IGCSE Combined Science
Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science gives a broad grounding in biology, chemistry, and physics as a single award, ideal for a general science foundation.
Difficulty
Moderate
Popularity
68%
Past questions
3
Study tips
5
Key Topics
Exam Format & Dates
May/June & October/November, annually
~3 hours 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 — Multiple Choice | 45 minutes | 40 MCQ | 30% |
| Paper — Theory | 1 hour 15 minutes | Structured questions | 50% |
| Paper — Practical Assessment | 1 hour | Experimental questions | 20% |
Exam Breakdown & Insights
Difficulty · Challenging
Popularity score
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Study Tips
- 1
Use precise scientific vocabulary; examiners award marks for correct terminology used in context.
- 2
Review required practicals and data-analysis skills — experimental questions appear on nearly every paper.
- 3
Make concept maps connecting topics — modern exam questions frequently cross unit boundaries.
- 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 Biology Core and state the key facts a student must know, using precise scientific terminology.
Explain the mechanism behind Chemistry Core: describe what happens and, crucially, why it happens. Include a labelled diagram where appropriate.
Design an experiment (or interpret given data) to investigate Physics Core. Identify the variables, describe the method, and explain how you would analyse the results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕
Ignoring units and significant figures in calculations.
- ✕
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.
Official Resources
Free, official study material for IGCSE Combined Science — always start with the source your exam board publishes.
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