Ungrouped Data: When a data collection is vast, a frequency distribution table is frequently used to arrange the data. A frequency distribution table provides the...
Ungrouped Data: Know Formulas, Definition, & Applications
December 11, 2024The Cambridge Assessment International Education organises the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) Upper Secondary Exam. It is a global organisation that provides world-leading academic research, learning, and assessment globally, backed by first-class teaching and research departments of the University of Cambridge. The Cambridge IGCSE is an international qualification conducted for students aged 14 to 16 years. Every year, the exam grabs approximately 500,000 entries from 144 countries. It is a two-year course that begins in year 9. Students will have to attend external exams in year 10.
For some of the subjects, there is a choice between core and extended curricula. The core curriculum is drafted considering the subject overview. It is suitable for students who can secure a C grade and a G grade. However, the extended curriculum is drafted for the students who can secure grade A and grade E. Students can select either of the two curriculum options based on their abilities. The core subjects in Secondary school are English, Mathematics, Science, History, and Geography. Other subjects include Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Music, Art and Design, Physical Education, and languages like French, and Spanish, etc.,
IGCSE is equivalent to grade 10 examinations like CBSE, ICSE, and all the other state board grade 10 level education in India. The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of paths for students with a range of skills, including their mother tongues.
The IGCSE examinations are conducted in the month of February/March every year. Students appearing for the exam can download the exam timetable/date sheet in PDF format from the official website of IGCSE. The candidate must submit the application form before the deadline to attend the examination. The exam results are declared in the month of May. Before knowing more details about the exam, let us have an overview.
Particulars | Details |
---|---|
Name of the Exam | Cambridge Board Upper Secondary IGCSE 2023 |
Commonly Known as | Upper Secondary IGCSE 2023 |
Conducting Body | Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
Student Age Eligibility | 14 to 16 years |
Student Academic Eligibility | Class 9 and Class 10 |
Academic Session | 2022-23 |
Course of the Exam | Two Years Course |
https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/programmes-and-qualifications/cambridge-upper-secondary/
Students who enrolled themselves in any Cambridge IGCSE School should apply and register themselves to take the exam through their respective schools. The students need to fill out the application form and register themselves before the deadline to attend the exam.
The following steps are to be followed by the students to complete the registration process for Cambridge Board Upper Secondary IGCSE.
There will be only one stage for each subject under the Cambridge International Upper Secondary IGCSE exam. The scoring pattern is detailed in the examination blueprint. There is no negative marking for any question.
The exam duration for the examination for each subject has been given against some key subjects in the “Exam Calendar” subgroup below.
After writing the exam, the students will be given the grades according to the percentage of marks obtained by them as per the following table:
IGCSE Grade | Marks Range |
---|---|
A+ | 90-100 |
A | 80-89 |
B | 70-79 |
C | 60-69 |
D | 50-59 |
E | 40-49 |
F | 30-39 |
G | 20-29 |
Knowing the syllabus is the primary step to initiating exam preparation. It helps students know what topics are covered and how to allocate ample time for each subject. Covering all the topics of the below-mentioned syllabus helps students to easily score good marks in the exam. Students can get the subject-wise syllabus in the table below.
