The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has updated the rules governing the upcoming 2024 BECE and WASSCE. According to WAEC, any candidate or exam official who goes contrary to the rules will be dealt with according to the rules.
Let’s take a look at the rules.
WAEC Releases New Set Of Rules For 2024 BECE and WASSCE
Bringing Unauthorized Materials into the Exam Hall
1. With Printed Materials
If a student is caught with any unauthorized printed material (except phones or other electronic devices):
- One Subject Confirmed: The result for that subject will be withheld for investigation.
- Unconfirmed**: The entire exam results will be withheld for investigation.
2. With a Programmable Calculator
If a student is found with one, their entire results will be withheld for investigation.
3. With Inscriptions on Body/Clothing
The entire results will be withheld for investigation.
4. With Mobile Phones or Electronic Devices
The entire results will be withheld for investigation.
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Irregular Activities Inside or Outside the Exam Hall
1. Serious Offenses
If a student is caught committing the following, their entire results will be withheld:
- Stealing or misusing other students’ scripts.
- Swapping scripts during or after the exam.
- Submitting multiple scripts.
- Possessing more than one question paper or answer booklet.
- Receiving help from non-candidates (e.g., invigilators, supervisors, teachers).
2. Non-Candidate Help
If a non-candidate helps a student, they will be banned from exams for one year and reported for disciplinary action.
3. Other Irregularities
Including tearing the question paper, refusing to submit scripts, writing before or after the exam time, or causing disturbances.
Collusion
1. During the Exam
If students are caught helping each other, their entire results will be withheld.
2. Detected in Scripts
If collusion is found in scripts, the entire results will be withheld.
3. Multiple Subjects
If collusion is proven in more than one subject, the entire results will be withheld.
Impersonation
The impersonator will be handed to the police, and both the impersonator and the original candidate will have their results withheld and be banned from exams for at least two years.
Foreknowledge
1. Established Case
If students have prior knowledge of the exam content, their results for that subject will be withheld.
2. Involvement of Officials
Any official involved will face appropriate sanctions.
3. School Involvement
If a school is involved, it will lose recognition according to Rule 7.
Leakage
Any involved officials will face sanctions.
Mass Cheating
1. One Subject
If mass cheating is found, all results at that center will be withheld.
2. Multiple Subjects
Additional actions include reporting to the Ministry of Education, de-recognizing the school, and possible penalties.
3. Three or More Subjects
The center’s recognition will be withdrawn and only restored after re-inspection and assurance of corrective measures.
Insult/Assault on Officials
1. Insult/Assault
If a student insults or assaults an official, their results will be withheld, they will be banned for two years, and possibly prosecuted.
2. Serious Assault
If a student brings dangerous items to harm others, their results will be withheld, they will be banned for two years, and possibly prosecuted.
3. School Official Misconduct
If school officials insult or assault exam officials, the school will lose recognition for at least two years, and if the assault causes injury, recognition will be withdrawn and costs of treatment will be covered by the school.
Contravention of Instructions
1. Improper Writing Tools
If a student writes with the wrong tool:
- Single Offense Confirmed: The result for that subject will be withheld.
- Unconfirmed**: The entire results will be withheld.
2. Incomplete Answer Booklet Cover
Similar withholding rules apply.
Multiple Registrations/Unqualified Candidates
1. Multiple Registrations
If a student registers multiple times and attends different centers, their results will be withheld.
2. Unqualified Registrations
If school officials register unqualified candidates or falsify records, the school will be de-recognized for at least one year.
11. Destruction of Evidence
If a student destroys evidence of an offense, their results will be withheld.
12. Posting Live Questions Online
If a student posts or receives live questions, their results will be withheld and officials involved will be sanctioned and reported to the police.
13. Refusal to Grant Access
1. Initial Refusal: The school will be warned.
2. Repeated Refusal: The school will be de-recognized for two years.
14. Misconduct of Exam Officials
1. Found with Relevant Materials: The official will be handed to the police and reported to their employer.
2. Bribery by School Authorities: The school will be de-recognized for two years.