Colleges across the United States are reviving oral exams as concerns grow that students are relying on generative artificial intelligence to complete written assignments. Professors say take-home essays are increasingly flawless, yet some students struggle to explain their own work in person. Educators worry that overreliance on technology is weakening critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.

At institutions including Cornell University, the University of Pennsylvania and New York University, faculty members are incorporating face-to-face assessments, presentations and Socratic-style questioning. Some pair oral defenses with written papers, while others are replacing traditional finals with one-on-one conversations. Instructors say the approach is less about catching cheating and more about ensuring students truly understand the material.

One business school professor has introduced an artificial intelligence powered oral exam that questions students about their group projects and probes their individual contributions. While reactions to the automated format are mixed, supporters argue it helps verify accountability and comprehension.

Although oral exams can heighten anxiety for some students, many report that the experience ultimately strengthens their ability to articulate ideas and deepens their engagement. Faculty members say the renewed emphasis on in-person assessment reflects a broader shift in higher education toward verifying authentic learning in the age of artificial intelligence.