Sl No | Subject |
---|---|
1 | English as First Language |
2 | Mathematics |
3 | Physics |
4 | Chemistry |
5 | Biology |
Maths as a subject requires conceptual clarity and a strong foundation. Students must ensure to get all their concepts cleared before solving numerical problems. They can find the IGCSE Upper Secondary Maths syllabus in the table below:
Chapter No. |
Chapter Name |
---|---|
1 |
Reviewing Number Concepts |
2 |
Fractions and Standard Form |
3 |
Understanding Measurement |
4 |
Managing Money |
5 |
Ratio, Rate and Proportion |
6 |
Making Sense of Algebra |
7 |
Equations and Rearranging Formulae |
8 |
Sequences and Sets |
9 |
Further Solving of Equations and Inequalities |
10 |
Curved Graphs |
11 |
More Equations, Formulae and Functions |
12 |
Lines, Angles and Shapes |
13 |
Perimeter, Area and Volume |
14 |
Straight Lines and Quadratic Equations |
15 |
Pythagoras Theorem and Similar Shapes |
16 |
Symmetry |
17 |
Vectors and Transformations |
18 |
Collecting, Organising and Displaying Data |
19 |
Introduction to Probability |
20 |
Averages and Measures of Spread |
21 |
Scatter Diagrams and Correlation |
22 |
Histograms and Frequency Distribution |
23 |
Diagrams |
24 |
Probability Using Tree Diagrams and Venn Diagrams |
25 |
Scale Drawings, Bearings and Trigonometry |
Physics is a subject that requires clear concepts and rigorous practice as many concepts have numerical problems. Students should also try to understand derivations, laws, and theories to ace the exam. They can find the IGCSE Upper Secondary Physics syllabus in the table below:
Chapter No. |
Chapter Name |
---|---|
1 |
Making Measurement |
2 |
Describing Motion |
3 |
Forces and Motion |
4 |
Turning Effects of Force |
5 |
Forces and Matter |
6 |
Energy Transformations and Energy Transfers |
7 |
Energy Resources |
8 |
Work and Power |
9 |
The Kinetic Model of Matter |
10 |
Thermal Properties of Matter |
11 |
Thermal Energy Transfers |
12 |
Sound |
13 |
Light |
14 |
Properties of Waves |
15 |
Spectra |
16 |
Magnetism |
17 |
Static Electricity |
18 |
Electrical Quantities |
19 |
Electric Circuits |
20 |
Electromagnetic Forces |
21 |
Electromagnetic Induction |
22 |
The Nuclear Atom |
23 |
Radioactivity |
Chemistry involves chemical reactions, properties of elements and compounds, their uses, and many more. Students should refer to the syllabus whenever they are preparing for the exam. The table below provides the syllabus for IGCSE Upper Secondary Chemistry:
Chapter No. |
Chapter Name |
---|---|
1 |
States of Matter |
2 |
Using Moles |
3 |
Redox Reactions |
4 |
Electricity and Chemical Change |
5 |
Energy Changes, and Reversible Reactions |
6 |
The Speed of a Reaction |
7 |
Separating Substances |
8 |
Atoms and Elements |
9 |
Atoms Combining |
10 |
Reacting Masses and Chemical Equations |
11 |
Acids and Bases |
12 |
The Periodic Table |
13 |
The Behaviour of Metals |
14 |
Making Use of Metals |
15 |
Air and Water |
16 |
Some Non-metals and their Compounds |
17 |
In the Lab |
18 |
Organic Chemistry |
19 |
Polymers |
Biology deals with living beings, their processes, structure, mechanisms, and so much more. Students should ensure that they are able to cover all the theoretical concepts of Biology. They can refer to the table below for the IGCSE Upper Secondary Biology syllabus:
Chapter No. |
Chapter Name |
---|---|
1 |
Classification |
2 |
Cells |
3 |
Movement in and out of Cells |
4 |
The Chemicals of Life( Biological Molecules) |
5 |
Enzymes |
6 |
Plant Nutrition |
7 |
Animal Nutrition |
8 |
Transport in Plants |
9 |
Transport in Animals |
10 |
Diseases and Immunity |
11 |
Respiration and Gas Exchange |
12 |
Excretion in Human |
13 |
Coordination and Response |
14 |
Drugs |
15 |
Reproduction |
16 |
Methods of Birth Control in Humans |
17 |
Inheritance |
18 |
Variation and Natural Selection |
19 |
Organisms and their Environment |
20 |
Human Influences on Ecosystem |
21 |
Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering |
The exam blueprint gives students an idea about the marking scheme, exam layout, time duration, and other information that can help students prepare well for the exam. They should refer to the blueprint to strategise their studies and come up with a proper timetable to study all the subjects efficiently. Students can find the IGCSE Upper Secondary blueprint in the following sections.
To score maximum marks in English, students must develop a natural flair for the English language. This helps students to attempt the exam with ease and confidence. Reading newspapers and books that impart good vocabulary will help students to score good marks in English.
IGCSE Assessment Overview
Students must take (Paper 1 and Paper 2) or Component 3 from the details mentioned below.
