Cambridge paper leak case: students hand over 17 papers evidence to NCCIA, but investigation still not complete

The investigation into the alleged Cambridge A Level and O Level paper leaks has drawn fresh criticism after affected students

Islamabad: The investigation into the alleged Cambridge A Level and O Level paper leaks has drawn fresh criticism after affected students claimed that they provided complete evidence, forensic details and technical assistance to the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), but the inquiry remains incomplete.

Students associated with the Accountability4Cambridge movement said they made every possible effort to help NCCIA investigate the case and submitted evidence related to 17 leaked examination components. They claimed they even conducted their own forensic checks and prepared detailed records before handing them over to authorities.

The students said their main demand was a quick investigation because their future depends on the final results. They wanted the matter resolved before results were announced so that affected students could receive relief if unfair practices had affected their grades.

However, according to the students, NCCIA has still not completed its investigation. They claimed that the investigation officer assigned to the case has gone on training, causing further delay.

The Accountability4Cambridge representatives said they submitted a complete evidence package to NCCIA, including 44 exhibits with verification details. They said the material was prepared carefully to help investigators identify where the papers were leaked and who was involved.

The students said they tracked the movement of leaked papers and provided information about possible sources, online groups and communication channels where the leaked material was shared. Their evidence included details about WhatsApp numbers, Telegram groups and payment methods allegedly used to purchase the leaked papers.

The students submitted the evidence directly to NCCIA’s forensic department and expected progress within days, but they were later informed that the assigned official was unavailable because he had gone for training.

The controversy started after students alleged that Cambridge examination papers reached some candidates before the official exams, creating an unfair advantage for those who accessed them early.

According to Accountability4Cambridge, around 17 examination components were leaked during the June 2026 examination series. They said Cambridge International acknowledged four of these components, while the remaining cases were still disputed.

Students argued that a leaked paper could damage the grades of honest candidates because grade boundaries may change when some students score unusually high marks after seeing questions in advance.

They said a student who worked honestly could lose university opportunities if their grades dropped because of unfair competition.

The students also raised concerns about delays in the official response. The Senate Standing Committee on Federal Education had directed NCCIA to provide findings by July 21, 2026, but the deadline passed without a final report being submitted.

The group said only an informal indication was given that findings would come later, while students continued waiting for answers. During their efforts, students met with various institutions, including the IBCC, Senate committees and NCCIA officials, and prepared documentation to support their claims.

They said the evidence was not based only on screenshots but included detailed verification methods such as timestamps, recordings and technical information to support the authenticity of the leaked material.

The students said they wanted authorities to identify the people responsible and ensure accountability instead of allowing the matter to continue without a clear conclusion. They also demanded stronger action from Cambridge, including transparency regarding how the leaks happened, where they originated and what action was taken against those involved.

The students further demanded reforms in the examination system, including better protection of papers, separate arrangements for Pakistan and measures to prevent future leaks. They warned that the issue concerned not only marks but also the future of thousands of students who depend on Cambridge results for university admissions in Pakistan and abroad.