Grade 7 candidates get wrong Zimsec exam paper

Grade 7 pupils at Gudyanga Primary School in Chimanimani District experienced an examination mix-up on Friday, 29 September 2025, when they were handed the wrong paper during their Agriculture, Science, and Technology exam session. Instead, the Physical Education and Arts (PED & Arts) paper, scheduled for the following Monday, was mistakenly opened.

Sources said the paper had been distributed and candidates were preparing to start writing when officials quickly intervened and withdrew the documents.

Zimbabwe Schools Examination Council (Zimsec) Public Relations Manager, Nicky Dhlamini, confirmed the incident, emphasizing that no pupil actually received the paper. "We did receive information that the Monday paper was opened on Friday. It is important to note that the paper was not issued to candidates at all. Zimsec officials were alerted and went to the school. The PED and the DSI also went there. The opened paper was retrieved and there was no prejudice to the exam," she said.

The matter underscores ongoing challenges for Zimsec, as exam paper mix-ups and leakages continue to occur despite efforts to maintain stringent examination procedures. Cases of such errors have, in the past, led to court interventions and the need for re-sits for affected candidates.

Chimanimani District Schools Inspector (DSI), Elsie Muyocha, referred questions to Provincial Education Director, Richard Gabaza, who could not be reached for comment.

The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful handling and distribution of examination materials to avoid confusion and ensure a fair testing environment for all candidates.