Cambridge International Education (CIE) is a prestigious education system in the world. CIE claims that its assessments give students focus, motivation, and a challenge to better prepare them for higher studies and eventually professional life. However, CIE’s paper leaks almost every year for over a decade in many countries, including Pakistan has become a norm. So do its official statements. This year, when around 25,000 students across Pakistan had appeared in the AS Level Mathematics (9709/12) examination, it was officially announced several hours later that the question paper had been available before the examination. Adding to the crisis, there have also been reports of leaks involving the AS Level Business Studies question paper and some questions of Computer Sciences paper. Indeed, this caused frustration, anger, and distrust among students and parents.

We circulated a survey among parents and students regarding their perceptions of the paper leak gate. We have also analyzed official statements of CIE for 2025 and 2026 to learn how seriously and efficiently the board has been responding to this chronic issue.

The official statements released after the 2025 and 2026 paper leaks hinge on nearly identical institutional rhetoric. Interestingly, both statements foreground “fairness”, “integrity”, “reliable grades”, and “confidence in the system”, while backgrounding deeper accountability for repeated breaches in examination security.

The official statements released after the 2025 and 2026 paper leaks hinge on nearly identical institutional rhetoric. Interestingly, both statements foreground “fairness”, “integrity”, “reliable grades”, and “confidence in the system”, while backgrounding deeper accountability for repeated breaches in examination security.

The official statements released........

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