The Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) has introduced significant changes to the qualification criteria for courses across all colleges and universities in the country, mandating a minimum of 50 percent pass marks with a controlled assessment component.

The new criteria, published in the Government Gazette on Sunday, require that all programs from MNQF Level 1 to Level 9 (excluding master's by Research) include exams accounting for at least 50 percent of the total marks. These exams must be supervised, time-limited, and controlled to ensure fairness and integrity in the assessment process.

One of the key changes is the introduction of at least one piece of work, either written or otherwise, to assess individual capabilities. Furthermore, the total assessment for a module must include 50 percent controlled assessments, with students required to pass each of these components to meet the module's assessment requirements.

The Maldives National University (MNU) has already been adhering to these standards for its courses, where assessment is more closely regulated. Historically, many colleges and universities relied heavily on assignments, with some programs allocating up to 70 percent of the total marks to individual assignments. This method, however, led to concerns about academic malpractice, including plagiarism and the use of AI tools like ChatGPT for assignments.

The new criteria are aimed at curbing such fraudulent practices by ensuring that students are assessed more rigorously and that their individual capabilities are tested under controlled conditions. The MQA hopes these changes will enhance the quality and integrity of education in the Maldives, ensuring that qualifications accurately reflect the students' knowledge and skills.