On June 19, 2025, Cambridge University Press & Assessment (Cambridge) confirmed that a few questions from three exam papers in the June 2025 series were leaked shortly before the exams. This article explores the incident, Cambridge’s response, and its commitment to fairness.
Cambridge’s Exam Security Team conducted a thorough investigation, identifying leaks in three specific cases:
- One question in the AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 12.
- Parts of two questions in AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 42.
- Parts of one question in the AS & A Level Computer Science Paper 22.
No evidence suggests that full papers were shared. Cambridge clarified that most alleged leaks circulating online were false or malicious, often scams demanding payment for fake papers.
Cambridge Board breaks silence on exam paper leak#ARYNews https://t.co/uAU8N1i5Lw
— ARY NEWS (@ARYNEWSOFFICIAL) June 19, 2025
Cambridge’s Response to Ensure Fairness
To maintain fairness, Cambridge will award all candidates full marks for the leaked questions. This remedy may increase some students’ overall marks, but Cambridge will adjust for this when calculating results. No students will need to resit exams or face delays in receiving results.
Uzma Yousuf, Country Director for Pakistan, condemned the leaks, stating:
“Dishonest people have stolen our question papers, and the main victims are young people who suffered considerable anxiety and distress at an important time.”
Dr. Anthony Dawson, Director of Assessment Standards, added:
“Our priority is to ensure fairness for students who did not attempt to see papers before the exam, which is the vast majority.”
Cambridge identified the sources of the leaks and is taking action against those responsible. The organisation has shared details with Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) and relevant authorities.
With over two million exams administered annually across 160 countries, Cambridge emphasised that such incidents are rare. When malpractice is detected, the organisation acts swiftly to protect the integrity of its qualifications.
In May 2025, Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Education discussed Cambridge exam leaks. Faisalabad MNA Muhammad Ali Sarfraz presented evidence of four alleged leaks, including a video. A subcommittee, chaired by MNA Sabin, reviewed Cambridge’s performance and addressed paper leakage issues.