The Cambridge IGCSE 2026 timetable is one of the most searched topics because students and parents need to plan revision, mock exams, and holidays around official exam dates. Knowing the timetable early helps you stay organised and reduce stress. This guide explains when the timetable is released, how to read it, and how to use it to plan your revision from now until results day.

When Is the Cambridge IGCSE 2026 Timetable Released?

Cambridge International usually publishes the provisional timetable for the following year in the second half of the current year. For 2026 exams, that typically means a provisional version appears in 2025. The final timetable for May/June 2026 is then confirmed a few months before the series, often in early 2026. Dates can change, so always check the Cambridge International website and confirm with your school or exam centre. Your centre will also tell you your exact session times and room arrangements.

Main IGCSE 2026 Exam Series

May/June 2026

This is the main series; most schools enter students for the majority of their IGCSEs in this window. Exams usually run from late April into June, with different subjects on different days. You might have several exams in one week and then a gap before the next. The timetable shows the date and start time for each component (e.g. Paper 1, Paper 2, practical or alternative-to-practical). Make sure you know which components you are taking and on which days.

October/November 2026

The October/November series is often used for re-sits, late entries, or students who could not sit in May/June. It follows a similar structure but with dates in October and November. If you are re-sitting, check the timetable for your subject and component; some subjects have different component codes or options in different series.

Using the timetable for your subjects

Exact dates and session times depend on your subjects and components. A single subject can have two or more papers on different days. Always use the official timetable for your centre and double-check the component codes (e.g. 0580/21 for Maths Paper 2) so you turn up for the right paper on the right day.

How to Use the Timetable to Plan Revision

Work backwards from each exam date

For each subject, take the first exam date for that subject and work backwards. Decide when you want to have finished content revision, when you want to have done at least two full past papers, and when you want to do your last full timed practice. Put those milestones in your calendar so you have clear goals each week.

Prioritise subjects with earlier exams (but keep balance)

If Maths is in week one and History is in week four, you will need to peak in Maths earlier. That does not mean ignoring History until later; it means spacing your revision so that Maths gets more intensive focus in the run-up to its exams while History is still being revised regularly. A balanced approach avoids last-minute cramming in any subject.

Block time for past papers and timed practice

In the 4–6 weeks before each exam, block specific times for full past papers under exam conditions. Do the same for the 2 weeks before: at least one full paper per subject in that window helps with timing and confidence. Write these sessions into your timetable so they are non-negotiable.

Leave buffer time before the first exam

The week or few days before your first exam should include light revision, rest, and final checks—not a frantic catch-up. Build buffer time into your plan so you are not still learning new content the night before. Use that period for reviewing key facts, doing a short timed section, and getting enough sleep.

Avoid clashes and overload

If the timetable shows two long papers on the same day, plan your revision so you have practiced both under similar conditions. Spread heavy revision across the week so you are not exhausted on the day. If you have concerns about clash or workload, talk to your school or exams officer early.

What If the Timetable Changes?

Cambridge sometimes issues updated timetables (e.g. if a date must move). Your school or exam centre will be notified and should inform you. Check your school email and notices regularly in the months before the series. If you are a private candidate, stay in contact with your centre so you do not miss any changes.

Building a Revision Calendar Around the 2026 Timetable

Once you have the provisional or final timetable:

1. List every exam you are taking with date and (if known) time.
2. Mark the first and last exam so you know the full span of your series.
3. Add revision milestones (e.g. “Finish Biology topic list”, “Complete 3 Maths past papers”) in the weeks before each relevant exam.
4. Add past paper days and keep them consistent (e.g. every Saturday morning).
5. Review the plan every few weeks and adjust if you are ahead or behind.

A clear plan reduces anxiety and makes it easier to say no to distractions because you know exactly what you should be doing and when.

Tutopiya Resources and Free Trial

Structured revision is easier with a clear timetable and the right support. Tutopiya’s IGCSE tutors can help you create a revision plan that fits the 2026 timetable and your goals. They can also help you prioritise, practice past papers, and stay on track in the run-up to each exam.

Book a free trial to get personalised revision planning and access to Tutopiya’s learning portal with past papers and practice questions aligned to your exam dates.