Cambridge cancels AS Level maths exam in Bangladesh, other countries after leak

Cambridge International Education has cancelled the AS Level Mathematics Paper 12 exam, part of the broader A Level qualification system, taken on 29 April in administrative zones 3 and 4, which include Bangladesh, after confirming that the question paper had been shared "prematurely."

In a statement today (9 May), the examination board said the scale of the leak meant the paper could not be used to determine final results. "The extent of sharing means we cannot use this paper to award final exam results."

The board announced that all affected candidates will sit for a replacement exam on 9 June as part of the June series timetable. It added that no additional fees will be charged to students or schools for the replacement paper.

Cambridge said the decision has been taken to ensure fairness and maintain confidence in the grading process. "A replacement paper will ensure fair outcomes for all students and will deliver grades that are trusted by universities and other stakeholders," the statement read.

The board said the results release date of 11 August will remain unchanged. Schools are expected to receive detailed instructions regarding the replacement exam process by 15 May.

Cambridge also said it is working with law enforcement agencies to investigate the incident.

"The theft of this paper is the subject of an active investigation," it said, adding that strict sanctions, including permanent disqualification, may be imposed on those found responsible.

The affected regions also include Africa, Europe, the Middle East, India, Pakistan and Nepal, along with Cambodia, parts of Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

Tanvir Rohan, a senior section teacher at Academia International School's Uttara branch, said question leaks and the decision to retake exams would have a negative impact on students.

"Only a small number of students accessed the leaked questions," he noted. "Those who studied properly and performed well would ultimately be the ones affected."

He added that if a retake is conducted, the questions could be made more difficult, which may result in previously high-performing students scoring lower than before.