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May 13, 2026
KARACHI – Cambridge International Education (CIE) has confirmed that an AS-Level Mathematics examination paper was leaked in Pakistan, marking the second such breach in less than two weeks during the ongoing May-June 2026 exam series.
The board confirmed that Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709), taken on May 12, 2026, was “shared prematurely against our strict regulations” in administrative zones 3 and 4, which include Pakistan.
Upcoming Exam Postponed as Precautionary Measure
As a direct consequence, CIE announced the postponement of Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709), which was scheduled to be held in Pakistan on Friday, May 15, 2026.
“Following discussions with key stakeholders in Pakistan, and as an additional security and identification measure, we are taking the precautionary step of postponing the exam for Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9709), due to be sat in Pakistan on Friday 15 May.”
The board stated that the exam will be replaced with a new paper, and a revised date within the June series will be communicated to schools by Friday, May 22, 2026.
‘Unprecedented’ Level of Paper Theft
Cambridge Country Director for Pakistan, Uzma Yousuf, described the situation as alarming:
“The nature of the exam paper theft we are seeing in this exam series is unprecedented. We believe it is the work of criminals seeking to undermine examinations and the futures of the students who depend on them.”
She added that the board is “pursuing several legal routes to stop and punish those responsible”.
Results Date Remains Unchanged
Despite the disruptions, Cambridge has confirmed that the results release date for AS & A Level exams will remain August 11, 2026.
The board’s priority, according to Yousuf, is to “ensure that students are not disadvantaged by this incident, and we continue to take all possible measures to protect the integrity of our exams”.
Second Leak in Ongoing Series
This is the second paper leak confirmed by Cambridge during the current examination session. On April 29, 2026, AS Level Mathematics Paper 12 (9709) was also leaked before students were due to sit it. Following that incident, the board cancelled the paper and scheduled a replacement exam for June 9, 2026.
The latest leak involved Paper 52, which students reported was identical to a solved paper circulating on social media a day before the exam.
Government Responds
Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has expressed deep concern over the repeated incidents. He directed the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) to immediately contact Cambridge authorities and ensure a thorough investigation.
“Hardworking students cannot be allowed to suffer because of such incidents,” the minister said, adding that the government would not compromise on the transparency of the examination system and the protection of merit.
Sources indicate that a high-level meeting involving officials from the Ministry of Education, Cambridge, and the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency is expected to be convened.
Third Consecutive Year of Breaches
This marks the third consecutive year that Cambridge Mathematics papers have been compromised in Pakistan:
| Year | Incident |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Paper 12 cancelled; grades calculated without it |
| 2025 | Partial leak across three papers; free November resits offered |
| 2026 | Two confirmed leaks (Paper 12 and Paper 52); Paper 32 postponed |
What Happens Next?
Cambridge will provide detailed information to schools about the approach to be taken following the leak by May 22, 2026. Possible outcomes for affected students may include:
- Removal of the leaked paper from grade calculation (assessed marks based on remaining components)
- Free retake in the November 2026 series
- Use of new replacement papers
The board has urged the public to rely only on official Cambridge statements and not contribute to misinformation, “which is very unhelpful for students”.
