Cheating during examinations
Attempting to deceive in an examination — commonly known as cheating — is a breach of regulations that the University of Gothenburg takes very seriously. Disciplinary measures for cheating are either a warning or suspension from your studies for up to six months.
What is cheating?
The legal term for cheating is attempted deception in examination. It means trying to give a false impression of your academic performance. This can include using someone else's text (including AI-generated content), unauthorised aids, or collaborating in ways that are not permitted.
You are responsible for knowing the rules and for not cheating. Ask your teacher if you are unsure about what is allowed.
Avoid cheating — keep this in mind
- Find out which rules apply to your examination.
- Always follow your teacher's instructions on aids and collaboration.
- The conditions may have changed since previous examinations — for example, which aids are permitted.
- Use your own wording, and always cite your sources when using someone else's text, ideas, or data.
- Get help from Working with sources and references.
Forms of cheating
Unpermitted aids
The use of aids not permitted in examination instructions is considered cheating. Aids often prohibited include notes, mobile phones, books, and laptops.
Aids for different examination formats:
- In a hall exam, aids are only permitted if specifically stated.
- In a take-home exam, all aids are permitted unless otherwise stated.
Plagiarism
Plagiarism means presenting someone else's text or other material as your own.
Examples of plagiarism include:
- Not citing a source or marking quotations.
- Paraphrasing or translating someone else's text without citing the source.
- Copying and reproducing tables, diagrams, or images from someone else's work without citing the source.
Plagiarism check
The University of Gothenburg uses a digital system for plagiarism checks. Your text is submitted (often via Canvas) and compared with content from the internet, published material, and previously submitted work. If the system detects similarities, the document is flagged for potential plagiarism.
Prohibited use of generative AI
The University does not forbid the use of generative AI, but it counts as cheating if you use it to:
- Complete an exam task that you, as a student, are expected to do yourself.
- Present AI-generated text or other material as if it were your own work.
- Other uses of generative AI may also be prohibited in your course or programme.
For more information, see the University's guidance for students on the use of generative AI in their studies.
Unauthorised cooperation
Collaborating and communicating with others in ways not permitted by examination instructions is considered cheating.
Other acts
Other actions can also be considered cheating. Examples include falsifying certificates or signatures.
What happens if cheating is suspected
If a suspected case to deceive during examinations (cheating) is discovered, it is always investigated. The most common disciplinary measure when a student has attempted to deceive during an examination is suspension from their studies for six weeks.
The following applies:
- Your department investigates whether there are reasonable grounds for suspicion. If suspicion remains, a report is made to the Vice-Chancellor.
- You always have the right to submit your views.
- The case may be dealt with by the University's Disciplinary Board, which decides on any disciplinary measures.
- Disciplinary measures are a warning or suspension from your studies for up to six months.
More information about what happens following a report can be found on the Disciplinary matters page.
