What is IGCSE? The International GCSE explained
IGCSE stands for International General Certificate of Secondary Education. It is a two-year course, usually taken from about 14 to 16, offered by schools in many countries, including many international schools in India.
Quick answer
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an international version of the GCSE, usually studied from age 14 to 16. It is offered mainly by Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel, in schools around the world, and is recognised by universities and employers as equivalent to the GCSE.
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Who offers the IGCSE
- Cambridge International offers Cambridge IGCSE, which its syllabus describes as taken in schools in around 150 countries. Examples include Mathematics (0580) and Physics (0625).
- Pearson Edexcel offers the International GCSE, with courses such as Mathematics A (4MA1) and Physics (4PH1).
The two are different qualifications with different papers, so always practise with your own board's past papers.
Core and Extended
Many Cambridge IGCSE subjects have two levels. Core covers the main content, and Extended adds supplementary content for students aiming at higher grades. In Physics (0625), Core candidates can get grades C to G and Extended candidates A* to G. In Mathematics (0580), Core gives C to G and Extended A* to E. Edexcel's International GCSE uses Foundation and Higher tiers in Mathematics instead.
How it is graded
- Cambridge IGCSE uses letter grades A* to G in most subjects. Some subjects and countries also have a 9 to 1 option.
- Edexcel International GCSE uses grades 9 to 1, with 9 the highest.
Most subjects are assessed by written exams at the end of the course, with practical skills tested either in a lab exam or in a written paper about practical work.
When the exams are
Cambridge runs exam series in March (in India only, for some subjects), May/June and October/November. Schools in India commonly enter students for March or May/June. Edexcel's main series is in May/June, with a January series for some subjects.
What IGCSE Maths and Physics look like
A student is entered for Extended Maths and Extended Physics at Cambridge. Which papers do they sit?
- Maths (0580): Paper 2 (non-calculator) and Paper 4 (calculator), each 50%.
- Physics (0625): Paper 2 (multiple choice, 30%), Paper 4 (theory, 50%) and either Paper 5 or Paper 6 (practical, 20%).
What comes after IGCSE
- Cambridge International AS and A Levels, such as Mathematics (9709) and Physics (9702).
- The IB Diploma Programme.
- Moving to an Indian board for Classes 11 and 12, such as CBSE or ISC, which some students do. Check the school's admission rules.
For a full comparison, see IGCSE vs ICSE vs CBSE.
IGCSE Maths and Physics in more detail
- Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics (0580): two papers. From 2025, one is non-calculator and one allows a calculator, each worth 50%. A list of formulas is printed on page 2 of each paper. See our IGCSE Maths formula sheet.
- Cambridge IGCSE Physics (0625): a multiple-choice paper (30%), a theory paper (50%) and a practical paper (20%), either a lab test or the written Alternative to Practical. There is no equation sheet.
- Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A: two 2-hour papers at Foundation or Higher tier, with a calculator allowed in both.
How IGCSE differs from GCSE
The content of IGCSE and GCSE overlaps a lot, which is why GCSE guides are useful extra practice. But the papers are different, the grading can differ (letters at Cambridge, numbers at Edexcel and GCSE), and IGCSE practical skills are examined differently. Some IGCSE subjects also give more choice of route, such as Core and Extended, than the GCSE versions.
A two-year plan
- Year 1: learn the content in order, keep a formula and definitions list, and do the practical work properly.
- Start of Year 2: finish the syllabus and begin topic questions from past papers.
- Mocks: full timed papers, marked with the official mark schemes.
- Final months: past papers by series, and an error log of every lost mark.
More questions
Is IGCSE harder than CBSE Class 10?
It is different rather than simply harder. IGCSE papers often ask you to apply ideas to unfamiliar situations and test practical skills in a dedicated paper, while CBSE follows NCERT content closely. Students who practise past papers well do well in either.
Should I choose Core or Extended?
Choose Extended if you are aiming for grade C or above, and especially if you want to take the subject at A Level or in the IB. Extended opens the top grades; Core is capped at grade C.
How do I find IGCSE past papers?
Cambridge publishes recent papers and mark schemes on its website, and schools can download more from its School Support Hub. Our IGCSE past paper pages link to the official files.
Can I take IGCSE as a private candidate?
In many countries, including India, some Cambridge exam centres accept private candidates. Contact centres well before the entry deadlines for your exam series.
What is a good IGCSE grade?
A or A* in Cambridge (or 7 to 9 at Edexcel) is strong for most next steps, and many A Level and IB courses ask for at least a B or 6 in the subjects you continue.
Common mistakes
- Using Edexcel papers to prepare for a Cambridge exam, or the other way round.
- Choosing Core when you need an A or A* for your next course.
- Leaving practical skills until the end of the course.
- Assuming GCSE and IGCSE papers are the same.
Practice questions
Try each one before opening the answer.
Q1. What grades can a Cambridge IGCSE Physics Core candidate get?
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Q2. Which Cambridge IGCSE Maths papers are non-calculator?
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Q3. Name the two main IGCSE boards.
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Frequently asked questions
Is IGCSE recognised in India?
Cambridge and Edexcel qualifications are widely used by schools in India, and the Association of Indian Universities recognises Cambridge qualifications. For Class 11 and university admission, check the specific rules of each school or university.
Is IGCSE the same as GCSE?
No. GCSEs are taken mainly in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. IGCSEs are international versions with their own papers.
How many subjects do students take?
It varies by school, often between five and nine, usually including English, Maths and the sciences.
Key takeaways
- IGCSE is a two-year course for ages about 14 to 16.
- Offered by Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel.
- Core and Extended (Cambridge) or Foundation and Higher (Edexcel Maths).
- Leads to A Levels, the IB or another board.
- Practise with your own board's papers.