Cambridge AS and A Level

The University of Cambridge has provided standardised educational assessment services worldwide since 1863. The University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) is the leading provider of international qualifications for young people aged 14 to 19. Thousands of candidates take the Cambridge examinations in over 150 countries annually to help students obtain admission to top colleges worldwide.

The curriculum fosters in-depth knowledge of subjects as well as critical thinking abilities. Cambridge students are widely accepted at leading study destinations such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and many other countries. Cambridge International AS and A Level expands students’ knowledge, understanding, and skills.

Cambridge AS and A Level 2023: Exam Summary

The AS/A Levels are a highly specialised programme in which students typically study four topics; however, outstanding students may take up to five. This programme allows students to build in-depth knowledge, understanding, excellent reasoning abilities, and critical thinking skills. Because of these factors, colleges worldwide, including India’s top universities, have recognised and accepted the programme.

The A Level syllabus’ subject content has been divided into two parts: the AS syllabus content, which is covered in the first half of the course (Grade 11), and the A2 syllabus content, which is covered in Grade 12.

This adaptable method enables students to complete their staged assessments by taking the AS certificate in one session (at the end of Grade 11) and the A2 qualification in a subsequent session (at the end of Grade 12).

Cambridge AS and A Level: Brochure

The brochure link for Cambridge AS and A Level is given below: Students can refer to the brochure for exam and curriculum information.

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/Images/122973-cambridge-advanced-brochure.pdf

Official Website Link

https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/

Latest Update:

Click here for details of the June 2022 and November 2022 exam series.

Number of Seats

Exam pattern details - Total time

Assessment options Learners can obtain Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications through a variety of assessment techniques. Learners can obtain Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications through a variety of assessment techniques, including:

• One can take the Cambridge International AS Level only as 50% of the Cambridge International A Level syllabus is covered.
• Take a ‘staged’ assessment approach, completing the Cambridge International AS Level in one series and the final Cambridge International A Level in another. Within 13 months, AS Level marks can be carried forward to a full A Level twice. *
• Take all of the Cambridge International A Level course’s papers simultaneously, generally near the end of the course.
• Each year, the Cambridge International AS & A Level test series is conducted in June and November. The results are released twice a year, in August and January.
• Only take the Cambridge International AS Level after a one-year or two-year programme. The Cambridge International AS level syllabus contains half of the Cambridge International A level content.

Note– In some subjects, the staged assessment method is not feasible. The results of the Cambridge International AS Level language syllabuses cannot be forwarded to the Cambridge International A Level language syllabuses.

 

Cambridge AS and A Level Maths Exam Pattern

The Maths exam pattern for Cambridge AS and A level is as follows:

Paper	Mathematics Exam Pattern
Paper 1 (Pure Mathematics 1)	Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Marks: 75 marks Questions based on Pure Mathematics 1 Assessed Externally 60% of the AS Level 30% of the A Level Compulsory for AS Level and A Level
Paper 2 (Pure Mathematics 2)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 50 marks Questions based on Pure Mathematics 2 Assessed Externally 40% of the AS Level Offered only as part of AS Level
Paper 3 (Pure Mathematics 3)	Duration: 1 hour 50 minutes Marks: 75 marks Questions based on Pure Mathematics 3 Assessed Externally 30% of the A Level only Compulsory for A Level
Paper 4 (Mechanics)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 50 marks Questions based on Mechanics Assessed Externally 40% of the AS Level 20% of the A Level Offered as part of AS Level or A Level
Paper 5 (Probability & Statistics 1)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 50 marks Questions based on Probability & Statistics 1 Assessed Externally 40% of the AS Level 20% of the A Level Compulsory for A Level
Paper 6 (Probability & Statistics 2)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 50 marks Questions based on Probability & Statistics 2 Assessed Externally 20% of the A Level only Offered only as part of A Level

