Cambridge International Education (CIE) has announced that students in affected regions, including Pakistan, will retake its AS-level mathematics paper on June 9 after the exam was leaked before the scheduled time.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the UK-based examination board said THAT a new version of the Mathematics (9709/12) paper will be conducted for candidates in Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia.
The announcement comes days after CIE confirmed on April 30 that the AS-level mathematics paper had been “shared prematurely” in violation of its regulations.
According to the statement, Cambridge’s senior assessment experts decided that the original paper could not be used to determine final grades.
“The previous question paper cannot be used to award final exam results and will not be used to generate results through calculated assessment,” CIE stated.
The examination body maintained that the replacement paper would help “ensure fair outcomes for students and deliver grades that are trusted by universities and other stakeholders”.
CIE said that the replacement exam would be held on June 9 as part of the June series timetable, adding that the decision aligned with the views of several school leaders consulted by the board.
“We are committed to making the replacement examination process as straightforward as possible,” it added.
The board further clarified that students and schools will not be charged any additional fee and that the result date of August 11 would remain unchanged.
“We will share detailed information with you about when and how you will receive question papers by May 15, and the steps you must follow to run the replacement question paper, as well as frequently asked questions,” the statement read.
It added that the guidance would also include information regarding withdrawals from the June 2026 session and entries for the November 2026 exams.
Acknowledging the reaction from students and parents, CIE said that the situation had been “frustrating and disappointing” for families.
“Students work incredibly hard to prepare for and take exams, and we value the trust placed in us to deliver fair results at the end of the exam process,” the board remarked.
Cambridge International also confirmed that an “active investigation” into the paper leak was underway.
“We are working closely with relevant law enforcement agencies and other partners to identify those responsible,” the statement confirmed.
The board noted that strict action will be taken against anyone found involved in leaking or misusing confidential exam material, including permanent disqualification from Cambridge qualifications and exams.
CIE further stated that while it frequently receives reports regarding alleged paper leaks, “the majority of them are false”.
It explained that the board regularly monitors social media platforms and online channels where users attempt to share or sell exam papers.
“Our legal and compliance teams investigate every credible report, and we take robust legal action against those involved in the illegal sharing,” CIE said.
The board added that it does not comment publicly on individual reports of leaks and instead communicates updates directly to schools.
“Our priority is to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by the wilful malpractice of a few,” it stated.
