Cambridge AS & A Level Urdu Language & Literature (9866): syllabus, papers and marking
The new Pakistan-only Urdu A Level, first examined in 2027. Reading is scored instantly; writing is marked on content, range and accuracy, and literature on the response to the set text.
A Level only, for centres in Pakistan. Syllabus for examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (replaces Urdu 9686, whose last series is November 2026) · June and November series · grades A*–E
Urdu Language & Literature 9866: where the marks go
Urdu Language & Literature 9866 is an A Level for centres in Pakistan, first examined in 2027, and it replaces Urdu 9686 (last sat in November 2026). It has three papers of 40 marks each: Reading (1 h 30 min, 40 multiple-choice and matching questions), Writing (2 h, an argumentative or discursive essay and a descriptive or narrative essay) and Literature (2 h, a passage question and an essay on set texts). Each carries about a third of the grade.
Reading is scored instantly. Writing is marked on content (8), linguistic range and organisation (6) and language accuracy (6) for each of the two essays, and Literature on a structured, supported response to the set text. Set texts rotate from year to year.
Paper structure and what we mark
| Paper | Time | Marks | Weight | Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 — Reading | 1 h 30 min | 40 | c.33% A Level | 40 multiple-choice and matching questions on a range of texts |
| Paper 2 — Writing | 2 h | 40 | c.33% A Level | One argumentative or discursive essay and one descriptive or narrative essay, 300–400 words each, 20 marks each |
| Paper 3 — Literature | 2 h | 40 | c.33% A Level | Two questions: one passage-based from Section A and one essay from Section B, on set texts |
Syllabus outline
- Six topic areas: culture; health and well-being; education and future plans; community and society; our responsibility for the planet; science and technology
- Paper 1 Reading: five task types, from four-option questions and gap-fill to matching statements to texts
- Paper 2 Writing: argumentative and discursive writing; descriptive and narrative writing, 300–400 words
- Paper 3 Literature: passage-based and essay questions on set texts in a variety of genres
- Grammar and structures: the syllabus’s own list
How each paper is marked here
- Reading is scored automatically against the answer key.
- Writing is marked for content, range and organisation, and accuracy, with the three marks shown separately.
- Literature answers are marked on a relevant, structured and supported response; opening soon after the Urdu rubric test.
Where Urdu Language & Literature 9866 candidates lose marks
- Not reading the focus of the question — On one question of the predecessor paper, candidates averaged only five or six marks because well-written answers missed the exact focus of the question.
- Writing from own ideas, not the text — Where the answer had to come from the passage or insert, personal versions earned no credit.
- Irrelevant or extra information — Anything beyond what the question asked did not earn marks.
- Exceeding the word limit — A few candidates lost marks for going over the limit set.
- Unattempted questions and spelling — Omitted parts carried a deduction, and spelling and grammar slips were common.
Sample papers, mark schemes and marked reports for 9866
See a real handwritten script marked by eight examiners at admitportfolio.com/examiners.
Questions teachers ask
- How does it relate to the old Urdu 9686?
- 9866 replaces it. 9686 is last examined in November 2026, and 9866 starts in June 2027 for centres in Pakistan.
- Which papers are marked?
- Reading instantly. Writing and Literature question by question, once the Urdu rubric passes review.
- Are set texts included?
- Papers follow the set texts for the series; the list rotates, so ask which year you are preparing.
- Is this official Cambridge marking?
- No. Cambridge International Education marks the real exam. This is examiner-style marking of mocks and homework for 9866. Only you see the marking, and you decide what reaches the student.
- Do you reproduce past-paper questions?
- No. Every 9866 paper here is original and written to the a level only, for centres in pakistan. syllabus for examination in 2027, 2028 and 2029 (replaces urdu 9686, whose last series is november 2026), in the same structure as the real papers shown above.
- Which papers are marked?
- None yet are marked question by question; Paper 1 are scored instantly. Practical exams sat at the centre are not marked here.
- How is the next paper chosen?
- From the marks a student lost: the concepts behind them are ranked by marks dropped, and the new paper weights those topics. It is the same syllabus and structure, with new questions.
- When are the exams?
- June and November series. Grades A*–E.
Other Cambridge AS & A Level courses
- Cambridge AS & A Level Physics (9702)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Chemistry (9701)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Mathematics (9709)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Biology (9700)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Further Mathematics (9231)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Economics (9708)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Business (9609)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Computer Science (9618)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Psychology (9990)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English Language (9093)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Accounting (9706)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Law (9084)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Sociology (9699)
- Cambridge AS & A Level History (9489)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Literature in English (9695)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Islamic Studies (9488)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Geography (9696)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Thinking Skills (9694)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Global Perspectives & Research (9239)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Information Technology (9626)
- Cambridge AS & A Level English General Paper (8021)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Environmental Management (8291)
- Cambridge AS & A Level Travel & Tourism (9395)
Start marking Urdu Language & Literature scripts · See a real marked script