Sciences
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry
Syllabus topics
61 topics and subtopics in the 2026-2028 syllabus, examined from 1 Jan 2026.
About this syllabus
Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry builds knowledge and understanding of chemical facts, theories and practice: states of matter, atomic structure and bonding, stoichiometry, electrochemistry, energetics, rates, equilibrium and redox, acids, bases and salts, the Periodic Table, metals, the chemistry of the environment, organic chemistry and chemical analysis. It also develops experimental skills, data handling and problem solving in familiar and unfamiliar contexts. All candidates study the Core content; Extended candidates also study the Supplement. The course is designed for about 130 guided learning hours.
How you are assessed
All candidates take three papers. Core candidates (grades C to G) take Paper 1 (multiple choice, 45 minutes, 40 marks, 30%) and Paper 3 (theory, 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks, 50%). Extended candidates (grades A* to G) take Paper 2 (multiple choice, 45 minutes, 40 marks, 30%) and Paper 4 (theory, 1 hour 15 minutes, 80 marks, 50%). Every candidate also takes one practical paper worth 20%: Paper 5 (Practical Test, 1 hour 15 minutes, 40 marks) or Paper 6 (Alternative to Practical, 1 hour, 40 marks). Papers 1 to 4 assess knowledge with understanding (AO1) and handling information and problem solving (AO2); Papers 5 and 6 assess experimental skills and investigations (AO3). Calculators may be used in all papers.
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