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–CIE also postpone AS Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709), which was scheduled for May 15
BeNewz Report
KARACHI: Cambridge International Education has postponed an A-Level mathematics examination in Pakistan after confirming that an exam paper had been leaked before the scheduled test.
The examination body said the AS Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709), conducted on May 12 in administrative Zones 3 and 4, was shared before the exam in violation of strict regulations. Cambridge said it had launched an urgent investigation to determine the scale of the leak and identify those responsible.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Cambridge said it had decided, after consultations with key partners in Pakistan, to postpone AS Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709), which was scheduled for May 15. The organization said a replacement paper would be issued and a new examination date announced by May 22 within the June exam series.
The latest incident marks the second reported paper leak involving Cambridge mathematics examinations during the current exam cycle. On April 30, Cambridge had also confirmed that another AS Mathematics paper had been shared online before the scheduled examination time.
Cambridge said the incidents appeared to be part of attempts to undermine the integrity of its examination system. The organization added that it was pursuing legal action against individuals involved in leaking or distributing the papers.
Cambridge examinations are widely taken in Pakistan through the British Council and private examination centers. Thousands of students appear annually for O-Level and A-Level exams, which are recognized by universities in Pakistan and abroad. Education experts say repeated security breaches could damage confidence in the international examination system and raise concerns over exam governance and digital security.
The controversy intensified after alleged copies of the mathematics paper, both solved and unsolved, circulated on social media platforms including Reddit and WhatsApp. Some students claimed the paper had been available online several hours before the examination and was allegedly being sold through internet groups. However, the original source of the leak could not be independently verified.
Students, parents and teachers expressed frustration over the postponement and the uncertainty surrounding the examinations. Several parents said students had spent months preparing for the exams, only to face stress and confusion after learning about the cancellation shortly before reaching examination centers.
Social media users also criticized Cambridge over exam security and administrative handling of the issue. Some argued that repeated leaks over recent years reflected serious weaknesses in monitoring and safeguarding examination materials.
Uzma Yousuf, Director of Cambridge Pakistan, said the institution’s priority was to ensure that students were not disadvantaged by the incident and that the credibility of grades remained protected. She said decisions regarding the next steps were being taken by senior experts after reviewing all available facts.
Cambridge said it conducts more than two million examinations annually across 160 countries and considers breaches of exam integrity to be rare. The organization said it takes strict action against examination centers or candidates whenever evidence of misconduct is found.
Education analysts say the latest controversy has renewed debate in Pakistan over examination security, oversight of private testing centers and the growing role of encrypted social media platforms in facilitating paper leaks. They warn that continued incidents could undermine trust in Cambridge qualifications among students, parents and universities.
