IBCC writes another letter to CIE, British Council for details of action over paper leak

KARACHI: The Inter-Boards Coordination Commission (IBCC) has issued another letter to Cambridge International Education (CIE) and the British Council for not providing details and taking action against those responsible for the mathematics paper leak in May this year.

In a second explanatory 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 you were further advised to take strict action against those involved in the breach/leakage of papers. However, no response has been received in this regard. Therefore, you are requested again to forward the inquiry report for further necessary action by the IBCC Secretariat.

The letter further asked about the number of students affected by the cancellation of the math paper module results, the total fees deposited to the CIE for this module, and what relief will be provided to these students. Clarification has been sought on why students need to reappear in the November exams, rather than having a special exam arranged to save their precious time, given that in previous practices, an average of other modules is given which can discriminate and favour students involved or having prior knowledge about the paper leakage.

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 also 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.

Uzma Yousuf, country director of Cambridge International Education, was not available for comments despite repeated attempts.