The Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) has recorded an unprecedented rise in examination misconduct, with 80 cases reported in 2025, officials said during Friday’s results ceremony in the Cayman Islands.

Dr Nicole Manning, CXC’s Director of Operations, said the spike affects both CSEC and CAPE exams. CSEC alone reported 57 irregularities, up from 49 in 2024, while CAPE recorded 23, an increase of 17.

The most common violations involved unauthorized devices, which rose sharply to 39 cases in CSEC, from just 5 in 2023. Collusion also increased, with eight incidents reported this year. Manning warned students caught with prohibited items face cancellation of results and possible disqualification from other subjects.

“Do not bring devices into the exam. Students who use phones to look up answers risk losing results across multiple subjects,” she said.

CXC has introduced a graduated penalty system, distinguishing between possession and use of unauthorized devices.

The council also reported 3,593 absences across 98,160 subject entries, citing emergencies, illness, or lack of preparation. Hardship cases, such as family bereavements, fell slightly to 449 from 478 in 2024.

Results were released via the CXC student portal at 1 PM on Friday.