IGCSE Chemistry
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry explores atomic structure, bonding, stoichiometry, reactions, the periodic table, and organic chemistry with strong practical foundations.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
72%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours 30 minutes across 3 papers
Grades A*–G (or 9–1 in some regions)
C / Grade 4 = standard pass | A*/9 = highest
| Section | Duration | Content | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 2/4 — Multiple Choice | 45 minutes | 40 MCQ | 30% |
| Paper 4 — Theory (Extended) | 1 hour 15 minutes | Structured questions | 50% |
| Paper 6 — Alternative to Practical | 1 hour | Experimental questions | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Draw and label diagrams for every major process — reproducing them from memory is a powerful test of understanding.
- 2
Focus on explaining why things happen, not just what happens — exam questions reward cause-and-effect reasoning.
- 3
Use precise scientific vocabulary; examiners award marks for correct terminology used in context.
- 4
Work through Cambridge past papers and mark schemes — examiner wording is consistent year to year.
- 5
Read examiner reports: they tell you exactly which mistakes cost students marks last session.
Past Exam Questions
Define Atoms, Elements & Compounds and state the key facts a student must know, using precise scientific terminology.
Explain the mechanism behind Stoichiometry: describe what happens and, crucially, why it happens. Include a labelled diagram where appropriate.
Design an experiment (or interpret given data) to investigate Chemical Reactions. Identify the variables, describe the method, and explain how you would analyse the results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Cramming content while neglecting experimental-design and data-analysis questions.
- ✕
Describing what happens instead of explaining why — extended questions grade the mechanism, not the observation.
- ✕
Using vague everyday language where precise scientific terminology is required.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Chemistry — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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