June 2025 exam scandal: Cambridge confirms paper leak

Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) has confirmed that an internal investigation revealed partial leaks of three exam papers shortly before the June 2025 exams. The organization will issue grades on August 12, using the completed sections of the exams and ensuring fairness by removing the compromised questions and awarding full marks for them.

In an official statement released on Thursday, Cambridge reassured students and parents that it would ensure fair results for all candidates despite the incident. The exam board reaffirmed its commitment to academic integrity and the security of its assessments, stating, “Justice to honest students is our top priority.”

The investigation found that leaks occurred in three cases: one question from AS & A Level Mathematics Paper 12, parts of two questions from Paper 42 of the same subject, and segments of one question from AS & A Level Computer Science Paper 22. However, it confirmed that no full exam paper was compromised.

Cambridge reported that individuals had organized attempts to sell fake or leaked exam papers to students. Although many online leak claims turned out to be false or exaggerated, the organization confirmed the partial compromise of three papers. Uzma Yousuf, Cambridge’s country director for Pakistan, expressed sympathy for affected students, stating, “Young people, who experienced significant anxiety and distress, are the main victims of this theft.”

Dr. Anthony Dawson, director of assessment standards, emphasized that the board had taken remedial actions to ensure fairness for students who avoided accessing the leaked papers. The board is actively tracking down individuals involved in buying and selling both real and fake exam papers and plans to impose strict penalties on those responsible.

Cambridge reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the value of its qualifications and honoring the hard work of honest students worldwide. It has shared the investigation findings with Pakistan’s Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, along with other relevant authorities.

al Assembly has also taken notice of the issue, with the Standing Committee on Education now reviewing the matter after receiving evidence of alleged paper leaks. Cambridge conducts over two million exams each year across more than 160 countries, and considers such breaches rare. Despite this, the organization enforces a zero-tolerance policy for malpractice and remains ready to act swiftly to protect the credibility of its assessments.