Contract cheating refers to the act of outsourcing or paying someone else to complete academic work on behalf of a student, researcher, or individual who should be completing the work themselves. This can involve a range of academic tasks, including writing essays, research papers, assignments, reports, theses, or even taking exams and tests. The person or service that is paid to complete the work produces it according to the client's instructions, and the client then submits the work as their own, often without proper attribution to the actual author.

Contract cheating is a form of academic dishonesty that undermines the principles of education, learning, and integrity. It involves deception and misrepresentation, as the client is essentially presenting someone else's work as their own. This practice is a violation of academic codes of conduct and ethics, as it contradicts the core values of independent thinking, learning, and the pursuit of knowledge that academic institutions aim to instill in their students.

In recent years, the rise of online platforms and essay mills has made contract cheating more accessible, making it a growing concern for educational institutions. Many institutions are implementing measures to detect and prevent contract cheating, such as using plagiarism detection software, educating students about academic integrity, and promoting a culture of honesty and ethical conduct.