GMAC Harsh on Rules - Scores of 133 Candidates Revoked

The Official administrator of GMAT exam, GMAC has recently cancelled the scores of 133 candidates. This has been done as these candidates were found taking up unfair means during the test. GMAT is the most widely accepted exam for admissions worldwide. More than 2,300 schools, including Harvard, Wharton, Stanford, and Indian School of Business, accept GMAT scores for giving admission. Over 650 GMAT test centres in 114 countries administer GMAT for candidates.

Ashok Sarathy, the Vice President, Product Management Operations of GMAC spoke about the action taken by GMAC. He spoke about what measures GMAC would be taking to prevent such incidents in the future. This has become a concern which needs to be addressed. He also mentions that the rules and security measures will be strict. GMAC was able to identify the violations that were made.

GMAT Security Violations

The authorities were informed regarding the fraudulent activity going on in the GMAT Exam. The investigation was done and candidates were found violating the rules. Candidates from different countries have violated the policies.

1. Cheating ring apprehended by the law enforcement earlier this year. The local police have identified a chain or a group of people who have been found cheating while attempting GMAT. This was reported to the authorities and was taken up for investigation.
2. Serious policy violations, like proxy test-taking, have been identified. GMAC has used forensics and security tools for investigation. This has brought up enough evidence that shows someone else taking the test for the candidate. After finding the evidence, the GMAT scores were cancelled.
3. Evidence has been found for the home-based GMAT and at the test centres are similar. Cheating while taking the test has been found in both the versions. This includes inappropriate behaviour while taking the exam.

Note: GMAT Score of 108 Indian Students Revoked by GMAC for Cheating

Measures to prevent Violations 

GMAC says that they are committed to maintain the integrity of the test. The steps and actions needed to do so are:

1. GMAC will use the most current technology and methods to deter and detect such activities.
2. GMAC will take action against inappropriate behaviour before, during, and after an exam.
3. The actions might be taken for the test centre or GMAT Online exams.
4. GMAC is using secure browser technology and enhancement of data pre and post exam.

The officials declared that they will not disclose the specific measures deployed to avoid the rules violation. GMAT will continue to adapt as technologies and techniques evolve. This will ensure that test centres remain confident in the validity of tests. Action against inappropriate behaviour before, during, and after an exam is administered.

Consequences

The officials have ensured that there are consequences for violating the rules. GMAC will be cooperating with the law enforcement regarding this. The consequences may include:

1. Scores are cancelled
2. Test centres are informed involving evidence of cheating
3. Candidates may face legal action
4. Restrictions or bans on future tests.

GMAC has been monitoring and recording online exams. Any evidence found by the security or forensics team will be addressed immediately. All the online sessions will be recorded and any issue found will be addressed immediately.

GMAT Guidelines for Students 

GMAC has come up with dos and don’ts of online testing on social media. The officials have provided the information in their official website. Handbook and email newsletters have also been sent as guidelines to the candidates. Students must not use the easy way out to score higher. This is a scam made to cheat candidates and extract out their money. They are fooled by various groups of scammers. Candidates are requested not to fall for this trap.

GMAC has updated its guidelines informing students not to fall for such scams. These might result in them being a target of extortion. The official authorities have also warned candidates regarding cheating. This might result in serious consequences or criminal prosecution by law-and-order authorities. The local authorities are now aware of this fraud and are actively working to address the issue. This has been considered as one of the major offset of events in regards to GMAT.