An attempt at deception in an exam almost always affects the grade, but rarely only the grade. How severe the consequences are depends on your university’s examination regulations and on the seriousness, repetition and procedure of the case. This guide explains the typical stages and shows with examples how differently universities proceed.
Kurz beantwortet: For an attempted deception in an exam, the guideline of the University of Mainz (as of December 2025) generally sets the grade not sufficient (5.0), which counts as a failed attempt. Further consequences follow the regulations. The Mainz guideline excludes fines and proportional grade offsetting. Last updated: November 2026.
The most important points
- In the Mainz example, the grade not sufficient is the rule. Other universities regulate the process in their own regulations.
- The grade counts as a failed attempt and reduces the remaining attempts.
- In repeated or serious cases, further consequences can follow, depending on the regulations and in some cases up to exclusion.
- The Mainz guideline excludes the exclusion from further exams, fines and proportional grade offsetting.
- Before a decision, you must be given the opportunity to respond.
What counts as an attempt at deception?
An attempt at deception exists when you try to influence an exam performance through prohibited aids or conduct. Typical cases are cribsheets, unapproved devices or copying from neighbours. How the term is understood in a specific case is set by your university’s regulations, so a look at your own documents is essential.
It also matters who establishes the incident. During an exam, the invigilation secures evidence and records the incident in the minutes. The final grade is then set by the examiner.
Which grade is at stake?
The basic rule is consistent across the sources reviewed: the performance is graded as not passed. The form differs, however. The table shows three examples from different universities. They are not a rule for all universities.
| University (example) | Basic rule according to the source | Further consequences according to the source |
|---|---|---|
| University of Mainz (as of December 2025) | Exam generally graded not sufficient (5.0) | Failed attempt. Exclusion from further exams, fines and proportional grade offsetting are not permitted under the guideline. |
| University of Potsdam (as of 25 March 2026) | Unapproved aids count as deception, graded not sufficient (5.0) under the regulations applicable there | The guidance refers to the regulations for further steps. |
| University of Marburg (network version 13 July 2026) | In case of deception the exam is recorded with 0 points (TA) | After consultation in the examination committee, repeated or serious cases can lead to exclusion from all further exams in the programme. |
The comparison shows that the same starting point can be regulated differently at different universities. Your programme’s regulations remain decisive.
What counts as a failed attempt?
According to the Mainz guideline, the grade counts as a failed attempt and reduces the remaining attempts. This affects later resits, even if the incident concerned a single exam.
Illustration: suppose your regulations allow three attempts, and deception in the first attempt counts as a failed attempt. Then two further attempts remain. Whether this applies depends on your regulations, so confirm the number of attempts with the examinations office.
When do further consequences follow?
The Mainz guideline describes a graduated approach for repeat cases. For state or university examinations, the examination committee can withdraw enrolment, with a blocking period of up to two years. In less serious cases, a warning must come first. This is the example of a single university.
The Marburg page names the exclusion from all further exams in the programme as a possible consequence, but only for repeated or serious cases and after consultation in the examination committee. Both examples show that seriousness and history play a large role.
Which limits apply?
The Mainz guideline names limits that matter to you. Exclusion from further exams, fines and proportional offsetting of the grade are not permitted under it. This is the position of that guideline and not necessarily that of your university. Check what your regulations say before relying on a limit.
The incident is generally documented. Under the Mainz guideline, the case is recorded and checked for earlier cases. Documentation therefore concerns more than this one exam.
What else happens during the exam?
Under the Mainz guideline, the invigilation secures evidence, records the incident in the minutes and usually lets the exam continue. For a first, minor case, a warning may be appropriate. There is no entitlement to one. The immediate measures are therefore not yet the final decision.
How does this affect your degree?
A single exam with an attempted deception does not necessarily endanger the whole degree. What matters is how many attempts remain overall and what role the module plays in the programme. Whether a module is compulsory or an elective can matter for a resit, as the Göttingen example in our guide on finally failed exams shows. Anyone who regularly notes the number of attempts sees early how tight things become.
Whether a module can still be repeated, and within which period, is set by the regulations of the programme. A written confirmation from the examinations office is the most reliable basis.
Frequently asked questions
Can I receive a grade not sufficient without evidence?
No, an allegation needs a basis. The Mainz guideline refers to the prima facie evidence principle, which applies unless you offer a plausible alternative explanation. A complete chain of proof is not required, but the procedure must be comprehensible.
What is a warning?
A warning is a milder response than a grade of not sufficient. The guideline considers it appropriate for a first, minor case. There is no entitlement to it, and the decision lies with the university.
Can I retake the exam?
That depends on the outcome of the procedure and on the regulations. Under the Mainz guideline, a new exam must be offered promptly if the suspicion proves unfounded. If the allegation is confirmed, the grade counts as a failed attempt.
Does this also apply to term papers?
The Mainz guideline covers exams and written work together. For written work it likewise names the grade not passed as the rule. The details follow from the regulations.
Do I need legal advice?
That is your decision. If more is at stake than the grade, such as exclusion or deregistration, legal advice is worthwhile so that you meet deadlines. Advice at the examinations office clarifies the regulations but does not replace a legal review.
What to do now
- Note the course of the exam with times, supervision and possible witnesses.
- Read the notice and the statement of legal remedy, including the deadline for an objection.
- Submit a response in writing and on time if the university requires one.
- Check in your regulations how many attempts remain after the failed attempt.
Related reading
- Hub on examination regulations: Understanding examination regulations
- Suspected deception: what to know about the clarifying conversation
- AI in written exams
- Plagiarism suspicion: procedure and your rights
- Repeating a module exam
Sources: University of Mainz, guideline on dealing with deception, version 4 (as of December 2025); University of Potsdam, guidance “AI and examinations” (as of 25 March 2026); University of Marburg, procedure on plagiarism or deception suspicion (network version 13 July 2026).
Last updated: November 2026. This guide is general information, not individual advice.
