ISLAMABAD: The Cambridge International Education (CIE) confirmed on Wednesday that another AS Level Mathematics exam organized in Pakistan this week was leaked prematurely, the second such incident acknowledged by the board during the ongoing exam series.
Pakistani students who appeared for AS Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709) on Tuesday complained that the paper they received was identical to a solved paper that had come across on social media a day earlier.
“We can confirm that Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Paper 52 (9709) taken in our administrative zones 3 and 4 on 12 May, was shared prematurely against our strict regulations,” Cambridge said in a statement.
The board said it investigates such incidents promptly and thoroughly, adding that it is working to understand the extent of the leak and determine the next steps.
“We will share detailed information with schools about the approach to be taken following this leak by Friday 22 May,” it said.
The controversy began on Apr. 29, when students claimed that the AS Level Mathematics question paper (9709/12) was shared prematurely before the test occurred.
Cambridge last week confirmed the paper was leaked, announcing that the exam would be held again on June 9.
’PRECAUTIONARY STEP’
The board announced that it was taking the “precautionary step” to postpone the exam for the AS Level Mathematics Paper 32 (9079) scheduled to be held in Pakistan on May 15.
It said the decision was taken after discussions with key stakeholders in Pakistan and as an additional security and identification measure.
“We will replace this with a new exam paper and communicate a new exam date within the June series by Friday 22 May,” Cambridge said in the statement.
Cambridge clarified that it is sticking to its timeline of releasing results for the AS & A Level exams on Aug. 11.
The board noted that the nature of the exam paper theft was “unprecedented,” adding that it believed it is the “work of criminals” seeking to undermine exams and futures of students.
“We are pursuing several legal routes to stop and punish those responsible,” it said.
Cambridge conducts examinations in over 160 countries, including Pakistan. Each year, the body administers O, AS and A-level exams across the country in May and June.
In Pakistan, thousands of students take Cambridge O Level and A Level qualifications each year as pathways to admission at universities, both within the country and abroad.
