Cambridge International Education has confirmed that a computer science examination paper was leaked in Pakistan, escalating an ongoing controversy that had already caused the cancellation and postponement of two mathematics papers during the May-June exam session.
Specifically, the AS Level Computer Science Paper 12 (9618/12), administered on May 12, was prematurely shared in Pakistan, violating Cambridge’s strict regulations. This incident occurred alongside the leak of A Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709/52).
In response, the examination board announced that neither the leaked computer science nor mathematics papers would be retaken. Instead, candidates affected by the leaks will receive assessed marks derived from their performance in other components of the same subject.
The board explained that assessed marks are calculated by disregarding the leaked paper’s score and instead basing the final mark on other completed syllabus components. This approach, commonly used by UK examination boards, aims to prevent any unfair advantage for students who might have accessed the leaked papers.
Cambridge emphasized that their priority is to ensure fairness for the majority of students who did not engage in cheating, guaranteeing that all applicants to universities compete on an equal footing.
Notably, the board clarified that the wide circulation of leaked materials in Pakistan does not necessarily indicate that the source of the breach originated within the country. Investigations into the leaks remain ongoing.
In a significant development, Cambridge stated that the theft of exam papers is under detailed investigation and that legal action is being pursued against those responsible, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies and social media platforms.
The board warned that candidates found sharing or misusing confidential examination content could face permanent disqualification from Cambridge qualifications and related activities.
Cambridge also revealed it has encountered sustained and targeted attempts to steal exam papers during the June 2026 examination series. Consequently, it is continuously enhancing its security protocols concerning the production, storage, and distribution of examination papers.
Meanwhile, the replacement exam for the postponed A Level Mathematics Paper 32 is now scheduled for June 8. Despite these disruptions, the release date for Cambridge International AS and A Level results will remain August 11.
The controversy initially arose earlier this month when Cambridge cancelled the AS Level Mathematics (9709/12) exam for students in administrative zones 3 and 4 after the question paper was leaked before the exam.
Days later, another mathematics paper, Paper 52, was also reported to have circulated online ahead of the scheduled exam.
These recent revelations have heightened concerns among students and parents as A and O Level examinations continue across Pakistan under the Cambridge system.
Several students reported on social media that exam papers were being shared online before their official exam times, prompting government intervention.
Education Minister Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui expressed his concern over the recurring leaks, stressing that diligent students should not be penalized due to malpractice. He directed the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen to urgently meet with Cambridge officials and implement measures to safeguard students’ interests.
Cambridge acknowledged the uncertainty students are facing during this critical phase of their education and advised candidates to be vigilant against scams, misinformation, and malpractice related to the leaked papers.
