Cambridge papers reportedly sold online in Pakistan, NCCIA investigates

ISLAMABAD: A leak of a Cambridge mathematics paper before an exam in Pakistan has prompted a cybercrime investigation, while false claims about other papers and the online sale of alleged exam material have added to anxiety among students and parents.

According to Dawn, the Mathematics paper was leaked hours before students were due to sit the AS Level Mathematics P1 exam on April 29. This was the third time exam season had been disrupted by leaks. In Pakistan, students take Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) exams in May-June and November across subjects including English Literature and Islamiyat, with O Levels for grades 10 and 11 and AS and A Levels for grades 12 and 13. Results are announced by August and are linked to university admissions.

CAIE told Dawn it had reported the matter to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) under the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act, 2016. The examination body said the first complaint was filed on May 7 over the Mathematics Paper 12 breach, while a second complaint was lodged on May 14 regarding a wider misinformation campaign. False material about other papers, particularly the AS Level Business Studies exam, circulated widely online.

In a statement cited by Dawn, CAIE said: “The theft and unauthorised sharing of examination papers is a breach of confidentiality and, potentially, criminal breach of trust.”

It was investigating both matters through digital forensics, analysis of online platforms and cooperation with law enforcement.

The Inter-Board of Coordination Commission has also said it would seek a report from CAIE. NCCIA Director-General Syed Khurram Ali told Dawn that the agency had sent evidence to the platforms where the leaks appeared and was expecting responses from some of them on May 27. He also said the agency had asked Cambridge to determine whether the breach may have involved insiders.

False material and student anxiety

As screenshots and claims spread online, parents contacted Cambridge with complaints and questions, especially around the Business Studies exam held on May 5. CAIE told Dawn that, after review, the material being circulated in that case was taken from papers used in previous years. The fabricated images and other material appeared to have been created using artificial intelligence and editing tools.

CAIE said it receives thousands of reports each year about alleged leaks, but most turn out to be false. In comments carried by Dawn, the body warned that fraudsters often try to sell fake papers to students, exposing them not only to financial loss but also to the risk of grade cancellation if they are found with unauthorised material, as well as possible identity theft or blackmail.

CAIE country director Uzma Yousuf acknowledged the pressure on candidates and families. In a statement shared with Dawn, she said: “If you are a student approaching your exams, the last thing you need is this kind of uncertainty,”

“I want you to know that we see you… We see the extra revision you may feel compelled to do. We see the uncertainty you are living with. And we want you to know that every action we are taking is designed to protect you and your future,” she added.

She also expressed understanding for parents worried about fairness and said schools would receive timely information if replacement exams were required.

Online marketplaces for alleged papers

Dawn reported that alleged exam papers were being sold online for between $100 and $400 each. In its account of an attempt to purchase one, a Lahore A Level student shared three Discord invitation links described as among the most popular leak servers. One of the servers joined by the reporter had 7,839 members.

how users entering one server were asked to identify whether they were O Level, AS, A Level or IGCSE students and then select subjects before gaining access. The server included channels for guidance, announcements, website links, codes, a market section and papers.

According to Dawn, the linked website carried the message: “Welcome to Cambridge Leaks! The best website to purchase leaked papers for Cambridge Examination 2026.”

The site claimed to have sold 32 products to 17 customers, with nine reviews averaging 4.89. It listed subjects including Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics. Mathematics papers, including Mathematics|9709, Further Mathematics|9231, Mathematics|0580 and Additional Mathematics|0606, were shown at $100 each and marked in stock. Both variants of six mathematics exams were listed as available, and a pop-up on the site stated: “Someone from [UAE flag] purchased Mathematics 9709 four days ago.”

Dawn further reported that payment options included cryptocurrency, while another route involved opening a purchase ticket to contact the server’s staff and manager directly.