Q: How big was the rise in pupils caught cheating in exams last year? A: 22%

The total number caught cheating by any method rose by 22 per cent in 2008-9, according to the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Critics yesterday called for more to be done to prevent pupils smuggling electronic gadgets into exam halls.

Overall 314 candidates were found guilty of cheating last year, 0.4 per cent of around 160,000 who took exams in 2009. Of those, 113 had used a mobile phone – a leap from 49 in 2008.

Mobile phones are banned from exam halls and pupils found with one face investigation and disqualification because the devices can be used to store information, and in some cases access the internet.

However, many students are still caught for more traditional methods of cheating, such as looking at another's paper, collusion and smuggling in notes.

Last year 736,920 exams were taken, which resulted in 506 cases being investigated, with penalties applied to 314 candidates.

In 2008, there were 750,559 exams taken, with 673 cheating cases investigated and 257 found guilty.

In 2007, there were 155,893 candidates who took 744,779 exams. Of those, 775 were investigated for malpractice, with 212 found guilty.

Some schools south of the Border have even resorted to using tracking technology to trace any mobile phone signal emanating from within an exam hall, although there is no evidence this is used in Scotland.

An SQA spokesman said the number of cases of malpractice in exams, including those at Standard and Higher grade, was very low. He added: "While one case of malpractice is one too many it is clear that our awareness-raising activities coupled with our rigorous invigilatory and marking processes are proving to be effective."

He said an exam booklet issued to every candidate explained what items were prohibited, including mobile phones, MP3 players such as iPods, spell checkers, pencil case notes, books and sketches.

He added: "We have noted the slight increase in the number of candidates who have contravened our mobile phone rules."

But he argued the numbers using phones were low because pupils were aware the SQA came down hard on culprits.

SQA chief executive Dr Janet Brown said the issue should be kept in perspective. She added: "If you look at the percentage rises, yes it sounds a lot, but the numbers that are cheating are very low and I think we need to understand how we can prepare pupils better for examinations."

Liz Smith, Conservative schools spokeswoman, said: "There is never any excuse for cheating and it is very disappointing to see that there has been an increase in the number of pupils who have engaged in dishonest behaviour.

"The SQA makes it very clear what the severe penalties are, including the advice that it can ruin a pupil's academic future, but much more needs to be done to prevent pupils from carrying in notes or electronic gadgets that can help them in the exam."

DISHONEST METHODS

TEXTING friends or searching the internet on mobile phones to find answers.

Writing answers on pencil cases, inside calculator cases, on the labels of water bottles, or even on arms or hands.

Looking at another candidate's exam paper and copying answers.

Calculators can be used to store formulas or other information in the memory.

Making notes on books you are allowed to take in, such as dictionaries.

iPods and voice recorders can be used to record answers. Concealed earpieces are available on the internet, although there is no proof of their use by exam candidates.