Cambridge launches probe into A-level paper leak

ISLAMABAD: Cambridge International has launched an investigation into the alleged leak of an A-level mathematics exam paper for the June 2026 session, as Pakistan’s education authorities sought answers and students voiced concern over the integrity of the examination system.

In a statement, Cambridge said it was examining reports that the paper, part of the Mathematics (9709) exam, had been shared ahead of the scheduled test across multiple regions, including Africa, Europe, the Middle East and South Asia.

“We are investigating how widely the paper was shared,” the body said, adding it would update students and exam centres on its findings by May 7, 2026. It said action would be taken against any centres or candidates found to be involved in malpractice.

The development has triggered concern among students and parents in Pakistan, many of whom said the alleged leak had undermined fairness in a high-stakes examination.

“Many A-level students in Pakistan feel cheated. A prestigious institution like Cambridge cannot afford lapses in exam integrity,” a parent said in a social media post.

Teachers also expressed frustration. One Islamabad-based schoolteacher, writing to parents, said she was “at a loss” for hardworking students and described reports of the entire paper being leaked as “utterly ridiculous”.

Taking notice of the issue, the Inter-Board of Coordination Commission (IBCC) said it would formally seek a report from Cambridge.

“We have seen complaints from students and parents regarding an alleged paper leak. We will write to Cambridge to get their point of view. We will take every possible step for our students,” IBCC Executive Director Dr Ghulam Ali Mallah told Dawn.

A Cambridge spokesperson said the organisation was aware of the reports and would conduct a thorough investigation.

“We investigate such reports thoroughly and will provide more information to centres, if required, during or after the end of timetabled exams for the June 2026 series,” the spokesperson said.

The controversy comes amid lingering concerns over exam security. Last year, allegations of multiple A-level paper leaks sparked widespread protests from students and parents, with claims that question papers had been sold online before exams.

A parliamentary committee later found that several papers had indeed been leaked, while Cambridge acknowledged a “partial leakage” of three papers in its official response.

Cambridge conducts more than 2 million exams annually across 160 countries, making it one of the world’s largest international assessment providers.

Education experts say the outcome of the latest investigation will be closely watched, as authorities seek to restore confidence in the examination process and ensure that students are not disadvantaged.