The survey of about 1,300 adults was carried out by the Chartered Institute of Educational Assessors (CIEA), which represents exam markers and assessors.

The most common exaggeration is thought to be lying about degree classifications, for example turning a 2:1 into a first, the study found.

The research found that common ways of embellishing a CV included inventing exam qualifications and work experience that never took place.

The CIEA said it had been “shocked” by the extent of lying and embellishment it had uncovered in its survey, reports the Independent.

Graham Herbert, deputy head of the CIEA, said: “It was a bit of a shock. Some of the consequences of this can be dire. For instance, you could end up in court or it could ruin your career.”