Cambridge Investigates Third Consecutive Year of A-Level Maths Paper Leaks in Pakistan

Key facts

• Cambridge International Education launched a formal investigation on April 30, 2026, into the leak of AS Mathematics Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1, code 9707) for the June 2026 series.
• The paper was allegedly shared on social media and messaging platforms between 3am and 4am, two to six hours before the afternoon exam.
• An estimated 25,000 students across Pakistan were scheduled to sit for the exam, with a large number in Karachi.
• Some individuals allegedly demanded up to Rs. 40,000 per paper on top of regular tuition fees for access to the leaked material.
• In 2024, Cambridge confirmed a leak of an A-Level Mathematics paper and awarded assessed marks to affected candidates.
• In June 2025, portions of three AS and A Level papers (Mathematics Paper 12, Paper 42, and Computer Science Paper 22) were accessed before exams; Cambridge offered free resits in November 2025.
• The June 2026 exam series runs from April 23 to June 9.
• Cambridge stated it will provide further updates on May 7, 2026, after completing its investigation.

Leak Emerges Hours Before Afternoon Exam

Cambridge International Education is investigating the alleged leak of an Advanced Subsidiary Mathematics Paper 1 question paper that surfaced hours before the scheduled examination in Pakistan on Wednesday. The paper, coded Pure Mathematics 1 (9707) for the June 2026 series, began circulating on social media and messaging platforms between two and six hours prior to the afternoon test, according to reports. in both unsolved and pre-solved formats, sparking immediate alarm among students and parents. The examination body acknowledged the reports, stating, “leak of a question paper. thoroughly and will provide more information to centres, if required, during or after the end of timetabled exams for the June 2026 series.”

Organized Networks Suspected as Demands for Payment Surface

Parents and students have claimed that some individuals were demanding up to Rs. 40,000 per paper on top of regular tuition fees to provide access to the leaked material. These allegations, if verified, point to the possible existence of organized networks involved in exam paper leaks. The development has triggered widespread outrage, with many students expressing concern that their performance and months of preparation may be unfairly impacted. An estimated 25,000 students across Pakistan were due to appear in the exam, including a large number of candidates in Karachi.

Third Consecutive Year of Security Breaches in Pakistan

This incident marks the third consecutive year that Cambridge exam papers have allegedly been compromised through similar channels in Pakistan. In 2024, Cambridge confirmed that an A-Level Mathematics paper had been leaked, concluding after an internal probe that “this specific paper was seen by a significant number of students in Pakistan before the start of the exam.” The board subsequently awarded “assessed marks” to affected candidates. In June 2025, portions of three AS and A Level papers—Mathematics Paper 12, Mathematics Paper 42, and Computer Science Paper 22—were accessed prior to exams. While the board maintained that full papers were not leaked, it offered free resits in November 2025 for impacted students.

Cambridge Vows to Protect Integrity and Fairness

In an official statement, Cambridge said that A-Level Mathematics Paper 12 (9709), conducted across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan, and South Asia, was shared in violation of examination regulations before the test was held. The organization stated that it is conducting a full and immediate investigation to determine the extent and nature of the breach, and is currently assessing the impact of the leak. Cambridge emphasized that its top priority is to ensure students are not unfairly affected while maintaining the integrity and credibility of the examination system. Students have been advised to continue preparing for upcoming papers and attend exams as scheduled.

Investigation Timeline and Potential Consequences

Cambridge stated it would share further updates after completing its investigation, with a specific update promised on May 7, 2026. The board noted that any decisions regarding grading and future actions will be taken by senior experts to preserve the reliability of results, ensuring universities and institutions can continue to trust them. Possible actions under consideration include paper cancellation, re-examinations, or score adjustments, though no decisions have been announced. Cambridge reiterated that while such incidents are rare, strict action is taken against individuals or centres involved in malpractice whenever evidence is found.

Broader Context: Strained Trust in International Assessments

Cambridge International Education, part of Cambridge University Press and Assessment, conducts O Level, AS, and A Level examinations across more than 160 countries, including Pakistan. These qualifications serve as key pathways to higher education domestically and abroad, making exam security a matter of high stakes. The recurring leaks have strained the relationship between the UK-based board and Pakistani candidates, raising questions about the adequacy of safeguards in the region. As the June 2026 exam series continues until June 9, the incident has once again placed the spotlight on examination security and the need for stricter measures to ensure fairness in high-stakes international assessments.

The bottom line

• Cambridge International Education is investigating the leak of AS Mathematics Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1) for the June 2026 series, which was shared hours before the exam.
• The leak is the third consecutive annual security breach in Pakistan, following incidents in 2024 and 2025.
• Some individuals allegedly demanded up to Rs. 40,000 for access to the leaked paper, suggesting organized networks.
• An estimated 25,000 students in Pakistan were affected, with many in Karachi.
• Cambridge will provide further updates on May 7, 2026, and is considering grading adjustments or re-exams.
• The board has advised students to continue preparing for upcoming exams as scheduled.