Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0265 is the digital-only version of the revised Computer Science syllabus, first examined in June 2029. It has “the same content” as the revised 0478, which stays the paper-based route. In 0265, students “compile, debug, and run code” in an IDE. Both routes drop pseudocode and use Python 3 only.
What is the difference between 0478 and 0265?
The exam format, not the content. Cambridge’s 0478 page says the syllabus “has the same content as Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0265) but is offered as a paper-only examination route”. The 0265 page adds: “With an IDE, students can compile, debug, and run code, showcasing their practical programming skills instead of writing code by hand” (Cambridge).
| 0478 (current, 2026–2028) | 0478 (revised, 2029–2031) | 0265 (new, 2029) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Written papers | Written papers | Digital exam, answered on the digital platform |
| Components | Paper 1 Computer Systems; Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic | Paper 1 Computer Systems and Logic; Paper 2 Algorithms and Programming | Same as revised 0478 |
| Duration and marks | 1h 45m, 75 marks, 50% each | Same | Same |
| Programming language | Pseudocode (Python, Visual Basic or Java allowed in the scenario question) | Python 3.10 or higher only | Python 3.10 or higher only |
| Calculators | Not permitted | Paper 2 only | Paper 2 only |
| Series | June, November, March (India) | June, November, March (India) | June and November |
| Grades | A*–G | A*–G | A*–G only |
Sources: Cambridge syllabuses for 0478 2026–2028, 0478 2029–2031 and 0265 2029.
What changes in IGCSE Computer Science for 2029?
A shift to real programming and modern topics, for both routes. Cambridge says it has updated the syllabus “to focus on practical, real‑world programming, removing pseudocode and using Python 3 as the only language for teaching, assessment and programming questions”. It has “introduced modern computing topics, including quantum computing and networking concepts such as IP addressing and cloud computing”. It has also “expanded content on AI, machine learning and ethical considerations”.
- Added: IPv4 and IPv6, static and dynamic IP addressing, cookies, public, private and hybrid cloud storage, cybersecurity principles, and more AI, including machine learning types, neural networks and bias.
- Removed: file-size calculations for images and sound, legacy media, “the entire topic on digital currency”, the program development life cycle, and “the requirement for candidates to use pseudocode”.
- Restructured: the 15-mark scenario question now has “multiple separate sub parts” with a points-based rather than levels-based mark scheme.
The 2029 content has eleven topics, from data representation and logic gates to databases and SQL. Assessment objectives are weighted AO1 40%, AO2 40% and AO3 20%.
Can a school offer both 0478 and 0265?
To different students, yes; to the same student in one series, no. The 0265 syllabus says candidates can take it with other Cambridge syllabuses in a series, except “Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478); Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) Computer Science (0984); Cambridge O Level Computer Science (2210)”. Cambridge says “we continue to offer paper‑based routes, so you can choose the option that best suits your students”. The 9–1 version 0984 and O Level 2210 carry the same content changes on paper; 0265 “is only available for A*-G grading”.
How should a school choose between 0478 and 0265?
Decide on readiness for digital exams, since the teaching is the same:
- Devices and rooms. 0265 is sat on Cambridge’s digital platform. Check Cambridge’s digital exam requirements, such as locked-down devices and spacing. See Cambridge digital exams.
- Series. 0265 lists June and November; schools in India using the March series should stay on 0478.
- Grading. Schools in zone 3 that want 9–1 grades need 0984, not 0265.
- Student practice. Students on 0265 need regular practice writing and running Python in an IDE under timed conditions; students on 0478 need practice writing Python by hand.
Whichever route you choose, the teaching changes now. Students starting IGCSE in September 2027 will sit the 2029 syllabus, so Python-only teaching should begin by then. Cambridge expects “learners have the opportunity in class to write their own programs in Python 3.10 or higher”. See Cambridge Syllabus Changes 2027-2029.
How schools do this with AI Buddy
AI Buddy supports computer science theory with past-paper-style questions and instant feedback, and gives teachers topic-level data. It can help cover the new networking, cybersecurity and AI content. Python practice in an IDE, which 0265 assesses directly, needs dedicated coding time that AI Buddy does not replace. Ask us which 2029 computer science topics AI Buddy covers today.
Frequently asked questions
What is the new Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0265?
The digital-only exam route for the revised IGCSE Computer Science, first examined in June 2029, with the same content as the revised 0478.
What is the difference between 0478 and 0265?
The format. 0478 is written on paper; 0265 is taken on screen, where students write and run Python in an IDE. The content is the same.
What are the IGCSE computer science changes for 2029?
Python 3 only (no pseudocode), new topics on networking, cloud, cybersecurity, AI and quantum computing, removal of topics such as digital currency, and a restructured points-marked scenario question.
Can students take 0478 and 0265 together?
No. They cannot be combined in the same series.
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Sources
- Cambridge International, Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0478 and syllabuses 2026–2028 and 2029–2031
- Cambridge International, Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science 0265 syllabus 2029
- Cambridge International, IGCSE (9–1) Computer Science 0984 syllabus 2029–2031 and O Level Computer Science 2210 syllabus 2029–2031