A-Level maths paper leak ahead of exam, CIE begins investigation

LAHORE: An A-Level mathematics paper was leaked and circulated on social media ahead of the scheduled exam, prompting an investigation by Cambridge International Education.

Cambridge International Education on Wednesday said it was aware of the reports and had launched a probe into the matter. In a statement, the body said it investigates such incidents thoroughly and will share further information with exam centres if required during or after the June 2026 examination series.

The paper in question, Advanced Subsidiary Mathematics Paper 1 for the June 2026 session, referred to as Pure Mathematics 1, was reportedly shared online in both solved and unsolved formats.

According to posts circulating online, the material appeared late Tuesday night, with some claims suggesting it had been available at least six hours before the exam. It was reportedly shared on platforms including Reddit and later distributed widely through WhatsApp, with some users alleging it had also been sold through an application.

Sources said students at a private examination centre in Karachi raised concerns during the exam, stating they had already seen the paper online. British Council representatives at the centre reportedly recorded written statements from affected candidates.

Cambridge examinations for the May-June session are currently underway across the country.

Under exam security protocols, question papers are not meant to leave centres, as candidates write directly on them. Despite this, both solved and unsolved versions were reportedly shared online before and after the exam.

An unidentified individual on social media also claimed responsibility for the leak and threatened to release more papers, adding to concerns over examination security.

It is pertinent to note that this is not the first time Cambridge has faced such concerns in Pakistan. In May 2024, Cambridge investigated a leak involving AS Level Mathematics 9709 Paper 12 and later decided not to mark the affected paper, instead awarding assessed marks based on students’ performance in other mathematics components and exams. Students who were not satisfied were given the option to retake the exam in November.

Cambridge also said in a June 2025 statement that parts of three papers, including AS and A Level Mathematics Paper 12 and Paper 42, had been shared before exams, while adding that it uses established remedies when credible evidence of malpractice is found to ensure candidates receive fair grades.

The incident could have consequences for students applying to universities in Pakistan and abroad, as A-Level grades are used for admissions, equivalence, scholarships and meeting conditional offers. Any delay in Cambridge’s final decision, grade adjustment or possible resit process could create uncertainty for candidates with offer deadlines, visa timelines or merit-based admissions.