What Is IGCSE?

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds. Developed and administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), part of the University of Cambridge, IGCSE is recognised by universities, employers, and governments in over 160 countries.

IGCSE provides a broad and balanced curriculum that develops students’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in:

• Subject content — deep understanding of chosen subjects
• Application of knowledge — applying learning to new situations
• Intellectual enquiry — analytical and critical thinking
• Flexibility and responsiveness — adapting to change
• Working and communicating — collaboration and expression
• Cultural awareness — understanding diverse perspectives

More than 1 million students worldwide sit IGCSE examinations each year, making it one of the most widely taken qualifications globally.

IGCSE Curriculum Structure

How Many Subjects Do Students Take?

Most students take between 7 and 9 IGCSE subjects, though some take more. Schools typically require:

• Compulsory subjects: Usually English, Mathematics, and a Science
• Elective subjects: Students choose from a range of options based on their interests and career goals
• Additional requirements: Some schools mandate a language, a humanity, or a creative subject

The Subject Groups

Cambridge organises IGCSE subjects into five broad groups:

1. Languages — First Language, Second Language, Foreign Language, Literature
2. Humanities and Social Sciences — History, Geography, Economics, Sociology
3. Sciences — Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Combined Science, Environmental Management
4. Mathematics — Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, International Mathematics
5. Creative and Professional — Art & Design, Music, Computer Science, Business Studies, Accounting

Students are encouraged to select subjects from across these groups to maintain a balanced education.

Core vs Extended Curriculum

Many IGCSE subjects offer two tiers:

• Core: Covers fundamental content, with grades available from C to G
• Extended: Covers all content including advanced material, with grades from A* to E

Most students aiming for A-Level or IB progression should sit Extended papers to access the higher grades.

Complete List of IGCSE Subjects Available in 2026

Cambridge offers over 70 IGCSE subjects. Here is a comprehensive overview organised by group:

Languages

Subject	Code	Key Features
English — First Language	0500	Reading comprehension, directed writing, composition
English — Second Language	0510	Listening, reading, writing for non-native speakers
English — Literature	0475	Poetry, prose, and drama analysis
French — Foreign Language	0520	Speaking, listening, reading, writing
Spanish — Foreign Language	0530	Speaking, listening, reading, writing
German — Foreign Language	0525	Speaking, listening, reading, writing
Mandarin Chinese	0547	Speaking, listening, reading, writing
Arabic — First Language	0508	For native Arabic speakers
Hindi — Second Language	0549	For Hindi-speaking students

Cambridge also offers IGCSE qualifications in numerous other languages including Portuguese, Turkish, Korean, Japanese, Urdu, Malay, and many more.

Humanities and Social Sciences

Subject	Code	Key Features
History	0470	Study of historical events, source analysis, essay writing
Geography	0460	Physical and human geography, fieldwork, map skills
Economics	0455	Microeconomics, macroeconomics, international trade
Sociology	0495	Social structures, culture, research methods
Global Perspectives	0457	Research, analysis, and reflection on global issues
Religious Studies	0490	Study of world religions and ethical issues
Travel and Tourism	0471	Tourism industry, destinations, customer service

Sciences

Subject	Code	Key Features
Biology	0610	Cell biology, genetics, ecology, human physiology
Chemistry	0620	Atomic structure, bonding, organic chemistry, reactions
Physics	0625	Mechanics, electricity, waves, nuclear physics
Combined Science	0653	Broad coverage of biology, chemistry, and physics
Co-ordinated Sciences	0654	Double award covering all three sciences
Environmental Management	0680	Environmental systems, sustainability, resource management
Marine Science	0697	Ocean systems, marine ecology, human impact

Mathematics

Subject	Code	Key Features
Mathematics	0580	Number, algebra, geometry, statistics, probability
Additional Mathematics	0606	Advanced algebra, calculus, trigonometry — preparation for A-Level
International Mathematics	0607	Similar to 0580 with GDC (graphing calculator) use

