Will British Council Charge Fees for ‘Free’ A-Level Retake Exams? [Updated]

Cambridge International Education (CIE) has announced a fee waiver for retaking canceled A-Level exams. Students who intend to retake the exams, however, might have to pay a fee to the British Council, but it hasn’t been announced yet. 

Initially, CIE declared a ‘free-of-charge’ retake opportunity for A-Level students whose exams were canceled on 10, 11, and 12 May. However, uncertainty loomed as details surrounding fee waivers remained unclear.

As per the official details, CIE has taken a step forward by eliminating the retake fee, reflecting their commitment to student welfare. The administration of the retake exams will be facilitated by the British Council, which will manage the process. The exact fee amount for this service will be communicated in due course.

For students who wish to retake exams in June 2024, a seamless process has been established. After their respective centers have submitted entries for retake candidates, students can engage with the British Council, with support from their center, to obtain credit covering entry fees. This process not only simplifies the procedure but also demonstrates the collaborative efforts of CIE and the British Council to facilitate students’ academic journeys.

The provision of free retakes exclusively for candidates who were unable to complete exam components due to the cancellation of exams in June 2023 is a proactive step towards ensuring fairness and equity in the assessment process.

Addressing concerns from students who sought to retake specific components, CIE clarified that a comprehensive approach is necessary for accurate evaluation. Candidates must complete all components associated with their entry option to receive a result. This approach underscores the importance of holistic assessment and aligns with academic best practices.

In response to the collective concerns of students, Education Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, CIE, and British Council officials convened. In a welcome move, the decision to offer fee-free retakes was reached, demonstrating a responsive and student-centric approach. This decision has brought relief to the majority of the 45,000 Pakistani students who faced challenges in this year’s A-Level series and received lower grades.


  • All students should be awarded equal opportunity in lue of exclusively low grades with unknown reason, All students including Private students also 😭.


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