Paper-1 | |
---|---|
Duration | 2 hours |
Reading | 50% |
Total | 80 marks |
Structured and extended writing questions Questions will be based on three reading texts Externally assessed |
|
Paper-2 | |
---|---|
Duration | 2 hours |
Directed Writing and Composition 50% | 50% |
Total | 80 marks |
Extended writing question and a composition task Externally assessed |
Component-3 | |
---|---|
Coursework Portfolio | 50% |
Total Marks | 80 marks |
Total | Three extended writing assignments Internally assessed and externally moderated |
Centres may also choose to enter candidates for the Speaking and Listening Test. Marks for this optional component do not contribute to the overall grade candidates receive for the written components. Instead, where candidates perform to an appropriate standard, certificates record achievement of grades 1 (high) to 5 (low)
Component-4 (Speaking and Listening Test) | |
---|---|
Duration | Approx. 10–12 minutes |
Total Marks | 40 marks |
Separately endorsed Individual Talk and Conversation Internally assessed and externally moderated |
Students will be assessed for their performance in English based on their reading, writing and speaking. Skills Here, AO1, AO2, AO3 and AO4 mentioned are the assessment objectives that determine how well the student can read, write and speak the language of English.
Assessment Objective | Weighting in IGCSE % |
---|---|
AO1 Reading | 50 |
AO2 Writing | 50 |
AO3 Speaking and listening | Separately Endorsed |
Assessment objective | Weighting in components % | ||
---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Paper 2 and component 3 | Component 4 | |
AO1 Reading | 80 | 20 | 0 |
AO2 Writing | 20 | 80 | 0 |
AO3 Speaking and listening | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 |
As Mathematics requires a lot of analytical thinking, students must prepare for the exam with a good focus. Numerical abilities such as quick calculations must be enhanced to develop speed and accuracy in problem-solving.
Components | Number % | Algebra % | Shape and space % | Probability and Statistics % |
---|---|---|---|---|
Core (Papers 1 and 3) | 30-35 | 20-25 | 30-35 | 10-15 |
Extended (Papers 2 and 4) | 15-20 | 35-40 | 30-35 | 10-15 |
Core Candidates | Extended Candidates |
---|---|
Paper 1 (Core) Duration: 1 hour 35% Total: 56 marks Short-answer questions Questions will be based on the Core curriculum Externally assessed |
Paper 2 (Extended) Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes 35% Total 70 marks Short-answer questions Questions will be based on the Extended curriculum Externally assessed |
and | and |
Paper 3 (Core) Duration: 2 hours 65% Total: 104 marks Structured questions Questions will be based on the Core curriculum Externally assessed |
Paper 4 (Extended) 2 hours 30 minutes 65% Total Marks: 130 marks Structured questions Questions will be based on the Extended curriculum Externally assessed |
The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.
To qualify in Mathematics, students must have good knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques and good reasoning and interpreting skills. The AO1 and AO2 objectives mentioned below asses the same about the student’s performance in Mathematics.
Assessment objective | Weighting in IGCSE % | |
---|---|---|
AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques | 60-70 |
AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically when solving problems | 30-40 |
Assessment objective | Weighting in IGCSE % | |
---|---|---|
AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques | 40-50 |
AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically when solving problems | 50-60 |
Assessment objective | Weighting in Components % | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 | Paper 4 | ||
AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques | 60-70 | 40-50 | 60-70 | 40-50 |
AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically when solving problems | 30-40 | 50-60 | 30-40 | 50-60 |
Assessment Objectives as a Percentage of Each Component
Assessment objective | Weighting in Components % | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Paper 1 | Paper 2 | Paper 3 | Paper 4 | ||
AO1 | Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of mathematical techniques | 60-70 | 40-50 | 60-70 | 40-50 |
AO2 | Reason, interpret and communicate mathematically when solving problems | 30-40 | 50-60 | 30-40 | 50-60 |
Performing well in the Physics exam depends on how well a student has understood the textbook concepts. All the problems must be solved without fail and the formulas must be revised frequently.
Core Candidates Take | Extended Candidates Take |
---|---|
Paper 1 45 minutes Multiple Choice (Core) 30% Total: 40 marks 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Questions will be based on the Core subject content Externally assessed |
Paper 2 45 minutes Multiple Choice (Extended) 30% Total:40 marks 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement) Externally assessed |
and Core candidates take: | and Extended candidates take: |
Paper 3 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Theory (Core) 50% Total: 80 marks Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the Core subject content Externally assessed |
Paper 4 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Theory (Extended) 50% 80 marks Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement) Externally assessed |
All candidates take either: | or: |
Paper 5 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Practical Test 20% Total: 40 marks Questions will be based on the experimental skills stated in Section 4 of the detailed syllabus document (Link provided above) Externally assessed |
Paper 6 Duration: 1 hour Alternative to Practical 20% Total: 40 marks Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 4 of the detailed syllabus document (Link provided above) Externally assessed |
Total Marks for Core Candidates: 160 | Total Marks for Extended Candidates: 160 |
The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.
