Students seek probe into ‘A-level Maths paper leak’

ISLAMABAD: Thousands of Pakistani students appearing in A-level examinations are worried as the Maths paper was allegedly leaked throughout the country on May 2, 2024.

Several students of A and O levels approached The News and complained that the Maths paper for A level was allegedly leaked, and they did not know how the matter would be settled in a fair manner for them.

They said that first of all there was a need to hold an independent inquiry and if it was proved that the paper was leaked, then a fair method should be applied to avoid any kind of a disadvantaged position for students.

“We have studied days and night for a whole year and then came out from my examination center and found that the Maths paper held on May 2, 2024 got leaked. It caused headache as I had solved 99 percent correctly,” one aggrieved student told this scribe on Tuesday. One of the options could be the reconducting of A level Maths exam soon after the end of the ongoing exams because if it was held too late and it might cause concern for students who want to get admission inside and outside Pakistan.

If Cambridge decides to continue with the Maths paper held on May 2, 2024, then its threshold should not be done in a strict manner. “We want fairer treatment in this whole episode,” the student added.

This scribe sent out a question to the spokesperson for the British Council about an inquiry into alleged leaked paper, the spokesperson stated, “Cambridge has addressed these concerns via their official social media channels.” In the social media response, it was stated: “We are looking into concerns raised about a potential paper leakage on 02 May 2024 for AS Level Mathematics 9709 Paper 12. This is being investigated, and Cambridge and the British Council are in close communication.

“Cambridge and the British Council are committed to upholding the integrity and fairness of our exams, and we will continue to work closely with schools to ensure a smooth and secure examination experience for all candidates.

“We will update you when we have further news, and will not provide further information via Facebook comments or direct messages. Thank you for your understanding and support,” the statement on social media concluded. Pakistan’s Ministry of Education also contacted the British Council and it was conveyed to them that the investigation was underway with regard to this alleged leakage.