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IGCSE Class 10

IGCSE Class 10 Exam Pattern 2026-27

Complete Guide to Cambridge IGCSE Board Examinations — Core & Extended Levels

Understand the exam pattern, paper types, marking scheme, and assessment structure for IGCSE Class 10 board examinations. Your complete guide to IGCSE Class 10 exam pattern.

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Overview Core vs Extended English Mathematics Sciences Grading Scale

IGCSE Class 10 Assessment Overview 2026-27

Component Details Weightage
Written Papers External Cambridge examinations 70-80%
Coursework Internal assessment (varies by subject) 10-20%
Practical Assessments Science practicals (varies by subject) 10-20%
Note: Assessment structure may vary by subject. Please check with your Cambridge school for exact distribution.

Core vs Extended Levels

Core Level

  • Target Grades: C-G
  • Content: Foundation topics
  • Exam Papers: 2 papers
  • Difficulty: Basic to moderate
  • Recommended For: Students building basics

Extended Level

  • Target Grades: A*-C
  • Content: Advanced topics
  • Exam Papers: 2-3 papers
  • Difficulty: Moderate to advanced
  • Recommended For: A-Level aspirants
Note: Students can choose Core or Extended level for each subject. Extended is recommended for those planning to pursue A-Levels.

IGCSE English Exam Pattern 2026-27

Code: 0500
Paper Type Duration Marks Weightage
Paper 1 Reading & Writing 2 hours 80 50%
Paper 2 Writing 1.5 hours 50 35%
Paper 3 Speaking & Listening 10-15 min 50 15%

IGCSE Mathematics Exam Pattern 2026-27

Code: 0580
Level Paper Type Duration Marks Weightage
Core Paper 1 Calculator allowed 1.5 hours 56 50%
Paper 3 Calculator allowed 2 hours 104 50%
Extended Paper 2 Calculator allowed 1.5 hours 70 50%
Paper 4 Calculator allowed 2.5 hours 130 50%

IGCSE Sciences Exam Pattern 2026-27

Physics, Chemistry, Biology
Level Paper Type Duration Marks Weightage
Core Paper 1 MCQ 1 hour 40 30%
Paper 2 Theory 1.5 hours 80 50%
Paper 5/6 Practical/Coursework 1-1.5 hours 40 20%
Extended Paper 1 MCQ 1 hour 40 30%
Paper 2 Theory 1.5 hours 80 50%
Paper 5/6 Practical/Coursework 1-1.5 hours 40 20%

Paper 5: Practical Test | Paper 6: Alternative to Practical

IGCSE Grading Scale

Core Level Grades

Grade Description
C Achieved with merit
D Good achievement
E Satisfactory achievement
F Basic achievement
G Limited achievement

Extended Level Grades

Grade Description
A* Outstanding achievement
A Excellent achievement
B Very good achievement
C Good achievement
D Competent achievement
Note: The highest grade in Core level is C, while Extended level allows grades A* to C.

Frequently Asked Questions

Core is for students aiming for grades C-G, while Extended is for students aiming for grades A*-C. Extended covers more advanced topics and is recommended for A-Level aspirants.
IGCSE subjects typically have 2-3 written papers plus practical assessments or coursework, depending on the subject.
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