Subject knowledge, problem-solving, experimental and investigative skills are some of the factors taken into account for evaluating the student’s performance in Physics. Students cna check the table below for the all the details.
Assessment Objective | Weighting in IGCSE % |
---|---|
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 50 |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 30 |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 20 |
Total | 100 |
Assessment objective | Weighting in components % | ||
---|---|---|---|
Papers 1 and 2 | Papers 3 and 4 | Papers 5 and 6 | |
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 63 | 63 | 0 |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 37 | 37 | 0 |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 |
Practicing the chemical equations play an important role in Chemistry exam preparation. Also, students must gain a deep understanding of the textbook concepts along with proficiency in answering both theory and practical questions.
Core Candidates | Extended Candidates |
---|---|
Paper 1 45 minutes Multiple Choice (Core) 30% Total: 40 marks 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Questions will be based on the Core subject content Externally assessed |
Paper 2 45 minutes Multiple Choice (Extended) 30% Total:40 marks 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement) Externally assessed |
and Core candidates take: | and Extended candidates take: |
Paper 3 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Theory (Core) 50% Total: 80 marks Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the Core subject content Externally assessed |
Paper 4 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Theory (Extended) 50% 80 marks Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement) Externally assessed |
All candidates take either: | or: |
Paper 5 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Practical Test 20% Total: 40 marks Questions will be based on the experimental skills stated in Section 4 of the detailed syllabus document (Link provided above) Externally assessed |
Paper 6 Duration: 1 hour Alternative to Practical 20% Total: 40 marks Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 4 of the detailed syllabus document (Link provided above) Externally assessed |
Total Marks for Core Candidates: 160 | Total Marks for Extended Candidates: 160 |
The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.
The assessment criteria for qualifying for the Chemistry exam include the student’s subject knowledge of Chemistry, experimental and investigative skills, and problem-solving and information-handling skills. The table mentioned below can be referred to for a detailed explanation of the same.
Assessment Objective | Weighting in IGCSE % |
---|---|
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 50 |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 30 |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 20 |
Total | 100 |
Assessment objective | Weighting in components % | ||
---|---|---|---|
Papers 1 and 2 | Papers 3 and 4 | Papers 5 and 6 | |
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 63 | 63 | 0 |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 37 | 37 | 0 |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 |
To ace the Biology exam with confidence, students must study and understand the textbook concepts in detail. Learning the concepts using video explanations can be much more beneficial as students will be able to grasp the concepts easily.
Core Candidates | Extended Candidates |
---|---|
Paper 1 45 minutes Multiple Choice (Core) 30% Total: 40 marks 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Questions will be based on the Core subject content Externally assessed |
Paper 2 45 minutes Multiple Choice (Extended) 30% Total:40 marks 40 four-option multiple-choice questions Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement) Externally assessed |
and Core candidates take: | and Extended candidates take: |
Paper 3 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Theory (Core) 50% Total: 80 marks Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the Core subject content Externally assessed |
Paper 4 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Theory (Extended) 50% 80 marks Short-answer and structured questions Questions will be based on the Extended subject content (Core and Supplement) Externally assessed |
All candidates take either: | or: |
Paper 5 Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes Practical Test 20% Total: 40 marks Questions will be based on the experimental skills stated in Section 4 of the detailed syllabus document (Link provided above) Externally assessed |
Paper 6 Duration: 1 hour Alternative to Practical 20% Total: 40 marks Questions will be based on the experimental skills in Section 4 of the detailed syllabus document (Link provided above) Externally assessed |
Total Marks for Core Candidates: 160 | Total Marks for Extended Candidates: 160 |
The approximate weightings allocated to each of the assessment objectives (AOs) are summarised below.
