‘Leaked questions’ trigger supervisory exam retakes

KUWAIT CITY, Oct 15: Minister of Education Eng. Sayed Jalal Al-Tabtabaei has issued a decision to cancel all results of the fourth-stage examinations for candidates seeking supervisory educational positions and to re-administer the examinations for all applicants, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The decision follows the completion of an independent investigative committee’s work. The committee was established by the minister to examine concerns, complaints, and irregularities previously raised by candidates and members of the education sector regarding the examinations. In an official statement, the Ministry of Education explained that the decision was based on the findings of the independent investigative committee. It reflects the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of examination procedures and ensuring that any subsequent administrative decisions are based on sound and valid grounds. The decision also aims to strengthen confidence in the selection process for supervisory positions and reinforce the principle that appointments to educational leadership roles must be based on objective criteria and rigorous procedures that comply with applicable regulations.

The ministry emphasized that safeguarding the integrity of examinations and protecting candidates’ rights are responsibilities that allow no compromise. Addressing the concerns and complaints raised within the education sector reflects a commitment to reviewing procedures, verifying their validity, and taking the necessary corrective measures to preserve the credibility of administrative processes and strengthen confidence in the selection mechanisms for supervisory educational positions. The Educational Affairs Sector will oversee all tasks and procedures required to re-administer the examinations according to a timetable to be determined. The process will strictly adhere to established examination regulations, with the necessary measures in place to ensure confidentiality, procedural integrity, and the prevention of any irregularities. The dates, venues, durations, and subject matter of the re-administered examinations will be officially announced by the ministry at a later date. Candidates who participated in the fourth-phase leadership training courses will be informed of all relevant details and requirements to ensure clarity and enable them to prepare based on verified, publicly announced information.

The decision follows a series of oversight and investigative measures prompted by numerous concerns and complaints raised during and after the examination period. These included objections concerning the integrity of the examination procedures and the extent to which they ensured fairness and equal opportunities for all candidates. In response to these concerns and in line with the commitment to addressing them objectively and responsibly, the Minister of Education directed the formation of an impartial investigative committee.

The committee, comprising specialists from the Fatwa and Legislation Department and the Ministry of Education, was tasked with investigating the issues and irregularities affecting the fourth phase of the selection process for supervisory educational positions at the Ministry of Education for the 2025/2026 academic year. The ministry explained that the committee examined various aspects of the examinations, verified the procedures followed in their organization and administration, assessed the integrity of the mechanisms in place, identified shortcomings, and submitted its findings and recommendations to the minister to support an appropriate decision based on the investigation’s results.

The committee’s mandate included investigating the electronic examinations administered to candidates for supervisory educational positions following their completion of training courses that concluded with an assessment. It also reviewed the procedures applied to examinations for candidates who had attended leadership training courses. The investigation further examined the circulation of fourth-phase examination questions on social media platforms and the circumstances surrounding the incident. It also reviewed the examination preparation process and the programming mechanisms used, covering the technical and procedural aspects essential to ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of the tests. Upon completing its work, the committee submitted its final report to the Minister of Education, outlining its findings from the examination and investigation of the identified issues and irregularities. Based on the report’s findings, a decision was approved to cancel all results from the fourth phase of examinations and re-administer the tests for all candidates.

The investigation uncovered practices involving the unauthorized circulation of examination questions, undermining equal opportunities and fair competition. Such actions are incompatible with professional integrity and the standards required of those entrusted with educational responsibilities. The decision to re-administer the examinations reflects the ministry’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the process and ensuring fairness for all applicants. This initiative aims to uphold transparency and integrity in the selection of candidates for educational supervisory positions, ensuring that the final approved results are based on sound procedures and that all candidates are afforded equal opportunities in accordance with established examination regulations. The ministry emphasized that safeguarding the credibility of these examinations requires a firm response to any concerns or irregularities. It stressed that the process must remain beyond reproach, ensuring that fair competition is maintained and candidates’ rights are protected.

Safeguarding the integrity of the administrative and educational system remains a top priority in all decisions and actions related to supervisory positions. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education has directed all relevant parties to fully comply with the decision and its provisions. They are required to follow the established guidelines for re-administering the examinations and implement the necessary measures to ensure confidentiality and procedural integrity throughout the process. These efforts aim to strengthen confidence in the selection process for educational supervisory positions and reaffirm that fairness, equal opportunity, and integrity are fundamental principles that must never be compromised.