Cambridge AS and A Level Science Exam Pattern

The Science exam pattern for Cambridge AS and A Level are as follows:

Paper	Science Exam Pattern
Paper 1 (Multiple Choice)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 40 marks 40 multiple-choice questions Questions based on AS Level syllabus Assessed Externally 31% of the AS Level 15.5% of the A Level
Paper 2 (AS Level Structured Questions)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 60 marks Questions based on AS Level syllabus Assessed Externally 46% of the AS Level 23% of the A Level
Paper 3 (Advanced Practical Skills)	Duration: 2 hours Marks: 40 marks Questions based on practical skills Assessed Externally 23% of the AS Level 11.5% of the A Level
Paper 4 (A Level Structured Questions)	Duration: 2 hours Marks: 100 marks Questions based on A Level syllabus Assessed Externally 38.5% of the A Level
Paper 5 (Planning, Analysis and Evaluation)	Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Marks: 30 marks Questions based on practical skills of planning, analysis and evaluation. Assessed Externally 11.5% of the A Level

Cambridge offers a choice of more than 55 subjects, which can be offered in almost any combination by schools. Because of this flexibility, schools can create an individualised curriculum, and students can choose to specialise in a specific subject area or study various subjects.

A list of subjects offered by Cambridge is as follows:

S. No.	Subject	Subject Code
1	Accounting	9706
2	Afrikaans	9679
3	Afrikaans Language (AS Level only)	8679
4	Arabic	9680
5	Arabic Language (AS Level only)	8680
6	Art & Design	9479
7	Biblical Studies	9498
8	Biology	9700
9	Business	9609
10	Chemistry	9701
11	Chinese Language (AS Level only)	8681
12	Chinese (A Level only)	9715
13	Chinese Language (AS Level)	8238
14	Classical Studies	9274
15	Computer Science	9608
16	Computer Science	9618 (from 2021)
17	Design & Technology	9705
18	Design & Textiles	9631
19	Digital Media & Design	9481
20	Divinity (A Level only)	9011
21	Divinity (AS Level only)	8041
22	Drama	9482
23	Economics	9708
24	English Language	9093
25	English Language and Literature	8695
26	English Literature	9695
27	English General Paper (AS Level only)	8021
28	Environmental Management (AS only)	8291
29	French Language (AS Level only)	8682
30	French (A Level only)	9716
31	Geography	9696
32	German (A Level only) Language (AS Level only)	8683
33	German (A Level only)	9717
34	Global Perspectives & Research	9239
35	Hindi Language (AS Level only)	8687
36	Hindi Language (AS Level only)	8675
37	Hindi (A Level only)	9687
38	Hinduism	9487
39	History	9389
40	History	9489
41	Information Technology	9626
42	Islamic Studies	9488
43	Japanese Language (AS Level only)	8281
44	Law	9084
45	Marine Science	9693
46	Mathematics	9709
47	Mathematics Further	9231
48	Media Studies	9607
49	Music	9483
50	Physical Education	9396
51	Physics	9702
52	Portuguese Language (AS Level only)	8684
53	Portuguese (A Level only)	9718
54	Psychology	9990
55	Sociology	9699
56	Spanish First Language (AS Level only)	8665
57	Spanish Language (AS Level only)	8685
58	Spanish Literature (AS Level only)	8673
59	Spanish (A Level only)	9719
60	Spanish Language (AS Level)	8022
61	Sport and Physical Education (AS Level) (8386)	8386
62	Tamil	9689
63	Tamil Language (AS Level only)	8689
64	Thinking Skills	9694
65	Travel & Tourism	9395
66	Urdu Language (AS Level only)	8686
67	Urdu Pakistan only (A Level only)	9686
68	Urdu (A Level only)	9676

Cambridge International A Level is a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is a one-year course. Some subjects may begin as a Cambridge International AS Level and progress to a Cambridge International A Level. The subjects provided are as follows-

