What is the ruling on cheating in exams?

Question:
What is the ruling on cheating in exams?

Answer:
Cheating in exams is not permissible, for cheating is not permissible in any circumstance. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Whoever cheats us is not one of us.” In another wording, “Whoever cheats is not one of us.” This applies not only in exams but in everything else, because it involves deceiving people, because it involves betrayal, and because it involves displaying a right to something when one is not actually entitled to it. Cheating by a student of knowledge is even more serious, because the people who are typically examined are students of knowledge, especially in the Islamic sciences. Therefore, cheating by them is not permissible, all the more so, because they are more deserving of trust, and more deserving of reliability and commitment. Also, the one who cheats in an exam deceives the authorities, and he may be given a position over others when he does not deserve it, thereby depriving those who are entitled to it. This results in many harms, and it leads to false reports being made about them. The Muslim becomes accustomed to betrayal and cheating in this and in other matters. Yes. May Allah reward you with good.