
Cheat? You're out
KUWAIT CITY, May 20: The Ministry of Education announced Tuesday that around 212,000 students in intermediate level and Grades 10 and 11 in Science and Literature sections will begin their end-of-year exams for the current academic year (2024/2025) on Wednesday.
In a press statement, the ministry confirmed that all the relevant sectors have completed the necessary preparations for the start of the final exams, reiterating that the schools and examination committees are fully prepared to receive 212,755 students who will take the exams. These students include 128,263 in the intermediate level, 43,623 in Grade 10, and 40,869 in Grade 11.
The ministry also affirmed its full commitment to provide an appropriate environment for exams, asserting that all technical and human resources are being mobilized to prepare examination committees and facilitate the conduct of exams according to the highest educational and organizational standards, while ensuring fairness and equal opportunities for all students. It provided learning resources to support students, such as the e-library and the 'With Hamad Chat' service, available on its website and app. It added that it is fully cooperating with parents by strengthening communication channels and providing support to motivate the students to confidently pass the exam period.
Meanwhile, Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei issued a decision regulating the operation of examination committees and the report of those barred from taking exams. Article One of the decision stipulates that the Inspection and Audit Office should be provided with copies of the following during the exams period:
1. A detailed list of barring decisions issued daily, approved by the First Deputy General Head of Examinations or his representative in the Science and Literature Exams Controls for Grade 12 students, or by the Director General of the Education District for other grades.
2. A copy of the aforementioned barring decisions issued during the day, along with the attached documents (violation report, testimony report, proof of handing over the cheating tool, proof of failure to hand over the cheating tool, copies of the violating materials found during the exam, and any other attached reports or documents).
The decision stressed the need to put the documents stated in Article One in a confidential, sealed envelope, stamped with the seal of the authority issuing the barring decisions. The envelope should be delivered to the national supervisor to hand it over to the Inspection and Audit Office. The decision affirmed that the Information Systems Department allocates cloud storage space to store copies of the barring decisions and reports. The link to these files should be provided to the heads of the examination committees.
Copies of the violation reports and their attachments should be uploaded to the cloud storage by the heads of the examination committees, each according to their jurisdiction, upon completion and before sending them to the control center. The following should be taken into account:
1. Divide the storage space according to educational districts, subjects, and boys' and girls' schools.
2. The authority of the heads of examination committees shall be limited to merely uploading files, with no possibility of deleting or modifying them after uploading.
The decision states that the provisions contained therein shall apply to those subject to documents for the intermediate and secondary stages, as well as documents for religious education and adult education. All relevant authorities should be aware of and implement the decision.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Arab Times
2 days ago
- Arab Times
Kuwait targets exam cheating with prison terms, hefty fines
KUWAIT CITY, June 5: Minister of Education Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei praised the Cabinet's approval on Wednesday of a draft bill amending the Penal Code and criminalizing cheating and exam leaks. He called the legal amendments 'a turning point' for educational justice. He expressed gratitude to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al- Sabah and other Cabinet members for their roles in this development, which reflects the political leadership's commitment to safeguarding the futures of students. The draft law explicitly outlaws the printing, selling, or leaking of exam questions and answers for intermediate and secondary schools, mainly when intended to facilitate cheating or undermine the examination process. Al-Tabtabaei emphasized that such actions threaten Kuwait's educational reputation and that legal action would be taken against offenders. The Cabinet's approved amendments add two articles to the Penal Code: Article 259 bis, which punishes leaking exam materials with imprisonment of up to five years and fines ranging from 1,000 to 5,000 dinars, and Article 259 bis (a), which penalizes altering exam answers or grades with up to seven years in prison and fines between 5,000 and 10,000 dinars. This initiative aims to protect the integrity of education and ensure fair assessments for all students. Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers, chaired by His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, convened its weekly session on Wednesday at Bayan Palace, reviewing significant local, regional, and international developments while approving major legal and institutional reforms. At the outset, the Cabinet extended Eid Al-Adha greetings to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and the people and residents of Kuwait. It also congratulated the Crown Prince on the first anniversary of assuming office, praising his national achievements and leadership. As part of its legislative agenda, the Cabinet approved two draft decree-laws. The first introduces Articles 259 bis and 259 bis (A) to Penal Code No. 16 of 1960, criminalizing acts related to cheating and manipulation in intermediate and secondary school exams. Violations are punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years and fines ranging from KD 1,000 to KD 10,000. The second draft law amends Judicial Fees Law No. 17 of 1973, aiming to discourage frivolous lawsuits and promote alternative dispute resolution methods such as arbitration and conciliation. These measures seek to preserve the integrity of the educational system and improve the effectiveness of the judiciary. The Cabinet commended the recent speech delivered by His Highness the Crown Prince at the Second GCC–ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he represented His Highness the Amir in his capacity as President of the Gulf Cooperation Council. In his address, His Highness emphasized the importance of strengthening multilateral cooperation and building strategic partnerships rooted in mutual respect, sustainable development, and integration. Highlighting the combined economic strength of the GCC and ASEAN — with a total GDP nearing USD 6 trillion — His Highness called for enhanced cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and food security, especially through sustainable agricultural investment. The Cabinet also praised the Crown Prince's participation in the GCC–ASEAN–China Tripartite Summit, where he welcomed the launch of the 2023–2027 strategic dialogue action plan. The plan outlines collaboration across sectors including renewable energy, education, health, technology, and scientific research. The Cabinet reviewed the results of the Crown Prince's official visit to Japan from May 28 to 31. During the visit, His Highness met with Emperor Naruhito, Crown Prince Fumihito, and Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba to discuss elevating bilateral ties to a strategic partnership. Minister of Information, Culture, and State Minister for Youth Affairs Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi presented a detailed report on the Crown Prince's visit to Kuwait's pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka. Accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya, His Highness toured the pavilion, which showcases Kuwait's achievements in economy, energy, environment, education, and cultural heritage. He expressed appreciation for the organizers' efforts in presenting Kuwait's identity to the global audience. The Cabinet also discussed the outcomes of the recent official visit by Syrian President Ahmad Al-Shara. The talks, chaired by His Highness the Amir on the Kuwaiti side and President Al-Shara on the Syrian side, focused on enhancing bilateral cooperation across various sectors and addressing the latest developments in Syria. Both parties emphasized the need for intensified international efforts to ensure Syria's sovereignty, security, and stability. Additionally, the Cabinet reviewed high-level visits from the leaders of Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Talks with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani and UAE Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the strength of fraternal relations. These meetings led to the signing of several memoranda of understanding in sectors such as energy, advanced technology, education, law, health, investment, and cybersecurity. The Council received a presentation from Minister of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy Dr. Subaih Abdulaziz Al-Mukhaizeem, who outlined progress on several strategic infrastructure projects. These include the Shagaya and Abdaliyah Renewable Energy Projects, Az-Zour North Phases II and III, Khairan and Nuwaiseeb Phase I, and the Subiya Plant expansion phases. Combined, these projects will add 14,050 megawatts of electricity and 228 million gallons of daily water production. The Cabinet commended the ministry's efforts and stressed the importance of addressing implementation challenges to meet the nation's growing energy demands. The session concluded with the Cabinet approving several items on the agenda and referring others to specialized ministerial committees for further review and action. Through these comprehensive discussions and decisions, the Cabinet reaffirmed its commitment to national development, regional cooperation, and institutional integrity.

