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Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a globally recognized exam for students aged 14–16, offered by Cambridge Assessment International Education. It prepares students for A-Level, IB, and other post-16 programs.

Cambridge IGCSE offers over 70 subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, English, Business Studies, Computer Science, ICT, Economics, History, Geography, Accounting, and more.

Cambridge IGCSE is graded from A to G*. Some schools offer the 9–1 grading scale, where 9 is the highest grade.

Most subjects have 2 to 4 papers, depending on the syllabus. Example:

  • IGCSE Mathematics 0580: Papers 1, 2, 3, 4

  • IGCSE Biology 0610: Papers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

  • Core covers the basic syllabus and allows grades C–G.

  • Extended includes advanced content and allows grades A*–E.

Cambridge IGCSE exams run in three series each year:

  • March (India only)

  • May/June

  • October/November

Topical past papers are exam questions arranged by topic (e.g., Algebra, Respiration, Electricity). They help students practice focused revision for each unit of the syllabus.

You can find complete yearly past papers, topical past papers, MCQs, and mark schemes on platforms like exam-mate, which organizes content by subject, topic, and year.

Some websites offer free access, while others provide premium structured resources such as exam builders, topical eBooks, and MCQ banks.

Use a combination of:

  • Topical past papers

  • Full yearly papers

  • Mark schemes

  • Revision notes

  • Timed mock exams

  • MCQ quizzes

  • Online tutors or tuition centers

Mock exams simulate real exam conditions using past papers or new exam-standard questions. They help diagnose weaknesses and improve time management.

0580 has four papers:

  • Paper 1 (Core)

  • Paper 3 (Core)

  • Paper 2 (Extended)

  • Paper 4 (Extended)

Includes:

  • MCQ (Paper 1 or 2)

  • Structured Questions (Paper 3 or 4)

  • Practical/Alternative to Practical (Paper 5 or 6)

  • Paper 2: Core theory

  • Paper 4: Extended theory (higher difficulty)

A written exam that tests practical understanding without conducting real lab experiments.

Typically two years, depending on the school curriculum.

Yes. Cambridge IGCSE is recognized by universities and employers in 160+ countries.

  • International recognition

  • Strong academic foundation

  • Emphasis on analytical and practical skills

  • Preparation for A-Level, IB, AP, SAT, or national systems

  • Cambridge uses the CAIE syllabus

  • Edexcel uses Pearson's framework

  • Paper formats and question styles differ slightly

Yes, private candidates can register through approved Cambridge exam centres.

Cambridge releases official timetables for each series (May/June, Oct/Nov) on its website, and centers also share local schedules.

Schools must complete Cambridge accreditation and meet administrative, exam, and infrastructure requirements.

Results are available on the Cambridge Candidate Results Portal, typically:

  • Mid-August (June session)

  • Mid-January (November session)

IGCSE is generally more academically challenging and internationally standardized.

Using MCQ banks, topic-wise quizzes, timed practice tests, and explanations from mark schemes.

Some subjects include coursework or practical assessments (e.g., Art & Design, Computer Science, Sciences with practicals).

Yes, in most papers except specific non-calculator papers (e.g., Math Paper 1 and Paper 2 in some syllabuses).

Teachers can:

  • Assign topical worksheets

  • Build custom exam papers

  • Track student progress

  • Use mark schemes and model answers

  • Share resources with classes

  • Practice 100–300 past paper questions

  • Focus on weak topics

  • Check answers using mark schemes

  • Take timed mock exams weekly

Mark schemes show accepted answers, steps, keywords, and points allocation, helping students learn exam technique.

Yes, students can retake in the following exam series.

Typically 14–16, but private candidates of any age can take the exam.

0970 is the same syllabus but follows the 9–1 grading scale.

Cambridge is introducing more digital assessments, updated syllabuses, and new exam formats in some subjects.

Yes. Cambridge plans a digital rollout starting from 2026 for selected subjects.

For some subjects, formula sheets are included. For others, students must memorize formulas.

Usually between 45 minutes and 2 hours, depending on subject and paper.

Most students take 5 to 8 subjects, depending on school requirements.

  • Topic-wise questions

  • Answers

  • Examiner-style guidance

  • Quick revision summaries

  • Step-by-step solutions

This varies, but commonly perceived easier subjects include ICT, Global Perspectives, Business Studies, and English as a Second Language.

Mathematics, Additional Mathematics (0606), Physics, Chemistry, and English First Language are often considered more challenging.

  • Create a study schedule

  • Monitor progress

  • Use past papers

  • Encourage regular revision

  • Join tuition programs if needed

  • Topical past papers

  • Yearly papers

  • Mark schemes

  • MCQ banks

  • Mock exam generator

  • Full exam builder

  • Topical eBooks

  • AI-powered tutoring and explanations

Questions are rarely repeated exactly, but similar patterns and styles appear often.

Yes, universities worldwide recognize IGCSE as a strong academic foundation.