More Than Half of Russian Student Works Created with AI Assistance

The Russian system Dumayte analyzed anonymized data from 260,168 Russian-language documents with over 5,000 characters, uploaded during the summer 2026 exam session. Signs of generative AI were detected in 118,640 files, or 45.6% of documents. By clustering versions and chapters of the same works, specialists found that 52% of independent works contained signs of AI use at least at one stage of preparation. About 60% of works were passed on the first check, with the lowest AI usage share; among works that went through repeated checks, the share exceeded 60%, and for documents with dozens of iterations, such as dissertations, AI use became nearly universal. The findings align with global trends: a 2025 HEPI study showed 92% of students used generative AI, and a 2026 study called its use 'almost universal'; an OECD review noted a shift from restrictions to unified rules for responsible AI use. Dumayte founder Yuri Chekhovich emphasized that universities must now distinguish intellectual help from substitution of independent work, leading to new educational technologies that analyze the preparation process. The study also coincides with Russian state policy, as the Ministry of Education and Science focuses on responsible AI use and universities develop internal regulations.