Mathematics-9709 Syllabus 2022

Mathematics-9709 Syllabus
Content section	Assessment component	Topics included
Pure Mathematics 1	Paper 1	1.1 Quadratics 1.2 Functions 1.3 Coordinate geometry 1.4 Circular measure 1.5 Trigonometry 1.6 Series 1.7 Differentiation 1.8 Integration
Pure Mathematics 2	Paper 2	2.1 Algebra 2.2 Logarithmic and exponential functions 2.3 Trigonometry 2.4 Differentiation 2.5 Integration 2.6 Numerical solution of equations
Pure Mathematics 3	Paper 3	3.1 Algebra 3.2 Logarithmic and exponential functions 3.3 Trigonometry 3.4 Differentiation 3.5 Integration 3.6 Numerical solution of equations 3.7 Vectors 3.8 Differential equations 3.9 Complex numbers
Mechanics	Paper 4	4.1 Forces and equilibrium 4.2 Kinematics of motion in a straight line 4.3 Momentum 4.4 Newton’s laws of motion 4.5 Energy, work and power
Probability & Statistics 1	Paper 5	5.1 Representation of data 5.2 Permutations and combinations 5.3 Probability 5.4 Discrete random variables 5.5 The normal distribution
Probability & Statistics 2	Paper 6	6.1 The Poisson distribution 6.2 Linear combinations of random variables 6.3 Continuous random variables 6.4 Sampling and estimation 6.5 Hypothesis tests

There are six components that can be combined in specific ways which are as follows:

Paper 1: Pure Mathematics 1 Paper 4: Mechanics

Paper 2: Pure Mathematics 2 Paper 5: Probability & Statistics 1

Paper 3: Pure Mathematics 3 Paper 6: Probability & Statistics 2

All AS Level candidates take two written papers.All A Level candidates take four written papers.

AS Level Mathematics

The Cambridge International AS Level Mathematics qualification offers three different options:

• Pure Mathematics only (Paper 1 and Paper 2) or
• Pure Mathematics and Mechanics (Paper 1 and Paper 4) or
• Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics (Paper 1 and Paper 5).

A Level Mathematics

The Cambridge International A Level Mathematics qualification offers two different options:

Pure Mathematics, Mechanics and Probability & Statistics (Papers 1, 3, 4 and 5) or
Pure Mathematics and Probability & Statistics (Papers 1, 3, 5 and 6).

The detailed syllabus can be viewed from Mathematics-9709 Syllabus 2022

Biology-9700 Syllabus 2022

Biology 9700 Syllabus
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Biology study the following topics:
	Cell structure
	Biological molecules
	Enzymes
	Cell membranes and transport
	The mitotic cell cycle
	Nucleic acids and protein synthesis
	Transport in plants
	Transport in mammal
	Gas exchange
	Infectious diseases
	Immunity
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Biology study the AS topics and the following topics:
	Energy and respiration
	Photosynthesis
	Homeostasis
	Control and coordination
	Inheritance
	Selection and evolution
	Classification, biodiversity and conservation
	Genetic technology

The detailed syllabus can be viewed from Biology 9700 Syllabus 2022

Chemistry 9701 Syllabus 2022

AS Level subject content		A Level subject content
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Chemistry study the following topics:		Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Chemistry study the AS topics and the following topics:
S. No.	Physical Chemistry	S. No.	Physical Chemistry
	Atomic structure and stoichiometry	23.	Chemical energetics
	Atoms, molecules and stoichiometry	24.	Electrochemistry
	Chemical bonding	25.	Equilibria
	States of matter	26.	Reaction kinetics
	Chemical energetics
	Electrochemistry
	Equilibria
	Reaction kinetics
	Inorganic chemistry		Inorganic chemistry
	The Periodic Table: chemical periodicity	27.	Group 2
	Group 2	28.	Chemistry of transition elements
	Group 17
	Nitrogen and sulfur
	Organic chemistry		Organic chemistry
	An introduction to AS Level organic chemistry	29.	An introduction to A Level organic chemistry
	Hydrocarbons	30.	Hydrocarbons
	Halogen compounds	31.	Halogen compounds
	Hydroxy compounds	32.	Hydroxy compounds
	Carbonyl compounds	33.	Carboxylic acids and derivatives
	Carboxylic acids and derivatives	34.	Nitrogen compounds
	Nitrogen compounds	35.	Polymerisation
	Polymerisation	36.	Organic synthesis
	Organic synthesis
	Analysis		Analysis
	Analytical techniques	37.	Analytical techniques

