Several students who appeared for A-level exams in different parts of the world have been left perplexed after it was discovered that the question paper had been leaked online. As India struggles with an alleged paper leak of the biggest medical entrance examination of the country, something similar seems to have happened in UK-based A-level exam too.
A Levels (Advanced Level exams) are subject-based qualifications generally taken by students aged 16–19, equivalent to senior secondary/ high school education.
As per reports, a leak of Physics question paper took place on May 20, which has affected several students across the world who appeared for the exam through Cambridge International Education. The exam board which has been affected has reportedly announced that the exam papers now stand voided, and affected students will receive "assessed marks" based on how they did in other parts of the course.
The Cambridge International Education board said the board put alternative measures in place for impacted students as soon as possible. "We know how frustrating and disappointing this incident has been for students taking these particular subjects, and their families and schools," a spokesperson was quoted by BBC.
The Physics paper has now been replaced for the upcoming exams.
While the Physics paper leak is being investigated, it has also been reported that Math papers were also leaked earlier this month. "Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics question paper (9709/12), taken in our administrative zones 3 and 4 on 29 April*, was shared prematurely against our strict regulations. The extent of sharing means we cannot use this paper to award final exam results. We are therefore cancelling this paper, and it will not be used to generate results through calculated assessment," anofficial statementfrom the Board on May 7 had stated.
It was also reported earlier that one component of a computer science exam had also been circulated internationally.
On May 12, 2026, Cambridge International Education had warned students against an "increase in false claims involving fake or 'leaked' exam papers, particularly on social media platforms, WhatsApp groups, and online pages." The Board had reminded students that such fraudsters "deliberately exploit exam stress to mislead students and families."
The Board also stated that it is mostly international students who are affected, but some some students in independent schools across the UK also appeared for these exams. "We can confirm that Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics Paper 12 (9709) taken in our Africa, Europe, Middle East, Pakistan and South Asia regions, was shared prematurely against our regulations," the Board stated on April 30.
The Board has assured students that this alleged paper leak will not impact the result dates, and the Board will ensure results are released on time, in line with university offer deadlines. "The replacement paper for Mathematics (9709/12) will take place as part of the June series timetable on Tuesday 9 June and will not incur an additional charge for candidates or schools. The Cambridge International AS & A Level results release date of 11 August remains unchanged."
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