Creative, Technical, and Professional

Subject	Code	Key Features
Computer Science	0478	Programming, algorithms, data representation
Information & Communication Technology	0417	Practical ICT skills, databases, web design
Business Studies	0450	Marketing, finance, human resources, operations
Accounting	0452	Financial statements, bookkeeping, analysis
Art & Design	0400	Visual arts, design processes, portfolio work
Music	0410	Performance, composition, listening analysis
Drama	0411	Performance skills, devised work, text study
Physical Education	0413	Anatomy, training, health, practical assessment
Design & Technology	0445	Product design, materials, manufacturing
Food & Nutrition	0648	Nutrition science, food preparation, diet planning
Enterprise	0454	Entrepreneurship, business planning, innovation

How to Choose Your IGCSE Subjects

Choosing the right subjects is one of the most important decisions students make. Here is a structured approach:

Step 1: Consider Your Strengths and Interests

Choose subjects you genuinely enjoy and perform well in. You will spend two years studying these subjects intensively — passion and aptitude make a significant difference.

Step 2: Research Future Requirements

If you have a career direction in mind, research what A-Level or IB subjects are needed, and what IGCSE prerequisites they require:

• Medicine: Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics (all at B or above)
• Engineering: Physics, Mathematics, Additional Mathematics
• Law: English, History, Economics (strong essay-based subjects)
• Business: Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies
• Computer Science: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics
• Arts/Design: Art & Design, English Literature, a Humanity

Step 3: Maintain Balance

Universities and employers value a broad education. Aim for a mix across subject groups:

• At least one language beyond English
• At least one humanity or social science
• At least one science (ideally two)
• Mathematics
• One creative or professional subject

Step 4: Talk to Your School

Schools offer different combinations of subjects based on timetabling and teacher availability. Speak with your school’s academic counsellor about:

• Which subjects are available
• How subjects are blocked in the timetable
• What combinations are recommended for your goals

Step 5: Consider the Assessment Style

Different subjects assess skills in different ways:

• Exam-heavy: Mathematics, Sciences, Economics
• Coursework component: Art & Design, Drama, Music
• Practical assessment: Computer Science (programming), Sciences (lab work)
• Speaking component: Languages

Choose subjects whose assessment methods align with your strengths.

IGCSE Syllabus Content: Key Subjects in Detail

IGCSE Mathematics (0580)

The Mathematics syllabus is divided into six major topics:

1. Number — integers, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratio, standard form
2. Algebra — expressions, equations, inequalities, sequences, functions, graphs
3. Geometry — angles, shapes, similarity, congruence, transformations, vectors
4. Mensuration — perimeter, area, volume, surface area
5. Co-ordinate geometry — straight lines, curves, gradients
6. Statistics and probability — data collection, averages, probability, histograms

Assessment (Extended):

• Paper 2: Short-answer questions (35%)
• Paper 4: Structured questions (65%)

IGCSE Biology (0610)

The Biology syllabus covers:

1. Cell structure and organisation — animal and plant cells, specialised cells
2. Biological molecules — carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, enzymes
3. Movement in and out of cells — diffusion, osmosis, active transport
4. Nutrition — human digestive system, plant nutrition, photosynthesis
5. Respiration — aerobic and anaerobic respiration, gas exchange
6. Coordination and response — nervous system, hormones, homeostasis
7. Reproduction — sexual and asexual reproduction, genetics, inheritance
8. Ecology — ecosystems, food chains, human impact on environment

Assessment (Extended):

• Paper 2: Multiple choice (30%)
• Paper 4: Theory (50%)
• Paper 6: Alternative to Practical (20%)

IGCSE English — First Language (0500)

The English First Language syllabus develops:

1. Reading — comprehension, analysis, evaluation of texts
2. Writing — directed writing, descriptive writing, narrative writing, argumentative writing
3. Speaking and Listening (optional component)

Assessment:

• Paper 1: Reading (50%) — comprehension passages with short and extended response questions
• Paper 2: Directed Writing and Composition (50%) — one directed writing task and one composition choice

IGCSE Physics (0625)

The Physics syllabus includes:

