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Cambridge to retake leaked AS Level Mathematics paper

Replacement paper will ensure fair outcomes for students, says CIE

By Web Desk
May 07, 2026
Students can be seen in an examination hall in Karachi during Cambridge exams on April 26, 2021. — X/Deputy Commissioner South Karachi
Students can be seen in an examination hall in Karachi during Cambridge exams on April 26, 2021. — X/Deputy Commissioner South Karachi

KARACHI: The Cambridge International Education (CIE) on Thursday formally cancelled the leaked AS Level Mathematics Paper (9709/12), saying it would not be used to generate results through calculated assessment.

In a statement, the CIE said that they communicated on April 30 that the question paper was shared prematurely, in breach of their strict examination regulations.

The AS Level Mathematics Paper surfaced hours before the scheduled examination in Pakistan, raising concerns over exam security during the ongoing May-June session.

“Following a detailed review, the extent of the sharing means we cannot use this paper to award final examination results,” it added.

The CIE said that the theft and unauthorised sharing of the examination paper remain the subject of an active investigation.

“We are working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies and other partners to identify those responsible. Cambridge applies strict sanctions to anyone found to have shared or misused confidential exam materials, including permanent disqualification from Cambridge qualifications and operations,” it added.

As part of the investigation, Cambridge’s senior assessment experts have decided that a new version of the maths (9709/12) exam paper will be sat by all candidates in the affected regions.

A replacement paper will ensure fair outcomes for students and deliver grades that are trusted by universities and other stakeholders, read the statement.

The CIE announced: “The replacement paper for Mathematics (9709/12) will take place on Tuesday 9 June 2026 as part of the June series timetable.”

It further said that there will be no additional charge for candidates or schools. The Cambridge International AS and A Level results release date of August 11, 2026 remains unchanged.

The CIE said that they will share detailed information with the students about when and how they will receive question papers by May 15, and the steps they must follow to run the replacement question paper, as well as frequently asked questions. This will include information on withdrawals from June 2026, and entries for November 2026, it added.