KARACHI: While confirming that an AS Level mathematics paper had been leaked on April 29, Cambridge International on Thursday announced its cancellation and a re-examination for the affected candidates.

“As we communicated on April 30, this question paper was shared prematurely, in breach of our strict examination regulations. Following a detailed review, the extent of the sharing means we cannot use this paper to award final examination results.

We have therefore taken the decision to cancel Mat­h­ematics (9709/12), and it will not be used to generate results through calculated assessment,” read the statement issued by Cambridge International.

“We know how frustrating and disappointing this incident has been for affected students, their families and schools. Students work incredibly hard to prepare for and take exams, and we value the trust placed in us to deliver fair results at the end of the exam process. The theft and unauthorised sharing of this examination paper remain the subject of an active investigation. We are working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies and other partners to identify those responsible. Camb­ridge applies strict sanctions to anyone found to have shared or misused confidential exam materials, including permanent disqualification from Cam­b­ridge qualifications and operations,” the statement further added.

Cambridge receives reports about such alleged paper leaks often so it takes them a little time to look into the matter. “Like many examination boa­rds, we regularly receive repo­rts of alleged exam paper leaks, the vast majority of which are false. These often originate from fraudsters clai­m­ing to have exam papers for sale in order to deceive students financially.

We routinely monitor social media and other online channels for posts offering to share or sell question papers, working proactively with platforms to identify and rem­ove such content.

Our Legal and Compliance tea­ms investigate every credible report, and we take robust legal action against those involved in illegal sharing. We do not comment on individual reports of paper leaks, and update schools when we do.”

As for its next steps, Cambridge International said that its senior assessment experts have decid­ed that a new version of the Mathematics (9709/12) exam paper will be sat by all candidates in the affected regions. “A replacement paper will ensure fair outcomes for students and deliver grades that are trusted by universities and other stakeholders. This approach aligns with the views of many school leaders we have consulted. We are committed to making the replacement examination process as straightforward as possible.

“The replacement paper for Mathematics (9709/12) will take place on Tuesday, June 9, as part of the June series timetable. There will be no additional charge for candidates or schools. The Cambridge International AS & A Level results release date of August 11 remains unchanged,” it was said.

Cambridge International will share detailed information about when and how the candidates will receive question papers by May 15. This will include information on withdrawals from June 2026 and entries for November 2026.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2026