Rwanda’s Ministry of Education has ordered 7,188 learners to retake their 2026 Primary Leaving Examinations after investigations confirmed widespread examination malpractice across the country.
According to the Ministry, mass cheating occurred in 254 examination rooms, involving learners in different parts of the country.
The Ministry said investigations found that the malpractice was not limited to learners, with some of the cheating allegedly orchestrated and facilitated by adults entrusted with administering the examinations.
Under normal circumstances, examinations affected by malpractice would be cancelled. However, the Ministry said the circumstances of the 2026 incident warranted a different approach to protect the interests and future of the affected learners.
The affected learners will therefore be allowed to sit the examinations again in a nationwide retake scheduled for September 2–4, 2026.
The National Examination and School Inspection Authority (NESA) is expected to release the retake timetable, designated examination centres and additional guidance on August 31.
The Ministry said it will work with NESA, learners, parents, schools and local authorities to ensure the retake is conducted with minimal disruption.
The decision comes as the government seeks to protect the credibility of Rwanda’s national examination system. The Ministry stressed that the integrity of national examinations remains non-negotiable.
Authorities also said individuals found to have organised, facilitated, participated in or deliberately enabled the malpractice will face accountability measures.
The Ministry said immediate steps will also be taken to strengthen examination procedures and prevent similar incidents from occurring in future.
The retake means thousands of learners will have another opportunity to complete their Primary Leaving Examinations, while investigations and accountability proceedings continue against those found responsible for compromising the examination process.
