How to Prepare for IGCSE 2027: Core, Extended and a Revision Plan

Last updated 10 October 2026. Confirm all dates and entries with your school's exams officer and cambridgeinternational.org.

#When are the next IGCSE exams?

As of October 2026, the June 2026 IGCSE series is over, the November 2026 series is running, and the next main series is May/June 2027.

These dates come from Cambridge's key dates documents for June 2026 and November 2026. Provisional June 2027 timetables are available to schools on Cambridge's Direct portal (Cambridge exams officer newsletter). Exact paper dates depend on your administrative zone, so get the timetable from your school.

For June 2026, the final entries deadline was 21 February and late entries closed on 17 April. If you're a private candidate in Pakistan, book with an exam centre well before then.

#What is the difference between IGCSE Core and Extended?

IGCSE Core and Extended are two tiers in many subjects, and your tier caps your grade. According to Cambridge, Core candidates can get grades C to G, while Extended candidates can get A* to G.

If you want to take a subject at A Level, Extended is usually the safer choice. Talk to your teacher before the entries deadline, because switching later can be difficult.

#How is IGCSE graded?

Cambridge IGCSE is graded A* to G worldwide; results below G are ungraded. A 9 to 1 scale is offered only in a select region, and schools there choose one scale at entry (Cambridge grading choice). Cambridge aligns the two scales so grade 7 matches the A threshold, 4 matches C, and 1 matches G.

If you plan to study at a Pakistani university, you will need an IBCC equivalence certificate, so check how the IBCC treats your IGCSE subjects before you finalise them. For O Level, its rules for students who sit in Pakistan generally require eight subjects including English, Mathematics, Urdu, Islamiyat and Pakistan Studies (Eduvision IBCC guidance). Confirm the current rules on ibcc.edu.pk.

#How do I start IGCSE preparation?

Start IGCSE preparation by turning each subject's official syllabus into a checklist.

1. Use the syllabus for your exam year. Check the subject code and the years on the cover.
2. Mark Core and Supplement content. Extended candidates must know both. Core candidates can skip supplement topics.
3. Learn the command words. "Describe", "explain", "suggest" and "calculate" each want a different kind of answer.
4. Check the components. Many IGCSE subjects have a practical, alternative-to-practical, coursework, or listening/speaking component. Know which ones you're entered for.

#How should I prepare for IGCSE 2027 (the May/June series)?

Plan IGCSE revision by counting back from late April, in three phases.

1. October to January, cover content: Finish every topic and do topical past-paper questions after each one.
2. February to March, timed papers: One full paper per subject per week, all components.
3. April, polish: Error notebook, definitions, formula sheets and examiner-report advice.

Rotate 2 to 3 subjects a day in 25 to 50 minute blocks. A weekly plan stops your favourite subject eating all your time; see how to make a study timetable.

#How do I use IGCSE past papers well?

Use IGCSE past papers topic by topic while learning, then as full timed papers.

1. Do topical questions after each topic.
2. Sit full papers at your tier (Core or Extended) with a timer.
3. Mark with the official mark scheme, and copy the exact wording that earns marks.
4. Read the examiner report for each paper to see common mistakes.
5. Log errors and retry them after 3 days and after a week.

Your school can get official papers, mark schemes and examiner reports from Cambridge's School Support Hub. More on the method: how to use past papers.

#How do I prepare each IGCSE subject type?

Each IGCSE subject type rewards a different habit, so match your practice to how the subject is marked.

• Mathematics: Daily problems. Extended students should master supplement topics early; they're the A* separators.
• Sciences: Learn definitions in mark-scheme language, practise calculations with units, and rehearse practical skills (reading instruments, recording results, drawing graphs).
• English (First or Second Language): One timed writing task per week with feedback, plus regular reading.
• Humanities: Structured, point-based answers with examples. Practise timed extended answers.
• Computer Science: Trace and write pseudocode by hand.

#What should I do in the final month before IGCSEs?

In the final month, sit full timed papers, re-read examiner reports and revise from short notes. Sleep 7 to 8 hours. On exam day, read each question twice, use the marks shown to judge answer length, and show working in every calculation.

Aiming for A*s is worth it. Toppers are built, not crammed: understand the syllabus, practise daily and learn from every mistake. Going on to A Levels? Read the A Level guide. Weighing IGCSE against O Level? Our O Level guide covers the other route.

#How can Qurricular help IGCSE students?

Qurricular is a board exam prep app for Pakistani students from Class 9 to A Level. For Cambridge IGCSE, the syllabus is mapped and content is still being added. You can already upload your notes and past papers and ask Ryder, the AI study partner, to explain them step by step, run Pomodoro focus sessions, and practise in the physics and chemistry labs before a practical. More on our Cambridge page.