Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology Vows Zero Tolerance for SNBT 2026 Cheating

The Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology has vowed zero tolerance for any form of cheating in the 2026 National Selection Based on Test (SNBT) under the National Student Admission Process (SNPMB).

Minister Brian Yuliarto stated that the ministry has identified organised groups deliberately engaging in fraud. To counter this, it is using a database of previous years’ participant photos for identity verification.

“Such groups are deliberately committing fraud. The same individuals keep recurring, so we have a database of previous photos. When data comes in, we cross-check it with existing records,” Brian said during a press conference on Monday (25 May) at the ministry’s office regarding the SNBT results and KIP Kuliah 2026 scholarship announcements.

Brian stressed that integrity is the cornerstone of education, urging parents and candidates not to resort to any means for success, as education aims to build a clean future.

“We will not tolerate any cheating, however minor, to secure a pass. Let us adhere to the rules and uphold integrity,” he added.

SNPMB Committee Chair Eduart Wolok explained that this year’s monitoring system is far more effective than in previous years. While cheating was only detected at the end of the 2025 process, the 2026 SNBT has already curbed suspicious activity from the outset.

“Based on 2025’s evaluation, we can now address issues early. Those suspected of cheating have not returned for subsequent days. We’re pleased with this progress,” Wolok said.

He added that early detection isn’t just relying on reported anomalies involving 2,900 candidates, but also through enhanced surveillance and strict checks during the Computer-Based Written Test (UTBK). He assured that almost no cheating has slipped through to the final stages this year.

SNBT 2026 data shows 871,496 applicants, an increase from 860,976 in 2025 and 785,058 in 2024.