1. General Physics — measurement, motion, forces, energy, pressure
2. Thermal Physics — kinetic theory, thermal properties, heat transfer
3. Waves — light, sound, electromagnetic spectrum
4. Electricity and Magnetism — circuits, electromagnetism, electromagnetic induction
5. Nuclear Physics — radioactivity, nuclear fission and fusion
6. Space Physics — the solar system, stars, the universe (Extended only)

IGCSE Economics (0455)

1. The basic economic problem — scarcity, choice, opportunity cost
2. The allocation of resources — supply, demand, market equilibrium, price elasticity
3. Microeconomic decision makers — firms, workers, trade unions, banks
4. Government and the macroeconomy — fiscal policy, monetary policy, GDP, inflation, unemployment
5. Economic development — living standards, globalisation, international trade
6. International trade and globalisation — exchange rates, trade blocs, protectionism

IGCSE Examination Sessions

Cambridge IGCSE examinations are held twice a year:

June Session (May–June)

• Registration deadline: Usually February–March
• Results released: August
• The main examination session for most schools in the Northern Hemisphere

November Session (October–November)

• Registration deadline: Usually July–August
• Results released: January
• Popular with schools in the Southern Hemisphere and for retakes

Some subjects also have a March examination session, though availability is more limited.

IGCSE vs Other International Qualifications

IGCSE vs UK GCSE

Feature	IGCSE	UK GCSE
Grading	A* to G	9 to 1
Exam board	Cambridge (CAIE)	AQA, Edexcel, OCR
Availability	Worldwide	Primarily England
Coursework	Minimal in most subjects	Varies by subject/board
Recognition	160+ countries	Primarily UK
Curriculum	International focus	UK-centric content

IGCSE vs IB MYP

Feature	IGCSE	IB MYP
Age range	14–16	11–16
Assessment	External examinations	Internal + optional external
Subject choice	Flexible	Broad mandatory coverage
Grading	A* to G	1 to 7
Recognition	Widely recognised standalone	Often paired with IB Diploma

IGCSE vs American High School

Feature	IGCSE	US High School
Exams	Centralised, standardised	School-based assessments
Duration	2 years (Year 10-11)	4 years (Grades 9-12)
Depth	Deep subject focus	Broader curriculum
Credits	Per subject	Cumulative credits
Recognition	Global	Primarily US

IGCSE Syllabus Changes for 2026

Cambridge regularly updates syllabuses. Key changes for 2026 include:

• Updated content in several science subjects to reflect current scientific understanding
• Revised assessment weightings in some humanities subjects
• New specimen papers available for updated syllabuses
• Digital literacy integration across multiple subjects

Always download the latest syllabus from the CAIE website for the most current information. Check the “Changes to syllabus for 2026” section at the front of each syllabus document.

How to Access IGCSE Syllabus Documents

1. CAIE website: Visit the Cambridge Assessment International Education website and search for your subject
2. School: Your teachers should provide the current syllabus for each subject
3. Tutopiya: Our learning portal organises resources by syllabus topic, making it easy to study systematically

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum number of IGCSE subjects required?

There is no universal minimum, as requirements vary by school and country. Most schools require 5-7 subjects minimum, while competitive students typically take 7-9.

Can I take IGCSE as a private candidate?

Yes. Private candidates can register through a Cambridge-approved examination centre. Contact local British Council offices or international schools that accept private candidates.

Is Additional Mathematics necessary for A-Level Maths?

While not strictly required, Additional Mathematics (0606) provides excellent preparation for A-Level Mathematics and is strongly recommended. The calculus, trigonometry, and algebra covered in Add Maths directly overlap with A-Level content.

When should I start preparing for IGCSE?

IGCSE courses typically span Years 10 and 11 (ages 14-16). However, many schools begin introducing IGCSE-style learning in Year 9. Active exam revision should begin at least 2-3 months before examinations.

Are IGCSE results valid forever?

Yes. IGCSE certificates do not expire. Your grades remain valid indefinitely for university applications, employment, and further education.

Can I mix IGCSE with other qualifications?

Many students combine IGCSE subjects with other qualifications. For example, some schools offer IGCSE alongside IB MYP, or students take some subjects through Edexcel and others through Cambridge.

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