Cambridge IGCSE Subjects List and Syllabus Codes

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This page is a practical reference for families choosing or checking Cambridge IGCSE subjects. If you want the basics first, such as the IGCSE full form and how the qualification works, start with what is IGCSE. To compare boards, see Cambridge IGCSE vs Edexcel and the Edexcel IGCSE guide.

Cambridge IGCSE subjects list with syllabus codes

The table lists the most commonly taken Cambridge IGCSE subjects for exams from 2027, grouped by area. Each code links to Cambridge's official syllabus page, where you can download the syllabus, specimen papers and the list of components. Availability varies by school and exam centre, so confirm that your centre offers a subject before you plan around it.

The full catalogue is longer, with many more languages and specialist subjects; see Cambridge's IGCSE subject list. For how many to take, read how many IGCSE subjects you need.

New and changing Cambridge IGCSE syllabuses for 2027

• Business 0264 is a new syllabus, first examined in 2027. Older resources may still use the previous Business Studies code, 0450.
• Psychology 0266 is new, with first exams in June 2027.
• Statistics 0479 is new from June 2027 (available in limited regions in its first year).
• Revised for 2027: English First Language 0500, Economics 0455, Accounting 0452, Geography 0460 and Environmental Management 0680, among others.
• Computer Science: a revised 0478 and a new syllabus, 0265, are first examined in 2029.

Cambridge also says digital exams will be available for a number of IGCSE subjects from 2027, so check each syllabus for digital components; our guide to digital vs paper IGCSE exams explains what is known so far.

How Cambridge IGCSE syllabus codes work

The four-digit code identifies the syllabus, and each paper within it has its own component number. Some subjects have more than one version, which is why the code matters:

• 9–1 versions use different codes, for example Mathematics (9–1) 0980 and English First Language (9–1) 0990. These are offered mainly to schools in the UK and some other centres.
• Similar-sounding subjects are different qualifications: Mathematics 0580 is not Additional Mathematics 0606, and English First Language 0500 is not English as a Second Language 0510.
• Science routes: three separate sciences (0610, 0620, 0625) give three IGCSEs, Co-ordinated Sciences 0654 gives two and Combined Science 0653 gives one.

Core vs Extended: which Cambridge IGCSE subjects have tiers?

Many Cambridge IGCSE subjects, including Mathematics and the sciences, are offered at two tiers. Core is graded C to G and Extended is graded A* to E, so a Core candidate cannot get above a C even with full marks. For any student who may continue the subject to A-Level or the IB, or who needs top grades, Extended is usually the right choice. Our Core vs Extended guide goes through the decision subject by subject.

How to choose Cambridge IGCSE subjects

Work backwards from the A-Levels or IB subjects your child might take, and from the kind of degree they might want. Maths, English and at least one science keep most doors open. After that:

• Medicine: Biology, Chemistry and Physics plus Maths and English (see IGCSE subjects for medicine).
• Engineering: Maths, Physics and Chemistry, with Additional Maths where available (see IGCSE subjects for engineering).
• Economics or Business: Maths, Economics and Business or Accounting, plus a science (see the business and commerce combination).
• Law or humanities: strong English, History or Geography, plus Maths and a science.
• Computer Science: Maths, Additional Maths, Computer Science and Physics.

For full planning, see how to choose IGCSE subjects and IGCSE subject combinations.

How Cambridge IGCSE subjects are assessed

Most subjects are assessed by two to four written papers taken in one exam series, with the exact papers depending on the syllabus and tier. Mathematics 0580, for example, has four papers from 2025: Core and Extended non-calculator papers and Core and Extended calculator papers. The sciences add a practical paper or a written Alternative to Practical paper, and some subjects, such as Art and Design, include coursework. Check the "components" list on the syllabus page linked in the table above.

Cambridge IGCSE grading: A*–G and 9–1

Cambridge IGCSE is graded A* to G, with U for ungraded, and the 9–1 versions are graded 9 (highest) to 1. On the 9–1 scale a 7 lines up with an A, a 4 with a C and a 1 with a G. Grade thresholds are set after each series, so raw marks needed for a grade move from year to year. See how IGCSEs are graded and what a good IGCSE grade is.

Cambridge IGCSE exam series and entry deadlines

Cambridge runs IGCSE exams in a June series and a November series; a March series exists only for centres in India. For the November 2026 series, the international final entries deadline was 16 August 2026 and late entries closed on 21 September 2026, with results on 14 January 2027. For the June 2026 series, final entries closed on 21 February. Exam centres set their own earlier deadlines, especially for private candidates.

For dates and timetables, see when are IGCSE exams; for sitting outside a school, see the IGCSE private candidate guide and homeschooling IGCSE; and for results, the Oct/Nov results day guide.

What gets students from a C to an A*

1. Showing working. Cambridge mark schemes in Maths, the sciences and Economics award method marks, so a bare final answer can lose marks even when it is right.
2. Answering the command word. "State", "Explain", "Compare" and "Evaluate" each expect a different kind of answer.
3. Past paper practice. Working through real papers with mark schemes in the final months is the core of preparation; see IGCSE past papers and how to study effectively for IGCSE.

Subject guides: A* in IGCSE Maths, A* in Physics, A* in Chemistry and A* in Biology.

From Cambridge IGCSE to A-Level or IB

IGCSE results mainly decide which sixth-form subjects are open. Schools set their own entry grades for each A-Level, usually with higher requirements for Maths and the sciences, while IB schools tend to look at the overall profile. Cambridge's own continuation is Cambridge International AS & A Level; see our A-Level tutoring page, how many IGCSEs you need for A-Levels and what comes after IGCSE.