Generative AI & Academic Integrity: IP and JC Guardrails for 2026

Q: What does Generative AI & Academic Integrity: IP and JC Guardrails for 2026 cover?
A: Definitive policy explainer on how Singapore's MOE, SEAB, and IB expect students to use generative AI responsibly in 2026.

TL;DR
Generative AI is acceptable only when students follow school instructions, keep work authentic, and cite any AI assistance. Use MOE’s guidance on responsible AI, obey SEAB’s 2025 ban on unauthorised devices/materials in exams and coursework authenticity rules, and follow the IB’s requirement to reference AI outputs (with prompts and dates) in EE/IA submissions.

Quick integrity map

• If the teacher says no AI, do not use AI: Follow task instructions exactly.
• AI can help you think, but it cannot replace your work: Keep your own working, sources, and drafts.
• Log prompts, dates, tool names, and manual checks: You can explain what was assisted and what was yours.

Concrete example: For a GP essay outline, AI may help you brainstorm counterarguments if your teacher allows it. You should still choose the final argument, verify examples from real sources, and record the prompt in your log.

For concrete examples of acceptable AI use in science WAs and practical write-ups, see our IP Physics hub: https://eclatinstitute.sg/blog/ip-physics-tuition.

Status: Last reviewed 2025-11-29 against MOE’s generative AI guidance, SEAB’s Rules & Regulations for School Candidates (PDF), and the IB Academic Integrity Policy (PDF).

1 Policy Guardrails You Must Internalise

1.1 MOE’s guidance on responsible generative AI

• Purpose: Support safe, ethical classroom use while protecting student data. (MOE guidance)
• Key expectations: Follow school instructions on when AI is allowed, keep personal or assessment data out of public tools, and be prepared to explain and, where required, acknowledge AI assistance in your work.
• Teacher authority: Schools may prohibit AI for specific tasks; ignoring instructions can be treated as misconduct.

1.2 SEAB’s 2025 examination rules

• SEAB’s 2025 “Rules and Regulations for School Candidates” ban unauthorised electronic/communication/computerised devices and unauthorised materials in exam premises. (SEAB rules PDF)
• Coursework and practicals must be authentic; submitting work with unauthorised assistance can trigger penalties (including annulment of results).

Reviewed by

Chee Wei Jie·Academic Advisor (Physics)