Is IGCSE Harder Than O-Level?
Short answer
IGCSE and O-Level are similar in difficulty. Neither is consistently harder across all subjects and boards. Difficulty depends on your school, subjects, and exam board.
How they compare
- Content: Both are secondary-level qualifications (age 15–16)
- Syllabus: IGCSE and O-Level syllabi are similar in depth and scope
- Assessment: Both use written exams and coursework (where applicable)
What actually affects difficulty
- Subject choice: Maths, science, and languages can be harder for some students
- Exam board: Cambridge vs O-Level boards differ in exam style and question types
- Preparation: Quality of teaching and revision matters more than which qualification you take
Practical takeaway
Don’t choose between IGCSE and O-Level based on difficulty alone. Consider your school, location, and future plans (e.g. UK vs Singapore). Both are equally strong for university and career applications.
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Written by
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