National Assembly Launches Inquiry into A-Level Exam Paper Leak

There is now a four-member sub-committee from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Education to study the recent cases of A-level paper leaks.

While meeting under Azamuddin’s leadership, the committee heard members talk about evidence and issues related to continued leaks. According to Assembly Member Ali Sarfaraz, some A-level math papers were posted online before the exams and he said a whole bundle of papers could be purchased for as much as Rs. 60,000 per student. According to him, these leaks were carried out on April 15, May 2 and May 20 and he warned that more leaks could discourage students.

Members of the committee brought up concerns about how Cambridge is monitoring things and asked for action, since leaks have happened more than once. Photos and videos of the leaks were given as evidence and a few members suggested that those taked were examined again in July so all students got fair treatment.

Cambridge Uzma Yousuf confirmed that results are reliable and added that a final update will be published after all exams finish on June 11. She pointed out that schools are allowing forensic experts in and is open to suggesting solutions with the government board.

According to the Executive Director of the IBCC, almost 1.2 million students in Pakistan are enrolled in Cambridge exams and the board decided to add more schools to help manage the high number of examinations. Lawmakers were told that Cambridge has not revealed how or from where the leaks might have come, despite their requests.

Sabeen Ghauri was chosen by the committee as the convener of the sub-committee which will do an in-depth investigation and deliver its report within a month.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) chairman requested the forum to safeguard the name of Pakistani institutions and the committee chairman stressed that an investigation with transparency is needed for people to gain faith in how exams are run.