KARACHI: The Cambridge International Education (CIE) has claimed to have launched an inquiry following an uproar over an alleged online leak of the A-Level mathematics paper before the examination on Thursday.

Posts shared on social platforms, in particular Facebook groups, by students claimed that the maths paper surfaced online, a little before students could appear for the exam.

The matter caused considerable anxiety among the students who sat for the exam. They were worried that it might affect their grades and future academic opportunities if the paper got cancelled.

Lamenting the leak, they called it an unfortunate incident as they had studied and prepared for their exams.

Amid the uproar, the CIE announced starting an inquiry into the matter.

“We are looking into concerns raised about a potential paper leakage on 02 May 2024 for AS Level Mathematics 9709 Paper 12,” a post shared by the CIE on Facebook said, confirming that an investigation was started and Cambridge and the British Council were looking into finding the facts.

“This is being investigated, and Cambridge and the British Council are in close communication. Cambridge and the British Council are committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of our exams, and we will continue to work closely with schools to ensure a smooth and secure examination experience for all candidates.

“We will update you when we have further news, and will not provide further information via Facebook comments or direct messages. Thank you for your understanding and support.”

It has also been stressed that it is still not proven that there was any paper leak as it is just an allegation for now which is being investigated.

Sources associated with the CIE and the British Council were hopeful that the investigation should be completed by the middle of next week.

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2024