Students copying AI material could lose all marks in Leaving Cert coursework

Given the recent rapid advancements in AI technology, teachers have previously raised concerns about the authentication of such coursework. Picture: Ben Birchall/Stock

Students face losing all marks in a subject if they copy or paraphrase from material generated from artificial intelligence (AI), but can use AI tools to brainstorm as part of new rules on Leaving Cert coursework. 

The details are included in new guidance to teachers and schools published by the State Examinations Commission (SEC) in advance of the 2026 State examinations.

"Any material generated by AI software will be treated in the same way as any other material that the candidate has not generated themselves," the commission said.

"Including it without quoting it as the work of AI software will be considered plagiarism, which can result in the forfeit of all marks for the coursework component." 

Coursework, examples of which include a written project, a portfolio, a task, or a combination of these, makes up a significant portion of a student’s final grade in a subject at Leaving Cert level.

Leaving Cert reforms include the rollout of further coursework components in more subjects, called additional assessment components (AACs).

Given the recent rapid advancements in AI technology, teachers have previously raised concerns about the authentication of such coursework.

Reporting to the commission

In new rules from the commission, teachers and principals must report coursework that they cannot say is a student’s own work to the commission. 

Coursework must be completed by students under the supervision of the class teacher so they can “monitor progress on a regular basis”. This will later be signed off on by a class teacher and principal. 

The document issued to teachers also provides examples of “appropriate” AI usage for students. One example cited is using ChatGPT-4 to generate possible project themes during the brainstorming stage, provided it is referenced by a student. 

"No text was copied; final ideas were refined and developed independently," the guidance states in reference to what teachers should report on AI usage in coursework.

Properly referenced material generated by AI software in a student's coursework will not be awarded any credit. 

"Credit can only be awarded for the effective use of this material in the support or development of the candidate’s own work," the guidance adds.

This follows the "established practice" that already applies to the inclusion of quoted material created by human authors, it adds. 

“However, AI tools may assist in generating ideas, conducting research, or enhancing clarity, provided its use is clearly documented, in the same manner that all research sources are treated in coursework.”

Students are also told to "discuss the proposed use of any AI tools with their class teacher before they undertake their coursework".

Submitting coursework, which is not the candidate’s own authentic unaided work, "is inappropriate behaviour which represents a breach of the examination regulations”. This also includes plagiarism and the use of "essay mills". 

“There are serious consequences for candidates whose coursework cannot be authenticated or is found by the SEC to be not authentic and, therefore, in breach of the regulations," the guidance adds.

 “This can include loss of the marks for the component, loss of the entire subject, or more serious penalties.”