Kuwait Times
7 days ago
- Kuwait Times
Families in Kuwait disheartened by off-campus graduation ban
Last-minute decision to restrict ceremonies to school auditoriums shatters seniors' graduation dreams KUWAIT: Sara had a lot to look forward to in the final stretch of her senior year. Soon, she would walk the stage she had dreamed of since first grade, with her family and friends cheering for her. For many students like Sara, preparing for graduation goes beyond studying for those crucial finals — it's also about the celebration afterwards. The excitement of choosing an outfit and planning how to mark the occasion is just as important as the academic achievement. But a recent ministry of education decision banning schools from holding graduation ceremonies outside school grounds has shattered Sara's dream, and that of many of her peers. In late April, Education Minister Jalal Al-Tabtabaei issued a directive requiring all graduation ceremonies and school events to be held on campus, specifically in school auditoriums. The ministry has not publicly explained the reasoning behind the decision. The announcement came just weeks before the school year ends. 'The decision was very last minute and it had us all shocked,' said Sara, a Kuwaiti graduating senior. 'We've been waiting since we were young for this celebration so we could feel appreciated for all the work that we put into school. Now it won't be the same.' 'Auditoriums are rundown' Wearing a cap and gown to mark years of hard work is a meaningful milestone anywhere in the world. But in Kuwait, graduation has become more than a simple school ceremony. In recent years, it has evolved into a lavish celebration, often held in five-star hotel ballrooms or exclusive event halls. Some ceremonies feature extravagant setups — red carpets, indoor fireworks and massive stage displays — far beyond what most school auditoriums can accommodate. As soon as exams conclude and certificates are handed out, a race begins to book prestigious venues — spaces once reserved for weddings and major public events. These celebrations are now planned with budgets that rival those for Eid or even wedding seasons. Laura, an expat mother whose daughter is set to graduate next year, said the decision to ban off-campus ceremonies has taken away some of that joy. 'For the students, I would think, if you work so hard sitting in those walls all day long, you don't want to celebrate your graduation at the same place. You don't want it to feel like recess,' she said. While the decision calls for holding the event at school auditoriums, critics say it doesn't address the fact that the facilities are often poorly maintained. 'The problem is that school auditoriums are rundown — they need funding and time to be renovated. At our school, the last graduating class to hold their ceremony on campus was before the invasion,' said Abdullah, a high school student, referring to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait 34 years ago. The ban is especially disappointing for Mariam, Sara's mother, who had hoped to share her daughter's big day with extended family — including siblings and grandparents. When schools host events on campus, attendance is typically limited to just two guests, usually the parents. External venues, by contrast, can accommodate hundreds, allowing families to invite more loved ones — though that often comes at a steep cost. Some parents told Kuwait Times they've paid up to KD 50 per guest. Many schools also offer sit-down dinners and professional photography, turning the occasion into a full-scale celebration. 'Graduation parties held outside are better organized and just nicer overall,' said Amina, a parent. 'Money shouldn't be the issue when it comes to celebrating your kids — especially high school grads.' 'Why go that far?' Yet over the years, many parents and observers have criticized these lavish ceremonies. Costs can climb into the hundreds or even thousands of Kuwaiti dinars per student. Families often feel pressured to keep up, and students from less affluent households may end up feeling excluded. 'Of course it's a celebration of a lifetime but it's not right to strain your pocket for a party,' said Noura, a mother of three and a grandmother. 'It's a huge chunk of money that's better spent elsewhere, especially if a family has two or three kids.' Laura acknowledges the financial burden, but said she believes the recent ban leaves families with no real alternatives. 'I think there are more affordable ways to do it — it doesn't have to be at a five-star hotel,' she said. She added that expectations are tied to the school's demographic. 'It depends on the kind of school you go to,' Laura said. 'If the fees are, say, six or seven thousand dinars a year, then most families can afford a more elaborate celebration. But if you're at a school that charges KD 500 or 600 a year, the expectations shift — you work around what your parent community can afford.' Noura said the expenses go beyond the ticket price. 'The young girls who spend tons of money on getting their hair and makeup done at a salon, as if going to a wedding — why go that far?' she said. 'A nice dress under your gown and your cap is enough to make you beautiful like a rose.' Still, some parents are trying to stay hopeful. 'At the moment, I'm kind of hoping they change their minds,' said Laura. 'We still have one year left. But if not, then I'll probably just arrange something small — maybe a dinner at a nice restaurant with some of her friends, our own little celebration.' Note: Kuwait Times has changed the names of people in this article to protect their identity.


Arab Times
28-05-2025
- Arab Times
Expat Teachers Face Exit as Kuwait Pushes for Kuwaitization
KUWAIT CITY, May 28: The Civil Service Bureau has announced that the suspension of new expatriate teacher hires will remain in effect until the Civil Service Board approves a detailed job requirements plan and nominates qualified Kuwaiti candidates from the central employment system, in line with the Ministry of Education's needs for specific teaching specializations. In a parallel development, the Ministry of Education is preparing to terminate the contracts of 60 expatriate employees—55 teachers and five administrators, who have reached the legal limit of public service. According to informed sources, the ministry's administrative sector has completed an inventory of non-Kuwaiti staff who have served more than 34 years across various educational levels and districts, as well as the ministry's central office. The termination of expatriate teaching staff will take effect at the end of the 2024–2025 academic year, while the dismissal of administrative employees is scheduled for the end of the calendar year in December 2025. These measures are part of Kuwait's long-standing policy to replace expatriate workers with national citizens in government roles, particularly in sectors where local talent is now sufficient, such as education. The initiative is aimed at strengthening workforce nationalization and creating more employment opportunities for Kuwaitis.