IBCC seeks report from CIE, British Council on Maths paper leak

The Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC), the authority that controls foreign examination boards in Pakistan, has asked the Cambridge International Education (CIE) and the British Council for an explanation and a detailed report on the mathematics paper leak in May this year.

In a letter written by IBCC Director Ammar Hasan Gilani to Uzma Yousuf, country director of Cambridge International Education and Country Director of British Council, it is said that in an email dated 16-05-2024 responding to our concerns about the alleged leak of examination papers, it was mentioned that a comprehensive response would be provided upon the conclusion of the investigation. However, the IBCC has yet to receive any such report from the CIE, even though it has been widely reported in the media that the CIE has acknowledged the occurrence of the paper leakage.

Given the significant impact of this issue, the CIE is advised to provide a detailed report on the matter, said the letter, adding that this report should include an official statement confirming the incident and the number of countries where the Mathematics paper was leaked and the findings of investigations conducted in those countries.

The letter asked if the CIE involved other departments, such as the British Council and investigative agencies, to probe this incident. If so, what are their findings? It said if the individuals or groups responsible for the breach have been identified or otherwise, and it should be specifically mentioned whether this incident occurred in an independent school or a school where the British Council conducted the examination.

It further asked if the JCQ regulations are followed in examination procedures by the British Council and Independent Model Schools. Details of staff engaged in conducting examinations in Independent Model Schools specifying the staff was acquired from the same school or from some other school.

The letter inquired about the procedures adopted and measures taken for the receipt, secrecy, and disbursement of papers in exam centers, whether independent or managed through the British Council and details of actions taken against those found accountable, including disciplinary measures or legal proceedings initiated. Also, it sought details of steps the CIE plans to implement to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.