Education Department officials in northern Balkh province announced that ghost teachers and other employees appointed based on fraud and forgery would no longer receive pay and other privileges. 14 925 teachers and workers have been covered since the introduction of the biometric system, and from now on salaries will be paid upon completing legal procedures.

There has been an increasing number of cases of academic dishonesty among senior scientists in China. A 2018 report by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences states that there were 64 cases of academic dishonesty between 2007 and 2017. At least 10 scientists were charged in 2016. These incidents occurred at 46 universities and one national research institute.

According to the National Examinations Board, there are many irregularities in the high school exam system in Kathmandu. While students, officials, and school administrators try to rig exams to suit their interests, guardians also use their influence to help their children cheat. The higher the pass percentage, the more the students are being enrolled the following year. Educationists and administrators alike say systemic failures have led to the perpetuation of exam rigging in Nepal, however, policy or procedural reforms might not work unless there is a change in the mindset of the people.

The Anti-Corruption Establishment (ACE) arrested three secondary school teachers for their involvement in taking bribes and making fake appointments based on fake degrees in the Punjab Education Department. Some influential political figures have made efforts to obtain the release of arrested teachers, but have failed due to ACE’s investigation into this issue.

The Australian Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency is tightening its cooperation with international regulators to tackle contract cheating on an industrial scale. A recent study shows that 10 per cent of students pay others to complete their assessments. The Federal Government has introduced penalties of up to two years of imprisonment and fines of up to $210,000 for contract cheats.