CIE has postponed an A-level Maths exam in Pakistan after another alleged paper leak triggered concern among students, parents and education authorities.
The examination board confirmed that AS-level mathematics paper 52 (9709) had been shared prematurely in violation of exam regulations.
Following the incident, Cambridge announced that the A-level mathematics paper 32 (9709), scheduled for May 15 in Pakistan, would no longer take place as planned.
The board said it would replace the paper with a new examination and announce a revised date by May 22.
“The Cambridge International AS and A level results release date of August 11 remains unchanged,” the statement said.
Cambridge said it had launched an investigation into the matter.
“We investigate such incidents promptly and thoroughly, and we are now working to understand the extent of the leak and determine next steps,” the board stated.
The controversy has intensified pressure on Cambridge examinations in Pakistan. Allegations of paper leaks in Pakistan during major exams have repeatedly sparked criticism and anxiety among students.
Cambridge Calls Incident “Unprecedented”
Cambridge Country Director Uzma Yousuf said the organization’s main priority remained protecting students from unfair disadvantages caused by the leak.
“Our priority is to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by this incident, and we continue to take all possible measures to protect the integrity of our exams,” she said.
Uzma added that senior professionals were reviewing all available facts before making final decisions regarding affected exams.
“Our decisions about the next steps are taken by senior and experienced professionals who are in possession of all the facts and our principles are: Ensuring the fairness and reliability of the grades that we award, so that universities and other users of the grades can continue to trust them,” she said.
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Cambridge also described the current situation as unlike previous cases.
“The nature of the exam paper theft seen in the current exam series is unprecedented,” Uzma said.
“We believe it is the work of criminals seeking to undermine examinations and the futures of the students who depend on them. We are pursuing several legal routes to stop and punish those responsible.”
She urged students and parents to rely only on official Cambridge announcements and avoid spreading misinformation online.
“While we do not comment on individual reports of paper leaks, we investigate all allegations,” she added.
Pakistan Government Orders Immediate Probe
The controversy prompted intervention from Pakistan’s federal government.
Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui directed the chairman of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen to immediately contact Cambridge authorities and seek a full investigation. The minister described the alleged leaks as “an extremely serious matter”.
He said such incidents created severe stress and uncertainty for students and parents who prepared honestly for examinations. Siddiqui also urged Cambridge to strengthen its examination system, security procedures and monitoring mechanisms.
“The government will not compromise on the future of students, the transparency of the examination system, and the protection of merit,” he said.
Cambridge exams hold major importance in Pakistan because thousands of students use the qualifications for university admissions both locally and internationally.
The latest controversy has renewed debate about examination security and the growing challenge of preventing leaks in the digital age.