The detailed syllabus can be viewed from Chemistry 9701 Syllabus 2022

Physics 9702 Syllabus 2022

Physics 9702
Candidates for Cambridge International AS Level Physics study the following topics:
	Physical quantities and units
	Kinematics
	Dynamics
	Forces, density and pressure
	Work, energy and power
	Deformation of solids
	Waves
	Superposition
	Electricity
	D.C. circuits
	Particle physics
Candidates for Cambridge International A Level Physics study the AS Level topics and the following topics:
	Motion in a circle
	Gravitational fields
	Temperature
	Ideal gases
	Thermodynamics
	Oscillations
	Electric fields
	Capacitance
	Magnetic fields
	Alternating currents
	Quantum physics
	Nuclear physics
	Medical physics
	Astronomy and cosmology

The detailed syllabus can be viewed from Physics 9702 Syllabus 2022

Cambridge AS and A Level Exam Blueprint

Mathematics 9709

Assessment objectives as an approximate percentage of each component

Mathematic-9709
Assessment objective	Weighting in components %
	Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3	Paper 4	Paper 5	Paper 6
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	55	55	45	55	55	55
AO2 Application and communication	45	45	55	45	45	45

Assessment objectives as an approximate percentage of each qualification

Assessment objective	Weighting in AS Level %	Weighting in A Level %
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	55	52
AO2 Application and communication	45	48

Biology 9700

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each qualification

Assessment objective	Weighting in AS Level %	Weighting in A Level %
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	40	40
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information	40	40
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations	20	20
Total	100	100

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective	Weighting in components %
	Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3	Paper 4	Paper 5
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	50	50	0	50	0
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information	50	50	0	50	0
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations	0	0	100	0	100
Total	100	100	100	100	100

Mark allocations for Paper 3
 

Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Manipulation, measurement and observation	Decisions relating to measurements and observations	15-17
	Collection of data and observations
Presentation of data and observations	Recording data and observations	11-13
	Display of calculation and reasoning
	Layout of data and observations
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Interpreting data and observations	11-13
	Drawing conclusions
	Identifying sources of error and suggesting improvements

Mark allocations for Paper 5

Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Planning	Defining the problem	14-16
	Methods
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Dealing with data	14-16
	Conclusions
	Evaluation

Chemistry 9701

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each qualification

Assessment objective	Weighting in AS Level %	Weighting in A Level %
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	40	40
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information	40	40
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations	20	20
Total	100	100

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective	Weighting in components %
	Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3	Paper 4	Paper 5
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	50	50	0	50	0
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information	50	50	0	50	0
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations	0	0	100	0	100
Total	100	100	100	100	100

Mark allocations for Paper 3

Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Manipulation, measurement and observation	Successful collection of data and observations	12 marks
	Quality of measurements or observations
	Decisions relating to measurements or observations
Presentation of data and observations	Recording data and observations	6 marks
	Display of calculation and reasoning
	Layout of data and observations
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Interpreting data and observations	10 marks
	Drawing conclusions
	Identifying sources of error and suggesting improvements

Note– The remaining 12 marks will be allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper to paper.

Mark allocations for Paper 5

Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Planning	Defining the problem	12 marks
	Methods
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Dealing with data	12 marks
	Conclusions
	Evaluation

Note– The remaining 6 marks will be allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper to paper.