Assessment Objective | Weighting in IGCSE % |
---|---|
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 50 |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 30 |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 20 |
Total | 100 |
Assessment Objective | Weighting in components % | ||
---|---|---|---|
Papers 1 and 2 | Papers 3 and 4 | Papers 5 and 6 | |
AO1 Knowledge with understanding | 63 | 63 | 0 |
AO2 Handling information and problem-solving | 37 | 37 | 0 |
AO3 Experimental skills and investigations | 0 | 0 | 100 |
Total | 100 | 100 | 100 |
The detailed timetable for the March 2023 exam series has been announced. Click here to know about the detailed schedule for all the papers for Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam 2023 March series. Students should carefully go through the timetable for their zone to avoid any mistakes and to prepare for the exam correctly. The dates for each subject for different administrative zones are given on the timetable.
Study plan plays a crucial role in exam preparation. It helps students to focus on all the subjects equally and not miss out on studying important topics. Also, we have provided some best preparation tips to help the students perform well in the exams.
The preparation tips are helpful for students to level up their game. It gives them an upper hand while preparing for the exam. Students can follow the tips given below to perform better in their exams:
The result helps students understand how well they have performed and measure the output to the amount of effort they have put in. Students can find all the details related to Cambridge Board Upper Secondary IGCSE from the below-mentioned details.
The results for this exam are generally published six weeks after the exam is completed. Hence, the result for Upper Secondary- IGCSE March-2023 Exam will be tentatively made available by the middle of May 2023.
Cambridge IGCSE publishes thresholds after each exam. A threshold is a minimum mark that is required from a candidate to secure a particular grade in a subject. The grade threshold varies for each subject for each exam series.
Refer to the official website of Cambridge IGCSE and note the grade threshold for each subject of each exam series for the last four years. Click here.
Knowing the previous year’s statistics give students an idea about the result that other students achieved. It helps them know how well or badly they have performed. Accordingly, they can prepare themselves mentally for the competition in their exam.
Examination | Link |
---|---|
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – March 2021 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – November 2020 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – June 2020 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – March 2020 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – November 2019 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – June 2019 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – March 2019 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – November 2018 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – June 2018 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – November 2017 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – June 2017 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – November 2016 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – June 2016 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – November 2015 | Click here |
Cambridge IGCSE results statistics – June 2015 | Click here |
Below-mentioned are some of the frequently asked questions related to Cambridge Board Upper Secondary IGCSE 2023
Q: What is the full form of IGCSE?
Ans: The full form of IGCSE is the International General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Q: How many times the Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam is held in a year?
Ans: The Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam is held worldwide three times a year: March, June, and November.
Q: Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam is equivalent to which grade examination as per the Indian system of education?
Ans: Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam is equivalent to any grade 10 board examination in India such as the grade 10 CBSE, ICSE, and any other state board examination.
Q: Where can I get the information related to the Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam?
Ans: Students can find all the details related to Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam at Embibe.
Q: Who is the certifying body for Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam in India for using the test results in the various competitive examinations like JEE mains, JEE Advanced, NEET, other state board engineering entrance examinations, etc.?
Ans: The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is authorised to certify the Upper Secondary- IGCSE Exam results for use for any purpose in India.
Various cities across India, including metropolitan cities such as Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai have schools that are affiliated with the Cambridge Board. To help students pursue education in such schools, we have listed a few schools from across India.
Name of the School | City |
---|---|
Calcutta International School | Kolkata |
The Heritage School | Kolkata |
Indus Valley World School | Kolkata |
Pailan World School | Kolkata |
American Embassy School | Delhi |
Amity Global School, Noida | Delhi |
Apeejay School International – South Delhi | Delhi |
British School | Delhi |
Dhirubhai Ambani International School | Mumbai |
NES International School | Mumbai |
Edubridge International School | Mumbai |
Billabong High International School | Mumbai |
The Indian Public School | Chennai |
Vaels High International School | Chennai |
Gateway American International School | Chennai |
The Lords International School | Chennai |
The International School Bangalore | Bangalore |
Oasis International School | Bangalore |
Candor International School Bangalore | Bangalore |
Inventure Academy | Bangalore |
For the students who wish to explore their talent, knowledge and skills, there are a wide range of entrance exams besides the Cambridge Board Upper Secondary IGCSE 2023 that are being conducted every year. Students can know about each exam in detail as per the information provided below.