Dozens of Polish high school students had their mathematics exams invalidated on Tuesday after bringing mobile phones into the examination hall during mandatory testing.
Phone Use Triggers Invalidation
On Tuesday, May 6, approximately 376,700 students sat for the mandatory basic-level mathematics exam. CKE Director Robert Zakrzewski reported that dozens of students had their exams invalidated for bringing mobile phones into the examination room.
Zakrzewski noted that the exact number is still being updated as school principals complete their protocols, though the current data accounts for 93 percent of reports.
Patterns of Misconduct
A similar situation occurred the previous day during the Polish language exam, where dozens of students were disqualified due to posting photos of exam papers online or bringing phones into the room.
Zakrzewski expects similar detection levels for the modern foreign language exam held on Wednesday morning, adding that there have been no signs of major irregularities affecting the overall exam process.
Historical Data and Regulations
Last year, 244 students had their exams invalidated. This included 105 for cheating, 72 for using telecommunications devices like smartphones, and one for disrupting the exam process.
Exams can also be invalidated after completion; last year, 30 people were disqualified for rule violations and 13 others for cheating identified during the grading process.
Students whose exams are invalidated for a subject must wait one year to retake it. Notably, medical devices like glucose monitors are permitted if reported to the school exam team chairperson before the exam begins.