Cambridge confirms AS-level math exam leak, says working on determining next steps

Web Desk(National Times)- Cambridge International Education (CIE) on Thursday confirmed that its AS-level mathematics paper was “shared prematurely” against its regulations.

The development comes after the Inter-Board of Coordination Commission (IBCC) on Thursday announced it would seek a report from Cambridge as parents and students raised questions about the transparency of the exam system following reports of the leak.

In an official statement, CIE said, “We can confirm that Cambridge International AS-Level mathematics paper 12 (9709) taken in our Africa, Europe, Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia regions, was shared prematurely against our regulations.

“We investigate such incidents promptly and thoroughly and we are now working to understand the extent of the leak and determine next steps,” it added.

It affirmed its priority to ensure that the students were not disadvantaged by this incident, saying it would take all possible measures to protect the integrity of its exams.

“It is important that candidates continue to prepare for, and take, the upcoming exam,” it advised. It said that it would issue a further update on its progress on May 7.

The CIE, part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, offers internationally recognised exams to over scores of schools in 160-plus countries. In Pakistan, O Levels (grades 9–10) cover a broad subject range, while A and AS Levels (grades 11–12) are more specialised and advanced, providing pathways to higher education in Pakistan and abroad.

In a statement yesterday, the CIE stated that it was “aware of news about a reported paper leak of a question paper” after social media was abuzz with complaints from disgruntled parents and students. Users pointed out the high examination fees and the fact that Cambridge question papers had leaked in the previous years as well.

In June last year, question papers of three AS and A-Level examinations were partially leaked across Pakistan. The CIE had then offered free November 2025 resits for candidates who set for the three exams in question.