Morocco to Deploy Signal Jammers to Combat Cheating in Baccalaureate Exams

Morocco World

a day ago

Doha – Education Minister Mohamed Saïd Berrada announced Tuesday that his department plans to implement electronic solutions to combat cheating in baccalaureate examinations. The ministry is particularly looking at mobile phone jamming technology starting next academic year.
Speaking at an oral questions session in the Chamber of Councilors, Berrada explained that cheating methods have become increasingly sophisticated. 'Some phones used are as small as a credit card, easy to conceal in a pocket, and the earpieces are almost invisible,' he said, pointing out the growing difficulty in identifying cheaters.
To address this challenge, the ministry is exploring two approaches: either implementing electronic detection methods for these devices or neutralizing them through jammers that prevent their use during exams.
During the May 2025 exam session, the ministry recorded 2,769 cases of cheating, a 12% decrease compared to the previous year. 'This figure remains concerning, even if it is relatively low compared to the approximately 495,395 candidates,' Berrada noted, adding that the majority of cases involved independent candidates.
Of the total candidates, 67% came from public education institutions, 11% from private schools, and 22% were independent candidates. According to the minister, this year saw an increase of 2,000 candidates compared to 2024.
The minister commended the smooth running of this year's regular baccalaureate session, ensuring that the tests were conducted under normal conditions. The results will be announced on Friday, June 14.
He also noted the return to a stable educational framework after disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and social movements in the education sector. This allowed for a return to reference frameworks covering the entire school curriculum.
Among the key innovations was the adoption of anonymous electronic coding of exam papers, which aims to guarantee the integrity of examinations, reduce errors, and ensure rigorous day-to-day monitoring while preventing diploma falsification. According to Berrada, the digitization of procedures significantly strengthens the credibility of the baccalaureate.
In terms of participation, 97% of enrolled students sat for the exams, compared to 64% of independent candidates. The session also saw the participation of 2,145 candidates with disabilities, of whom 538 benefited from specially arranged tests.
Tailored subjects were also prepared for candidates from unstable countries such as Syria, for some African students, for sick candidates in hospitals, and for inmates. Special arrangements were made for approximately 2,000 candidates from correctional facilities.
In total, more than 500 different subjects were developed for this session, a major logistical challenge.
The ministry mobilized important human and logistical resources, with 50,000 teachers supervising the exams and 40,300 teachers correcting approximately 3.9 million exam papers. About 30,000 examination rooms were equipped in more than 2,000 educational institutions.
To ensure organizational quality, examination venues were carefully selected and equipped with surveillance cameras. Coordination was also established with security services to secure the transport of exam materials and safeguard examination and correction centers.
The ministry also prepared an emergency plan in coordination with territorial authorities in case of any unexpected events.
'The absence of leaks despite this volume testifies to the rigor of the system put in place by the ministry year after year,' concluded the minister.
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