IB Diploma Programme Enforces New Anti-Cheating Measures

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organisation, which oversees the globally recognized IB Diploma Programme, introduced new measures to combat “time zone cheating.” Recent leaks of exam questions online compromised this year’s assessments, raising concerns about fairness. These incidents highlighted issues with academic honesty within the programme.

The IB discovered that some students accessed leaked exam questions through online platforms like Telegram before their exams. To address this issue, the IB has swiftly implemented changes to protect the integrity of the IB Diploma Programme and ensure fair testing for all students.

Extended Supervision

To prevent information sharing, the IB now requires extended supervision after exams. Students must remain under supervision for two hours after completing their exams, even if the exam is shorter. For example, if a student finishes a one-hour exam, they must stay in the exam venue or another supervised area for an additional hour. This rule helps to reduce the risk of immediate content sharing after the test.

Adjusted Exam Start Times to Prevent Cheating

The IB has also adjusted exam start times in some schools within the IB Diploma Programme. The IB designed this change to prevent information sharing across time zones, ensuring all students face similar conditions without unfair advantage.

Clearing Calculator Memories for Fair Testing

To enhance fairness, the IB now requires schools to clear calculator memories at the end of each exam. This ensures students cannot store or share information during or after the test.

Ensuring Fairness and Integrity

The IB Organisation, working closely with global educators, is fully committed to ensuring that all students in the IB Diploma Programme are assessed fairly. Moreover, these changes clearly show the IB’s unwavering dedication to upholding academic integrity and recognizing the hard work of students throughout the year.

Addressing Global Concerns

Regions like Hong Kong, where students were directly affected by the recent leaks, have enthusiastically welcomed these new measures. Additionally, the leaks occurred between April 24 and May 17, involving questions from subjects like business management, global politics, math, and science.

Looking Ahead

The IB Organisation’s proactive steps further reaffirm its commitment to maintaining a secure and fair examination environment. Moreover, the IB Diploma Programme will continue to evolve, making necessary changes to protect assessment integrity and ensure fair recognition of student efforts.