KARACHI: Cambridge International has decided it would allow AS and A-Level students in Pakistan to retake the exams that were canceled in May due to political unrest in the South Asian country, triggered by former prime minister Imran Khan’s arrest in a graft case.
Renowned for providing international qualifications and conducting examinations in over 160 countries, including Pakistan, Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) collaborates with around 10,000 schools worldwide. Each year, the body administers O-, AS- and A-level exams across Pakistan during the months of May and June.
But the situation in Pakistan took an unexpected turn on May 9 as widespread protests erupted throughout the country following the brief arrest of Khan. Consequently, the AS- and A-level exams, scheduled for May 10, 11, and 12, had to be canceled, with CAIE subsequently evaluating students based on the components they had already completed during the exam series.
The initial grading system drew criticism from Pakistani students who were discontent with their results. They reached out to the British Council, which facilitates the CAIE exams in Pakistan while urging the Pakistani government for intervention.
“Any student, who missed a component for Cambridge International AS & A Level on 10, 11, and 12 May because exams were canceled, can resit exams for that subject without paying the Cambridge part of the exam fee in the November 2023 exam series,” the CAIE said in a statement, a copy of which was shared with Arab News by the British Council on Saturday.
Students who choose to resit the exams will be required to complete all relevant components in the November session, including the components they missed in June as well as those they had already completed. Those wishing to resit the A-level exams will have to take all components, both AS and A2, according to the statement.
A meeting between officials from the Pakistani education ministry and CAIE representatives also discussed the methodology employed in assessment of marks during the June session. The CAIE explained the rationale behind the gradual return to pre-pandemic evaluation standards and the Pakistani officials acknowledged the “fairness” and “validity” of the June 2023 exam results, extending this recognition even to students who were affected by the May disruptions.
Both CAIE and the Pakistani government empathized with the disappointment experienced by students who were unable to complete all components due to unforeseen circumstances and as a response, a collaborative decision was made to provide a chance to these students to resit the exams to comprehensively demonstrate their academic prowess, the statement read.
“We have always prioritized the wellbeing of our learners and the decisions taken today are a reaffirmation of our commitment to providing quality education and assessments,” said Uzma Yousuf, the CAIE country director for Pakistan.
“I would also like to reiterate to our schools and students that we are here to support you to the best of our capabilities in providing a successful academic experience.”
She advised students who still have concerns to get in touch with their schools in the first instance and encouraged private candidates to contact the British Council.
