Thousands of students in the Amhara region of northern Ethiopia have boycotted the national exams that determine their admission to institutions.
Approximately 12,000 high school pupils, according to statistics, declined to take the tests.
The education ministry did not give a reason for their rejection in a statement, but it came as authorities unveiled new steps to stop what they called a widespread epidemic of cheating.
Exam leaks are now a typical occurrence.
This year, more than 500,000 students were relocated by the government to other university campuses across the nation in an effort to reduce cheating.
During the exam period, they were to be limited to the campuses and not be allowed to use their cellphones or the internet.
