Cambridge cancels AS-level Mathematics exam paper after leak, orders replacement test for June 9

Cambridge International Education has cancelled its AS-level Mathematics Paper 12 for the June 2026 session after confirming the test was widely shared before the exam date. The paper, taken on April 29 across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia, was voided on Thursday. A replacement exam will be held on June 9 at no cost to students or schools.

Why did Cambridge cancel the AS-level Mathematics paper?

Cambridge cancelled Mathematics Paper 12 (9709/12) because it was shared prematurely before the April 29 sitting, breaching the board's examination regulations. The extent of the sharing made it impossible to use the paper for final results. A replacement test was ordered to ensure fair outcomes for all affected students.

Which students are affected by the AS-level maths paper leak?

The cancelled paper was taken in administrative zones 3 and 4, covering Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia. Cambridge said the replacement exam will be administered on June 9. The scheduled release of AS and A-level results on August 11 will remain unchanged, and schools will receive detailed instructions by May 15.

Those instructions will cover how to conduct the replacement test, the process for withdrawing from the June 2026 session, and options for entering the November 2026 series instead. Cambridge said there would be no additional cost to candidates or schools.

What is Cambridge doing to investigate the leak?

Cambridge said the theft and unauthorized sharing of the paper remain the subject of an active investigation, and that it is working with law enforcement agencies and online platforms to identify those responsible. The board said it applies permanent disqualification from its qualifications to anyone found to have shared or misused confidential exam materials. It added that its legal and compliance teams investigate every credible report and take legal action against illegal sharing.

Cambridge also cautioned that most alleged leaks reported online are false, and are often linked to fraudsters attempting to sell fake papers to students.

Is the A-level Business Studies paper also under investigation?

Cambridge faces additional scrutiny after students and local reports indicated that an A-level Business Studies paper was circulated on WhatsApp, Reddit and Discord before Tuesday's exam. Cambridge has not confirmed the Business Studies leak or disclosed how many papers may have been affected during the current exam cycle.

Senior assessment experts concluded that a replacement Mathematics paper was necessary to "ensure fair outcomes for students and deliver grades that are trusted by universities and other stakeholders," Cambridge said.