AI Analyzes Student Handwriting on Russia’s National Exam

Russia is using artificial intelligence to detect cheating and support students by analyzing handwriting and generating career-driven images.

In a move that signals the growing role of AI in education, Russia is now using artificial intelligence to evaluate student essays submitted during the 2025 Unified State Exam (USE), the country’s nationwide high school graduation test.

The Federal Service for Supervision in Education and Science (Rosobrnadzor) reported that neural networks were deployed to analyze the handwriting of exam participants. The system flagged 65 cases of suspected fraud, where handwriting patterns in final essays differed from those in other exam documents. In comparison, only 39 such anomalies were recorded in 2024. All flagged cases have been sent to local authorities for further review.

Since 2020, AI-based computer vision systems have also been monitoring exam rooms to ensure rule compliance. These neural networks scan video feeds to detect irregularities, sending real-time alerts to remote proctors. In 2025 alone, the system issued 803 alerts, each later confirmed by human moderators.

AI is not just a tool for enforcement. Russian educators are increasingly using neural networks to engage and inspire students. One emerging technique involves generating future images of students in professional settings — an effort to visualize career aspirations and boost motivation.

Proposals are already being made to integrate AI education into school and college curricula. Some experts suggest starting AI literacy as early as elementary school.