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Assessment
How Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science is assessed
It’s a single award: one grade. Core students take Papers 1 and 3 and can get grades C–G. Extended students learn the Core and Supplement content, take Papers 2 and 4, and can get grades A*–G. Everyone also takes Paper 5 or Paper 6.
Syllabus 0653, for exams in 2025–2027. The 2028–2029 syllabus has no significant changes that affect teaching.
Core (grades C–G)
Paper 1: Multiple Choice (Core)
40 four-option multiple-choice questions
- Time
- 45 min
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 30%
Paper 3: Theory (Core)
Short-answer and structured questions
- Time
- 1 h 15 min
- Marks
- 80
- Weight
- 50%
Extended (grades A*–G)
Paper 2: Multiple Choice (Extended)
40 four-option multiple-choice questions
- Time
- 45 min
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 30%
Paper 4: Theory (Extended)
Short-answer and structured questions
- Time
- 1 h 15 min
- Marks
- 80
- Weight
- 50%
Everyone takes one practical paper
Paper 5: Practical Test
Practical test of experimental skills
- Time
- 1 h 15 min
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 20%
Paper 6: Alternative to Practical
Written paper on experimental skills
- Time
- 1 h
- Marks
- 40
- Weight
- 20%
Your school chooses Paper 5 (a practical test) or Paper 6 (a written alternative to practical). Either is worth 20%. There is no coursework.
From the official Cambridge International syllabus, checked October 2026. Read the syllabus
Syllabus content
What’s on the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science syllabus
Biology
- Characteristics of living organisms
- Cells
- Movement into and out of cells
- Biological molecules
- Enzymes
- Plant nutrition
- Human nutrition
- Transport in plants
- Transport in animals
- Diseases and immunity
- Gas exchange in humans
- Respiration
- Drugs
- Reproduction
- Organisms and their environment
- Human influences on ecosystems
Chemistry
- States of matter
- Atoms, elements and compounds
- Stoichiometry
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical energetics
- Chemical reactions
- Acids, bases and salts
- The Periodic Table
- Metals
- Chemistry of the environment
- Organic chemistry
- Experimental techniques and chemical analysis
Physics
- Motion, forces and energy
- Thermal physics
- Waves
- Electricity
- Space physics
Where marks are lost
Common Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science mistakes
Revising one science and hoping.
Every paper mixes biology, chemistry and physics questions. Rotate your revision across all three, so no section of the paper catches you cold.
Saying “particles” when you mean something specific.
In chemistry, say atoms, ions or molecules. In biology, name the molecule, such as glucose or water. Vague words often lose the mark.
Results tables without units.
In Paper 5 or 6, put the quantity and unit in each column heading, such as time / s, and record readings to the same number of decimal places.
Six science tutors, six ways to learn
Practise past-paper style questions with the exam coach, drill facts before a test with quick revision, or slow down with a step-by-step tutor. Switch any time.
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- AvaQuick revision
- TariqChallenger
- GraceConfidence builder
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FAQ
Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science questions, answered.
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