Cambridge confirms computer science paper leak in Pakistan

KARACHI: Cambridge International Education said that a computer science examination paper had been leaked in Pakistan, widening a controversy that had already led to the cancellation and postponement of two mathematics papers during the ongoing May-June examination session.

In a statement, Cambridge confirmed that AS Level Computer Science Paper 12 (9618/12), taken on May 12, had been “shared prematurely in Pakistan against our strict regulations”, alongside A Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709/52).

The examination board said that neither the leaked mathematics nor computer science papers would be retaken. Instead, affected candidates would receive “assessed marks” based on their performance in other components of the same subject.

“Using assessed marks means we will disregard the mark for the paper and instead calculate a mark for each student based on their performance in the other components in the syllabus for which they are entered and completed work,” the statement said.

Cambridge said that the method was widely used by UK examination boards and ensured students who may have accessed leaked papers did not gain an unfair advantage over other candidates.

“Our priority is to make sure we are fair to students who did not cheat, which is the vast majority,” the board said, adding that the process would ensure all students applying to universities competed on an equal basis.

The board clarified that the broader circulation of leaked material in Pakistan did not necessarily mean the source of the breach originated in the country, adding that investigations into the leaks were ongoing.

“The theft of this and other exam papers remains the subject of a detailed investigation,” Cambridge said, adding that it was pursuing legal action against those responsible in coordination with law enforcement agencies and social media platforms.

It warned that candidates found sharing or misusing confidential examination material could face permanent disqualification from Cambridge qualifications and operations.

Cambridge said it had faced “sustained and focused efforts” to steal examination papers during the June 2026 examination series and that it was continuously updating its security protocols governing the production, storage and distribution of papers.

The board also announced that the replacement examination for postponed A Level Mathematics Paper 32 would now be held on June 8. It said the release date for Cambridge International AS and A Level results on August 11 would remain unchanged.

The controversy began earlier this month after Cambridge cancelled the AS Level Mathematics (9709/12) examination for students in administrative zones 3 and 4 following the leak of the question paper before the exam.

Days later, another mathematics paper — Paper 52 — was also reported to have circulated online ahead of the examination.

The latest disclosures have intensified concerns among students and parents as A and O Level examinations continue across Pakistan under the Cambridge system.

Several students had said on social media that examination papers were circulating online before the scheduled exams, prompting the board government to intervene.

Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui had earlier expressed concern over the repeated leaks, saying hardworking students should not suffer because of malpractice.

He had directed the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen to hold an urgent meeting with Cambridge authorities and take measures to protect students’ interests.

Cambridge acknowledged that students were facing uncertainty at “an important point in their education” and advised candidates to remain cautious of scams, misinformation and malpractice linked to the leaked papers.