up if you feel stressed – If you’re feeling stressed out, speak to your parents, teacher or councillor. They could offer advice that will give you peace of mind.
Avoid students who cheat – Friends all talking about cheating? Stay away from them. If they are caught, you may be found guilty too.
Put your notes and phone in your bag – Even if you do not use them, any phone and notes found in possession count as cheating. Put them in your bag before you take your seat.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Earn Your Marks the Right Way
Don’t study hard! Study smart and earn your marks the right way. We offer the best study material and student support, so you won’t ever need to cheat. Contact our course experts to get started with us. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27 – it’s free
- Fill in our contact form for a call back
