Cambridge postpones A-level maths paper in Pakistan after AS-level exam leak

KARACHI: Cambridge International Education (CIE) has announced that it is postponing the A-level mathematics paper 32 (9709) examination in Pakistan after confirming that the AS-level mathematics paper 52 (9709) was shared before the exam in violation of its rules.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, CIE said it had confirmed that the AS-level mathematics paper had been circulated prematurely against its strict regulations. The body said it was investigating the matter and assessing the scale of the breach before deciding on further action.

“We investigate such incidents promptly and thoroughly, and we are now working to understand the extent of the leak and determine next steps”, the statement read.

Cambridge said it would provide schools with detailed information by May 22 on the course of action to be adopted following the leak.

The examination body said that after discussions with key stakeholders in Pakistan, and as an added security and identification step, it had decided to postpone the A-level mathematics paper 32 (9709), which had been scheduled for May 15 in Pakistan.

According to CIE, the exam will be replaced with a new paper, and a revised date within the June series will also be communicated by May 22. The release date for Cambridge International AS and A level results would remain August 11.

Cambridge says students should not be disadvantaged

Cambridge Country Director Uzma Yousuf said the organisation’s main concern was to ensure that candidates were not unfairly affected by the incident and that efforts were continuing to safeguard the credibility of the examination process.

“Our priority 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”, the statement added.

The CIE statement, quoting Uzma Yousuf, said decisions on the next steps were being taken by senior and experienced professionals who had all the relevant facts before them.

“Our decisions about the next steps are taken by senior and experienced professionals who are in possession of all the facts and our principles are: Ensuring the fairness and reliability of the grades that we award, so that universities and other users of the grades can continue to trust them”, the statement read.

The statement also said the pattern of exam paper theft seen during the current examination series was unprecedented.

“We believe it is the work of criminals seeking to undermine examinations and the futures of the students who depend on them. We are pursuing several legal routes to stop and punish those responsible”, she added

Yousuf further said Cambridge investigates all allegations related to paper leaks, even though it does not comment on individual reports.

“While we do not comment on individual reports of paper leaks, we investigate all allegations. This example notwithstanding, leaks of papers remain rare, and where there is a genuine issue, we update schools at the right time and provide recommended next steps”, she further stated.

She also urged the public to rely only on official Cambridge statements and not contribute to misinformation, saying this was unhelpful for students.

Education minister orders immediate contact with Cambridge

A day earlier, after reports of the alleged leaks surfaced, Federal Education and Professional Training Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui directed the chairman of the Inter Board Committee of Chairmen (IBCC) to immediately contact Cambridge authorities, according to the state-run APP.

The minister instructed that a thorough investigation be ensured, the facts be clarified, and urgent steps be taken to protect students’ interests.

Expressing concern over the reported leaks, Siddiqui said such incidents caused severe mental stress, anxiety and uncertainty for students and their parents, especially those who prepared for their examinations with hard work, dedication and honesty.

Calling the matter an extremely serious issue, he said Cambridge must further strengthen and secure its examination system, security arrangements and monitoring mechanisms so they remain effective and tamper-proof, and so students’ trust and confidence can be restored and maintained.

Siddiqui also said the government would not compromise on students’ future, the transparency of the examination system, or the protection of merit. He added that all relevant institutions must discharge their responsibilities with seriousness and accountability.