Physics 9702

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each qualification

Assessment objective	Weighting in AS Level %	Weighting in A Level %
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	40	40
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information	40	40
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations	20	20
Total	100	100

Assessment objectives as a percentage of each component

Assessment objective	Weighting in components %
	Paper 1	Paper 2	Paper 3	Paper 4	Paper 5
AO1 Knowledge and understanding	50	50	0	50	0
AO2 Handling, applying and evaluating information	50	50	0	50	0
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations	0	0	100	0	100
Total	100	100	100	100	100

Mark allocations for Paper 3

Question 1:
Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Manipulation, measurement and observation	Successful collection of data and observations	7 marks
	Quality of data
Presentation of data and observations	Recording data, observations and calculations	6 marks
	Graph
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Interpreting data and observations	4 marks
	Drawing conclusions
	Identifying sources of error and suggesting improvements

Note- The remaining 3 marks will be allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper to paper.

Question 2:
Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Manipulation, measurement and observation	Successful collection of data and observations	5 marks
	Quality of data
	Decisions relating to measurements or observations
Presentation of data and observations	Recording of data, observations and calculations	2 marks
			Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Drawing conclusions	10 marks
				Estimating uncertainties
Identifying limitations
Suggesting improvements

Note- The remaining 3 marks will be allocated across the skills in this grid and their allocation may vary from paper to paper.

Mark allocations for Paper 5

Question 1:
Skill	Breakdown of skills	Total marks
Planning	Defining the problem	15 marks
	Method of data collection
	Method of analysis
	Additional detail including safety considerations
Question 2:
Analysis, conclusions and evaluation	Data analysis	15 marks
	Table of results
	Graph
	Conclusion
	Treatment of uncertainties

 

Preparation Tips

Students appearing for the Cambridge AS and A level exam must ensure that they are following a strong preparation strategy that will help them score good marks. With proper learning, scoring good marks will never be a problem. In the sections below, we have provided helpful preparation tips and detailed study plan that will help the students. 

Cambridge AS and A Level Preparation Tips

Students must understand the fundamentals of Cambridge exam preparation to prepare with minimal assistance from teachers. These pointers will assist you in maximising your preparation and giving you the confidence to face the exams in the best possible manner:

• Read as much as you can: English becomes more complicated as we progress through the levels. If you read more, the language will “flow through you more often,” and you will gain confidence faster.
• Take a training course: It may be difficult to study for this exam independently. It’s a good idea to go to a school where you’ll be in the company of other people taking the exam, giving you the feeling that you’re not doing it alone.
• Take a few practise exams, but not too many: Don’t make the error of taking too many practise exams. Doing practise tests teaches you the exam format but does not teach you English, which is required.
• It is critical to learn how to apply what you know to the various questions you may face. Working with others preparing for the same exam is one way to accomplish this.
• Learn to ask probing questions. This entails mentally paraphrasing the questions before responding. Check to see if the paraphrase and the original ask the same questions.

• For practice, use old exam papers. This will not only give you a sense of the types of questions you will be asked, but it will also allow you to prepare your answers. The questions on the actual exam may not be identical, but they will be similar because you will be able to answer them quickly and devote more time to the difficult ones.
• Running out of time and leaving some questions unanswered is a common issue managed with practice.
• When studying, try to cultivate a unique point of view on your subject matter by referring to a variety of different materials. This is especially useful for essay questions where feedback and additional research are highly valued.

