# IGCSE papers explained: what Paper 1 to Paper 6 mean

Source: https://tutix.ai/guides/igcse-exam-papers-explained  
Updated: 2026-10-21

**The short answer.** In IGCSE Mathematics each tier has two papers worth 50% each: Core Papers 1 and 3 (1 h 30, 80 marks), Extended Papers 2 and 4 (2 h, 100 marks), with one non-calculator paper per tier. In Physics, Chemistry and Biology the multiple-choice paper is 30%, the theory paper 50% and a practical or alternative-to-practical paper 20%.

- Mathematics: two papers per tier, one without a calculator
- Additional Mathematics: two 2-hour papers, 80 marks each
- Sciences: multiple choice 30%, theory 50%, practical 20%
- Calculators are allowed in all parts of the science papers

## Mathematics (0580)

| Tier | Paper | Calculator | Time | Marks | Weighting |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Core | Paper 1 | Not allowed | 1 h 30 | 80 | 50% |
| Core | Paper 3 | Scientific calculator | 1 h 30 | 80 | 50% |
| Extended | Paper 2 | Not allowed | 2 h | 100 | 50% |
| Extended | Paper 4 | Scientific calculator | 2 h | 100 | 50% |

Core candidates take Papers 1 and 3; Extended candidates take Papers 2 and 4. All papers mix structured and unstructured questions, and a formula list is printed on page 2.

## Additional Mathematics (0606)

| Paper | Calculator | Time | Marks | Weighting |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Paper 1 | Not allowed | 2 h | 80 | 50% |
| Paper 2 | Scientific calculator | 2 h | 80 | 50% |

## Physics, Chemistry and Biology (0625, 0620, 0610)

| Component | Core | Extended | Time | Marks | Weighting |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Multiple choice (40 four-option questions) | Paper 1 | Paper 2 | 45 min | 40 | 30% |
| Theory (short-answer and structured) | Paper 3 | Paper 4 | 1 h 15 | 80 | 50% |
| Practical test | Paper 5 | Paper 5 | 1 h 15 | 40 | 20% (instead of Paper 6) |
| Alternative to practical | Paper 6 | Paper 6 | 1 h | 40 | 20% (instead of Paper 5) |

Every candidate takes one practical-type paper: the hands-on Practical Test (Paper 5) or the written Alternative to Practical (Paper 6). Both test the same experimental skills. Calculators may be used in all parts of the exam.

## When the exams are

Cambridge sets exams in a June series and a November series, with a March series for centres in India. Schools enter their candidates; private candidates enter through an exam centre that accepts them.

Practise each paper type on Tutix: Mathematics, Additional Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.

The five ready-made IGCSE programs are drawn to scale, with their hours, on the Programs page.

## Questions

**How many papers are in IGCSE Mathematics?**

Each tier has two papers: Core Papers 1 and 3, Extended Papers 2 and 4. One paper at each tier does not allow a calculator.

**What is Paper 6 in IGCSE sciences?**

Paper 6 is the Alternative to Practical, a written paper on experimental skills, taken instead of the hands-on Practical Test (Paper 5). It is 1 hour and 40 marks, worth 20%.

**Can I use a calculator in IGCSE Physics?**

Yes. Cambridge's syllabus says calculators may be used in all parts of the examination.

**How long is IGCSE Additional Mathematics?**

Two papers of 2 hours and 80 marks each, worth 50% each: Paper 1 without a calculator and Paper 2 with a scientific calculator.

**When are IGCSE exams held?**

In the June and November series, and in March for centres in India.

## Sources

- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0580, IGCSE Mathematics, 2025-2027](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/662466-2025-2027-syllabus.pdf) (version 3)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0606, IGCSE Additional Mathematics, 2025-2027](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/662470-2025-2027-syllabus.pdf) (version 1)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0625, IGCSE Physics, 2026-2028](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/697209-2026-2028-syllabus.pdf) (version 2)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0620, IGCSE Chemistry, 2026-2028](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/697205-2026-2028-syllabus.pdf) (version 2)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Syllabus 0610, IGCSE Biology, 2026-2028](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/697203-2026-2028-syllabus.pdf) (version 3)
- Cambridge University Press & Assessment: [Cambridge IGCSE](https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/cambridge-igcse/) (accessed October 21, 2026)

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