PNG Education Minister Warns Against Examination Cheating

 Papua New Guinea’s Education Minister Francis Kikin Siune has warned students, teachers and school authorities against examination malpractice, stressing that dishonest practices will not be tolerated as the country’s national examinations continue.

His warning follows social media claims alleging that the 2026 Grade 12 examination papers had leaked. However, the National Department of Education has confirmed that the images circulating online are fake after verification by the Measurement Services Division (MSD).

Minister Siune said national examinations must provide every student with a fair opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and preparation, without interference from cheating or attempts to obtain examination materials unlawfully.

“Examinations are an important part of our education system. Every student deserves a fair opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned. We cannot allow cheating, examination malpractice or the sale of fake examination papers to undermine the efforts of honest students,” he said.

He warned individuals attempting to sell fabricated examination papers or exploit students and parents for money that the Department would investigate the allegations and seek to identify those responsible.

“I have asked the Department to follow up on these claims and identify who is behind them. Anyone found selling fake examination papers or profiting from the fears of students and parents will be dealt with,” Minister Siune said.

The Minister said safeguards were in place to identify examination malpractice, with penalties applying to schools, students and teachers found responsible.

Schools involved in cheating could face deregistration, while students risk losing their eligibility for certification. Teachers found participating in examination misconduct could also face disciplinary action, including termination, in accordance with established procedures.

Provincial education authorities, Provincial Education Advisers, inspectors, examination supervisors and school administrators have also been reminded to maintain strict supervision and ensure examination papers are properly secured throughout the examination period.

Minister Siune called on parents, communities and the wider public to help protect the credibility of the examination system by discouraging dishonest behaviour and reporting credible information about suspected malpractice to the appropriate authorities.

With Grade 12 examinations underway and Grade 8 examinations approaching, he urged students to remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and concentrate on their examinations.

“The future of our children and the credibility of our education system depend on the standards we uphold today. We must work together to ensure that our national examinations remain fair, credible and worthy of the achievements of our students,” he said.