Education Secretary dismisses claims of Grade 12 exam paper leakage

The National Department of Education has dismissed claims circulating on social media that the 2026 Grade 12 national examination papers have leaked.

Secretary for Education Dr Uke Kombra confirmed that the papers shared online are fake.

Dr Kombra said the Measurement Services Division (MSD), which oversees national examinations, has checked the images circulating online and confirmed that they do not contain genuine examination papers.

"The security of examinations, from question writing to printing and distribution to the provinces is well secured, and any leak during this period is almost impossible. I want to encourage the public and education authorities not to panic but to remain vigilant," Dr Kombra said.

The Secretary urged students and parents not to fall prey to rogue groups or criminals selling fake examination papers for money.

He warned that the Department has systems in place to identify whether cheating has occurred.

“Examinations will be declared null and void if a school is caught cheating. Students will not be certificated, and teachers involved will be terminated," Dr Kombra said.

Dr Kombra stressed that provincial education authorities, Provincial Education Advisers, inspectors, examination supervisors and school administrators must take responsibility for securing examination papers once schools receive them.

He said MSD continues to monitor information, analyse reports and investigate possible breaches to protect the integrity of national examinations.

The Department confirmed that Grade 10 examinations concluded last week without major issues. Grade 12 examinations continue on Monday, October 12, while Grade 8 examinations begin next week.

The Department urges students to remain calm, focus on their examinations and avoid sharing unverified information online, and to rely only on official Department updates.