Strict Rules and Equal Chances: New Measures for Thanaweya Amma Exams

Egypt’s Ministry of Education and Technical Education has announced strict new measures ahead of the upcoming Thanaweya Amma exams, aiming to combat electronic cheating, tighten discipline inside examination committees, and ensure equal opportunities for all students.

The ministry, led by Minister Mohamed Abdel Latif, said it is studying several technical and administrative procedures, including the possibility of temporarily disrupting local internet services around examination centers during exam hours to prevent leaks and online cheating.

Mostafa Khedr, an Arabic language instructor at the Bab El-Shariya Educational Administration, said the measures are necessary to protect hardworking students and restore confidence in the examination system. He explained that Thanaweya Amma is a critical stage for Egyptian families, making fairness inside exam halls essential.

Khedr said electronic cheating has created frustration among teachers and students, especially when those who rely on leaks or digital tools appear to compete equally with students who studied throughout the year. He added that limiting internet access around exam centers could help cut off online cheating networks and protect equal opportunity.

Khedr also welcomed the minister’s warning against favoritism toward “Welad El-Akaber,” a term used to refer to the children of influential families. He said the promise to personally inspect any suspicious committee sends an important message that all students should be treated equally.

He added that the increase of EGP 1,100 in the teaching performance incentive is an appreciated step, especially given the pressure teachers face during monitoring and grading periods.

Mona Mahmoud, the mother of a secondary school student, said the proposed measures bring reassurance to parents who spend the year supporting their children academically and emotionally. She said it is unfair for a student who studies for long hours to be placed on the same level as someone who cheats.

Mahmoud said she supports temporary internet restrictions if they help prevent cheating, although she has some concerns about being unable to contact her child immediately after the exam if the network is slow to return.

She also said the ministry’s position against favoritism gives families hope that this year’s exams will be more transparent. For parents, she added, the main demand is simple: fairness.

The ministry also announced plans to cooperate with Japanese technology firms to provide employment opportunities in software programming and digital development for top-performing students from technical education tracks.

As the exam season approaches, the success of these measures will depend on how fairly and effectively they are implemented. For students and families, the real goal is a system where results reflect effort, not cheating, privilege, or influence.