For many students, IGCSE May/June 2026 is their first formal board exam. Knowing what to expect can ease nerves and help you prepare.

What Makes Board Exams Different

Unlike school tests, IGCSE exams:

• Are set and marked by Cambridge, not your teachers
• Use strict rules (no phones, no talking, timed conditions)
• Have formal procedures (candidate numbers, invigilation)
• Affect certificates and future pathways (A-Levels, IB, university)

The Exam Room

• Layout – Rows of desks, spacing between candidates
• Invigilators – Watch the room and hand out/collect papers
• Silence – No talking from entry until you leave
• Timing – Start and finish are announced; no extra time unless approved

What Happens on the Day

1. Arrive early – Usually 20–30 minutes before the start
2. Check-in – Show ID and statement of entry
3. Find your seat – Desk number on your statement
4. Place belongings – Bags away from desks as instructed
5. Instructions – Listen to the invigilator
6. Start – Open the paper when told
7. During – Work in silence; raise your hand if you need help
8. End – Stop writing when told; papers are collected
9. Leave – Follow centre rules for leaving the room

Common Worries

“What if I blank?” – Pause, breathe, move to another question and return later.

“What if I run out of time?” – Practice with past papers; do easier questions first.

“What if I make a mistake?” – Cross out neatly; don’t use correction fluid unless allowed.

“What if I’m ill?” – Tell an invigilator; you may be able to apply for special consideration.

Results

Results are usually released in August 2026 (around 18 August for June series). Your school or centre will tell you how and when you receive them. Grades run from A* to G (and U for ungraded).

You’re Not Alone

Most students feel nervous before their first board exams. Preparation, rest, and a clear idea of what to expect make a big difference.

Tutopiya helps students prepare for IGCSE exams through expert one-to-one online tutoring. We offer the world’s largest AI-powered IGCSE resources bank to support your revision and exam success. You’ve got this.