Cambridge AS and A Level Detailed Study Plan

Candidates must follow the below plan to strategise their preparation

• It’s critical to have a plan for how you’re going to study. Check to see if it’s feasible and something you’re willing to commit to. Consider all of your exams, devoting more time to more difficult or requiring a higher score. Also, make time for meals and sleep and study breaks throughout the day.
• If you are given a study guide, a practise exam, or model papers, make sure to complete them during your study time slots. Remember that the teachers who created these study materials also taught or guided many of the other students who took this exam.
• Learn to question the questions. This entails mentally paraphrasing the questions before responding. Check to see if the paraphrase and the original ask the same questions. If you answered yes, you correctly understood the question. If you answered no, you may have misunderstood the question, leading to an incorrect answer.
• Make sure to keep track of the time as you practise.
• The most important aspect of effective Cambridge examination preparation has the right support and guidance. It is important to study independently or in study groups, but you also need expert tuition and coaching to help you focus and refine your preparation. This will also provide a method of objectively evaluating your level of preparation, allowing you to focus on your weaker areas.
• Do not wait until the day of the exams to arrange your study material. Early preparation helps you perform well in exams. You can also refer to other textbooks but not omit Cambridge board textbooks.
• Revise Properly- A revision plan should be an integral part of your study plan. Make the revision plan according to your strengths and weaknesses on various subjects.

The results are released twice a year, in August and January for their respective sessions. 

Q: What is the curriculum for the Cambridge International AS and A levels?

Ans: Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary (AS) and Advanced (A) Levels are excellent preparatory qualifications with international standards; they serve as an excellent foundation for university education worldwide. CIE, Cambridge University, London, offers them as part of the Cambridge Advanced stage. It corresponds to the Indian curriculum’s Plus One and Two programmes.

Q: What are the qualifications for Cambridge?

Ans: The International A Level is the ‘gold standard of Cambridge qualifications. Cambridge International AS Level has half the content of Cambridge International A Level and can be completed in one year. Cambridge International AS Level may be offered as a separate qualification by schools. It can be taken as a stand-alone qualification that all UK universities recognise. It is also possible to take a two-year phased path to the Cambridge International A Level.

Q: What subjects are available?

Ans: The Cambridge International AS and A Level curriculum cover a wide range of subjects, including Languages, Arts, Design, Media Studies, History, Psychology, Computer Science, Economics, and Social Studies. The curriculum is intended to meet international standards while avoiding cultural bias.
Certain degree programmes may require advanced level subjects known as ‘facilitating subjects.’ When you choose two such facilitating subjects in high school, you will have a wide range of options for university studies.

Q: When will the exams be held?

Ans: Exams are typically held twice a year, in June and November. Those who take the June examination may receive their results in August, while those who take the November examination may receive their results in January.

Q: How are grades communicated?

Ans: Each subject a student takes at Cambridge International AS and A-Levels is graded independently. There are six acceptable grades (A*–E). A* denotes the highest level of achievement, while E denotes the minimum required performance. Higher grades may be required to enrol in popular courses. Established universities in the United Kingdom require at least three passes at grade C for entry.

 

There are over 10,000 Cambridge schools in over 160 countries around the world. Some of the Cambridge schools in India are listed below:

Centre	Location
Darbari Lal DAV Model School, Pitampura	Delhi
DAV Public School,Pushpanjali Enclave	Delhi
DPS International, Saket	Delhi
DPS International, Saket	Delhi
Kulachi Hansraj Model School	Delhi
Maharaja Agarsain Public School	Delhi
MRG School	Delhi
Orleans – The School	Delhi
Richmondd Global School	Delhi
The Ardee School	Delhi
The British School, New Delhi	Delhi
Venkateshwar Global School	Delhi
Christ Nagar International School, Kowdiar	Kerala
Global English School – Calicut, Pantheerankavu	Kerala
Billabong High International School, Andheri	Maharashtra
Billabong High International School, Santacruz	Maharashtra
C P Goenka International School	Maharashtra
D Y Patil International School, Worli	Maharashtra
Satpuda Valley School	Madhya Pradesh
The Sanskaar Valley School	Madhya Pradesh
Vidya Global School	Uttar Pradesh
Zaytun International Academy	Uttar Pradesh
International School, Guwahati	Assam
The Trinity International	Assam