MQA sets 50% pass rate requirement for course assessments

Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA) sets a 50% pass rate requirement for the controlled assessments, in order to pass a course. With this decision, it has amended the Guidelines for Programme Accreditation.

The practice of students outsourcing their assignments and assessments during the course is a concerning issue, which has been growing over time. To address this issue, MQA announced that students must obtain a 50% pass rate for all controlled assessments, in order to pass the course.

The amendment brought to the guideline includes requirements for conducting courses which were previously conducted in higher education institutions. This includes, clarifying the assessment components and criteria for each unit or module of a programme, and mandating students to produce at least one work of their own, written or otherwise, that will assess the student’s ability.

Additionally, all modules of programmes, excluding Master’s by research, must include assessments equivalent to at least 50% of the aggregate marks in assessment conditions. This includes, exams which are 50% supervised, timed, and controlled, regardless of the delivery modality. Furthermore, a duration for open book examinations must be set under the regulations. It further directs to reduce the involvement of third-party assistance in preparing assignments, and states that no module should include all home written assignments.

Currently, some institutions award between 40% and 70% of the total grade based on assignments alone, with some even allowing students to pass courses entirely through assignments without exams. The practice has resulted in students earning degrees without fully engaging in their academic work. As a result, courses relying entirely on assignments have now been discontinued.

Moreover, the “Procedure for Dealing with Complaints about Higher Education and Training Institutions” prohibits students from offering or completing academic work in exchange for payment or other compensation. Violations of the regulation will result in a fine of USD324 and further disciplinary action against the student. Those who assist in violating the regulations will be fined a sum of USD648.